Hanoi was the capital city that celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2010. The anniversary commemorated the decision by Lý Thái Tổ, founder of Vietnam’s Lý dynasty, to move the capital to Đại La in 1010. He renamed the city Thăng Long, meaning “Ascending Dragon,” after a legendary golden dragon appeared beside his boat.
The official millennial celebration took place from 1 to 10 October 2010. It included ceremonies, exhibitions, cultural performances, new public projects, and a grand event on 10 October. The date also carried modern significance because 10 October was Hanoi’s Liberation Day in 1954.
The anniversary is often described as Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary, although the commemorated foundation concerns Thăng Long, the historic city that developed into modern Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City, Huế, and Đà Nẵng also hosted related events, but none was the city marking this specific millennium.