Everyone knows how the Vietnamese successfully kicked the larger, more equipped and more experienced American forces in 1973. But not a lot of people knows the story of their ancestors who also fought valiantly against a much stronger foe, the Mongol Empire. Here’s the amazing story on how they did it.
A Little Background
By the mid-13th century, the Mongol Empire under the rule of Kublai Khan had become the largest contiguous empire in history. Kublai, the grandson of Genghis Khan and founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China, aimed to extend his dominion into Southeast Asia as part of his broader campaign to consolidate power in the region.
Vietnam, known as Đại Việt during the Trần dynasty, was a strategically important territory due to its position between China and the rest of Southeast Asia. Kublai Khan demanded tribute and submission from Đại Việt’s rulers, but they resisted, prompting military retaliation.
The First Invasion: 1258
The first Mongol invasion of Đại Việt occurred in 1258. Led by Uriyangkhadai, the son of the famous general Subutai, the Mongol army invaded through Yunnan and advanced toward the capital, Thăng Long (modern-day Hanoi).
Initially, the Mongols achieved rapid success due to their superior cavalry and battlefield experience. The Trần dynasty, under Emperor Trần Thái Tông, chose to evacuate the capital rather than engage in a direct confrontation. Although the Mongols captured Thăng Long, their occupation was short-lived.
The Vietnamese employed scorched earth tactics, evacuating the population and denying the Mongols access to food and supplies. They also launched swift counterattacks against Mongol supply lines and ambushed retreating forces.
Combined with the hot, humid climate and unfamiliar terrain, these factors weakened the Mongol army. After just a few weeks, Uriyangkhadai withdrew, marking the first failed attempt to hold Vietnamese territory.
The Second Invasion: 1285
A more serious attempt to conquer Đại Việt took place in 1285. This time, the Mongol forces were led by Kublai Khan’s son, Prince Toghan. The invasion was part of a dual campaign targeting both Đại Việt and Champa (in central Vietnam). The Mongol strategy aimed to coordinate attacks from the north and south, encircling the Trần dynasty forces.
Initially, the Mongols advanced rapidly, and Toghan managed to push deep into Vietnamese territory. The Trần court was once again forced to retreat and adopt guerrilla tactics.
The Vietnamese, led by the brilliant General Trần Hưng Đạo, avoided direct confrontation with Mongol forces. Instead, they used their knowledge of the local geography, including rivers and forests, to launch ambushes and disrupt supply lines.
As in the first invasion, logistics became a major problem for the Mongols. Disease, heat, and lack of food took a toll on the invading army.
Vietnamese forces mounted a successful counteroffensive, retaking key positions and eventually forcing the Mongols into a chaotic retreat. Prince Toghan barely escaped with his life, and the campaign ended in a decisive failure.
The Third and Final Invasion: 1287-1288
Determined to succeed, Kublai Khan launched a third invasion in 1287, again led by Prince Toghan. This time, the Mongols sent a massive naval force alongside their land army, intending to establish dominance over both land and sea routes. However, the Vietnamese were better prepared than ever.
Trần Hưng Đạo, now a legendary military leader, implemented a strategy that focused on disrupting Mongol naval operations. One of the most famous moments of this campaign occurred at the Bạch Đằng River in 1288. The Vietnamese used submerged wooden stakes in the riverbed and timed their attack with the tides.
As the Mongol fleet attempted to navigate the river, it became trapped by the falling tide and the hidden stakes. Vietnamese forces ambushed the fleet, resulting in one of the most crushing defeats the Mongol navy ever suffered.
With their fleet destroyed and supply lines severed, the Mongol army had no choice but to retreat once more. The third invasion ended in complete failure, and Kublai Khan abandoned his ambitions of conquering Đại Việt once and for all.
