Upholding the nation’s thousand-year-old tradition, even under colonial rule, the people of Cổ Loa never surrendered. They gradually embraced revolutionary ideals and became an important base for printing and distributing secret documents. On August 17, 1945, Cổ Loa was among the first to seize power from the colonizers, contributing to the success of the August Revolution. During the resistance wars against the French and the Americans, thanks to its strategic location near the capital, Cổ Loa became a strong and reliable rear base, providing manpower and resources for the frontlines, thus playing a prominent role in the struggle for national liberation and defense.

Stele of recognized revolutionary site in Cổ Loa commune

At the end of the 19th century, like many other rural villages under French colonial rule, Cổ Loa was shrouded in the darkness of slavery. The colonizers exploited the people to the bone through a harsh system of taxes, including land tax, poll tax, housing tax, and even dog tax. That life of misery planted in the people of Cổ Loa the future seeds of resistance and the future fighting spirit.

Vietnamese farmers under the rule of French colonialists

Where there was oppression, there was resistance. Out of pain and humiliation, the people of Cổ Loa rose to reclaim their right to live. Though still isolated and scattered, these acts of defiance reflected a deep-rooted patriotism and the martial spirit of a land that once served as the Imperial capital in Vietnamese history

Comrade Nguyen Van Chen, a cadre official of the Northern Region Party Committee, and also the first Communist Party member of Cổ Loa Commune and Đông Anh District

Cổ Loa served as a residence and workplace for several high-ranking officials. It also functioned as a base for printing documents, as well as a place for travel and meetings of the Communist Party Central Committee comrades.

Comrade Dũng’s family is deeply grateful and will never forget how the people of Cổ Loa had saved his life.” (Excerpt from the memoir of Comrade Nguyễn Thị Kỳ, wife of Comrade Văn Tiến Dũng)

Confirmation by Comrade Nguyễn Thị Kỳ, wife of Comrade Văn Tiến Dũng, regarding the dedicated care provided to Comrade Dũng by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phú and Mrs. Hoàng Thị Tửu

Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Tơ in Chợ Hamlet and her family have sheltered many revolutionary cadres

The headquarters for printing the Party’s newspaper “Cờ Giải Phóng” (Liberation Flag) was located at the home of Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thìn in Sằn Village. The printing office operated in Cổ Loa from May 1945 until the success of the August Revolution. From this location, numerous Party documents and newspapers were produced and distributed during the General Uprising period.

The newspaper’s first printing headquarters was located in Vàng Hamlet (Cổ Loa). After being discovered, it was moved to Sằn Giã

"Cờ Giải Phóng" newspaper was the Central Propaganda and Agitation organ of the Indochinese Communist Party

Thượng Temple was the site of many important meetings held by officials from the Wartime Safety Zone and the outside cadres who came there for work. Alongside Hải Bối, Võng La, and Xuân Trạch, Cổ Loa truly became a solid and reliable base of the Wartime Safety Zone

The Thượng Temple

The Stele House - Thượng Temple was the site where the first Communist Party cell was established and also served as the venue for many meetings and discussions of the Party affairs. The Party members disguised themselves as temple-goers to carry out their activities in secrecy.

The stele house (photo from the early years of the 20th century)

The banyan tree of Ngô Quyền in front of the Bà Chúa Shrine (Am Bà Chúa) was a resting and hiding place for many revolutionary soldiers.

The banyan tree of Ngô Quyền

The banyan tree of Ngô Quyền

The first Communist Party cell in Cổ Loa was established with three members: Đào Duy Tùng, Trương Văn Đông, and Trương Quốc Thái, who were admitted to the Party under the guidance of Comrades Lê Đình Thiệp and Trần Đăng Ninh. Comrade Đào Duy Tùng was appointed as the first Secretary of the cell. They were pioneers in bringing the light of revolution to the people of Cổ Loa. From this foundation, the local revolutionary movement expanded, nurturing patriotism and the aspiration for independence among the local people.

Đồng chí Đào Duy Tùng

Đồng chí Trương Văn Đông

Đồng chí Trương Quốc Thái

On March 9, 1945, the Japanese fascists overthrew the French colonialists, causing rapid changes throughout Indochina. Just three days later, on March 12, 1945, the Communist Party Central Standing Committee issued the Directive entitled:“Japan - France conflict and our actions”, paving the way for the high resistance movement against Japan for national salvation and the localized uprisings. In Cổ Loa, the revolutionary atmosphere was intense, and national salvation organizations operated almost openly. The local Việt Minh actively prepared their forces and mobilized the masses, ready to rise and seize power when the opportunity arrived

Chỉ thị: Nhật - Pháp bắn nhau và hành động của chúng ta The Directive of “Japan - France conflict and our actions”

On August 17, 1945, under the leadership of Việt Minh cadres, the people of Cổ Loa gathered at the Ngự Triều Di Quy communal house, dissolved the old administration, and established the Provisional Revolutionary Committee. Cổ Loa became one of the earliest communes in the country to seize power, contributing to the momentum of the uprising in Hà Nội and surrounding areas. This victory helped pave the way for the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The Ngự Triều Di Quy communal house

Cổ Loa from 1945 to 1954: Time of resistance wars

On January 6, 1946, the people of Cổ Loa enthusiastically took part in the first National Assembly election of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, treating it as a grand festival. For the first time, farmers were able to exercise their civic rights

In this first General election, President Hồ Chí Minh was elected with the highest number of votes - 98.4%

At the end of 1946, after receiving reinforcements, the French colonialists launched a series of provocations, determined to invade and re-establish colonial rule over Vietnam. On December 19, 1946, responding to the nationwide call for resistance issued by the Communist Party, the government, and President Hồ Chí Minh, the people of Cổ Loa took up arms to defend the hard - won independence and freedom of the nation

The Đông Anh armed forces training in preparation for combat

French armies in Cổ Loa during the 40s - 50s of the 20th century

Summary Statistics of the Resistance Against the French in Cổ Loa

Throughout the resistance war against the French, hundreds of young people from Cổ Loa marched off to the battlefield. Many of them heroically sacrificed their lives, leaving behind shining examples of patriotism. They stand as vivid proof of the indomitable spirit and heroic tradition passed down from their ancestors.

Revolutionary soldiers discussing combat plans

Cổ Loa from 1954 to 1975: All for the frontline

On October 8, 1954, French troops withdrew from Đông Anh District, and Phúc Yên Province was completely liberated. Cổ Loa and Đông Anh, part of Phúc Yên Province at the time, joined the North of Vietnam in entering a new era - an era of building socialism and fighting for the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

The people and the People's Armed Forces of Cổ Loa Commune were awarded the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces for their contributions during the resistance against the French colonialists

Answering the sacred call of the Fatherland and responding to the slogans “Not a single grain of rice short, not a single soldier absent” and “All for the frontlines, all for victory over the American invaders,” waves of young people from Cổ Loa eagerly enlisted in the army. Many wrote enlistment letters in blood, and numerous families had three or four children take turns going off to fight. In a commune with a peak population of fewer than 10,000, from 1954 to 1974, 900 people joined the armed forces to participate in the resistance war against the United States for national salvation.

Hero of the People's Armed Forces Đào Duy Cảnh - a heroic engineer from the land of Loa Thành - contributed to the downing of American “flying fortresses” (B-52 bombers). His story is recorded in the book “Revolutionary Document: How to Defeat B-52s”

Female cooperative members of Đông Anh District, with “plow in one hand, gun in the other,” stood ready to fight during the years of resistance against the United States

Cổ Loa Station - located on the Hà Nội - Lào Cai railway line - is one of the seven major railway hubs of Hà Nội. It functions as a transfer station, serving specialized lines for industrial enterprises. During the years of the resistance war against the United States, Cổ Loa Station was a key target for American air raids.

Cổ Loa Station

In the years 1967 and 1968, American forces launched six bombing raids on Cổ Loa, dropping bombardments and frag bombs on the area. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 25 people, injuries to 22 others, and the destruction or burning of 115 homes. Numerous buffalo, cows, pigs, and chickens were also killed. From December 20 to December 28, 1972, the United States carried out four B-52 carpet bombing raids over Cổ Loa, dropping a total of 233 bombs, including explosive, antipersonnel, and frag bombs

Map of B-52 bombing sites during the 12-day-and-night campaign in late December 1972 in Đông Anh

At 8:13 PM on the night of December 18, 1972, Battalion 59 of Missile Regiment 261 (Thành Loa Unit), Division 361, Air Defense - Air Force Command, stationed at the Cổ Loa battlefield in Đông Anh, Hà Nội, shot down a United States B-52G strategic bomber on the spot. This marked the first victory on the very first day of the historic 12-day-and-night campaign at the end of 1972. The feat contributed to the glorious triumph of the military and people of Hà Nội, known as the “Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ in the Air” victory

(1) Statistics on the number of B-52 bombers shot down during the 12-day-and-night campaign.
(2) The B-52 bombers shooting site map in Cổ Loa.
(3) The local militia forces alongside missile and anti-aircraft artillery units in Cổ Loa firmly defended the battlefield during the “Điện Biên Phủ in the Air” campaign.
(4) The missile launcher of Battalion 59, Regiment 261, which shot down the first B-52 bomber on the night of December 18, 1972, is currently on display at the Air Force and Air Defense Museum

Crimes Committed by the United States forces against the people of Đông Anh during the 12 Days and Nights at the end of 1972

- The United States aircraft launched 370 air raids on Đông Anh, including 197 B-52 strikes.

- A total of 16,000 bombs of various types were dropped on Đông Anh District (specifically, Cường Nỗ and Uy Nỗ endured 22 B-52 raids, receiving 2,100 bombs).

- 418 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured

- 22 out of 23 communes, and 76 out of 116 villages were attacked, along with 32 factories and enterprises destroyed.

- 2,939 houses were damaged, of which 905 were completely leveled.

- 8 schools (primary to high school levels), and hundreds of classrooms were destroyed.

- Bệnh viện huyện và 4 trạm xá bị đổ sập hoàn toàn.

- 42/88 hợp tác xã nông nghiệp bị đánh phá ác liệt.

- Many temples and pagodas were bombed.

- 88 buffaloes and 1,082 pigs were killed.

- 582 hectares of farmland were cratered, turning into ponds and ditches.

- 22.8 km of roads and 500 meters of railway were destroyed.

- 32 vehicles were severely damaged

- 100 railway cars were damaged, with 18,000 tons of goods burned.

Back to Cổ Loa - Memory of the revolutionary period

On April 30, 1975, the resistance war against the United States ended in victory, the South of Vietnam was completely liberated, and the country was reunified. Sharing in the joy of the entire nation, Cổ Loa entered a new phase - a period of healing the wounds of war and rebuilding the homeland in a time of peace, with a focus on economic and cultural development as well as the preservation of historical values in Hà Nội - the thousand-year-legacy-land

Đông Anh General Hospital, built in 1978

Opening a market fair at Nam Hồng commune (around the 80s of the 20th century)

Back to Cổ Loa - Memory of the revolutionary period

Throughout the two resistance wars, Cổ Loa remained a prominent revolutionary base - a place that witnessed visits, meetings, and gestures of gratitude from leaders of the Communist Party and the State. These visits were not only a source of encouragement and motivation for the people of Cổ Loa but also demonstrated the Party and State’s deep concern for the cause of building, defending, and developing the homeland.

In 1987, Comrade Trường Chinh and Comrade Hoàng Quốc Việt visited and met with local cadres and families who had supported the revolution during the Wartime Safety Zone period (1941 - August 1945)

After national reunification, Cổ Loa entered a period of recovery, construction, and development in peace. From a purely agricultural land rich in historical traditions, Cổ Loa gradually underwent comprehensive transformation in economic, cultural, and social aspects. Achievements in building a modern rural area, preserving and promoting cultural and historical heritage values, as well as integrating with the development of the capital city have affirmed the new vitality and position of this sacred land of extraordinary people.

The area of Cổ Loa from the above view

Cổ Loa is currently promoting clean agriculture associated with cultural preservation and tourism development. Various models of organic vegetable, crop, and fruit cultivation using environmentally friendly biotechnology have been implemented. Not only does this represent a sustainable direction that enhances the value of agricultural products but it also helps preserve the landscape and rural identity of the heritage area.

Đông Trù Bridge – The widest bridge in Vietnam, located on the extended National Highway 5, connects Đông Anh Commune (northern Hà Nội) with Ngọc Thụy Ward (southern Hà Nội)

Nhật Tân Bridge – The largest cable-stayed steel bridge in Vietnam, linking Phú Thượng Ward (the previous Tây Hồ District) with Vĩnh Thanh Commune (the previous Vĩnh Ngọc, Đông Anh District). It is one of six key transport and economic bridges of Hà Nội

In addition to the crafts associated with the events in the An Dương Vuong period and the Âu Lạc State: such as making rice noddles (Mạch Tràng village), making poprice (Cổ Loa village), there are also typical handicrafts like many other villages in the Northern Delta: making wine, rice cakes, bricks and tiles, embroidering lace, weaving carpets, knitting and so on. Today, the Cổ Loa residents still preserve the huge heritage that has created a colorful rustic and peaceful picture.

Vermicelli making

“Bỏng Chủ” making (a local special type of puffed rice)

Rice paper making

Basketry

Cổ Loa now enjoys increasingly spacious and modern infrastructure. Electricity, roads, schools, and medical stations have been significantly upgraded to meet the needs of daily life and socio-economic development. Inter - village and inter-commune roads have been concreted and beautified, lighting systems expanded, and schools and health clinics solidly built, contributing to the improved quality of life and the modern rural appearance of the heritage area.

Riverside market and roads by the Hoàng River

Đào Duy Tùng Road

Cổ Loa Kindergarten

Cổ Loa Secondary School

Cổ Loa Library

Đông Anh Commune Cultural House, designed with a Đông Sơn drum-inspired roof

Đông Anh Multipurpose Sports Hall – a key project celebrating the 70th anniversary of Hà Nội’s Liberation (1954–2024)

In parallel with socio-economic development, Cổ Loa pays great attention to preserving and promoting cultural heritage values. Historical relics have been restored and embellished; traditional festivals and customs are preserved and regularly maintained. Education on traditions and building a modern cultural lifestyle are actively promoted, contributing to nurturing the unique identity of the thousand-year-old Cổ Loa land.

Restoration of Ngự Triều Di Quy communal house

Preservation of the Well of the Golden Turtle (Miệng ốc “Loa Khẩu”)

Archaeological excavation of Cổ Loa ramparts and moats

3D digitization of architectural relics

Research and conservation of original relics

Exhibition activities at Cổ Loa Relic Site

Heritage landscape decoration

The Cổ Loa Festival

The ritual of honoring the “Quan đám” officials

Practicing the eating custom of Ăn Sêu bà Chúa (13th August of the Lunar calendar)

Military reward ritual at Cầu Cả Village - Cổ Loa

The custom of offering “ỉ” - Vietnamese pot-bellied pig - at Mach Trang village, Cổ Loa

Thanks to these efforts, the Cổ Loa Citadel Relic Site was recognized as a Special National Relic Site in 2012. Subsequently, the Master Plan for Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of the Relic’s values (scale 1/2000) was announced, providing a foundation for sustainable development. Notably, the Cổ Loa Festival was honored as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021, affirming the profound role and meaning of the relic in the cultural life of the nation. The Cổ Loa Special National Monument deserves to be proposed to build a scientific dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a world heritage site.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of King Ngô Quyền Temple at the Cổ Loa Relic Site

Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo - Director of the World Heritage Center visited and worked at Cổ Loa Relic Site

Recognition ceremony of Cổ Loa as a Special National Relic in 2012

Announcement of the Master Plan for Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of the Relic’s values (scale 1/2000)

Lễ đón bằng Lễ hội Cổ Loa – văn hóa phi vật thể Quốc gia năm 2023 Recognition ceremony of the Cổ Loa Festival as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023

The 1085th anniversary celebration of King Ngô Quyền’s enthronement and founding of the capital at Cổ Loa (2024)

Today, Cổ Loa continues to transform, becoming more spacious and modern while preserving its traditional values - harmonizing human ecology with industry and agriculture, urban and rural development, tradition and revolution. In the context of implementing the two-tier urban administrative model - eliminating the district level and establishing administrative units equivalent to wards and communes under the city - Đông Anh is set to become one of the most dynamic development areas of the capital. Embracing the country’s major development orientations and local strategies, Cổ Loa is confidently integrating into the national revival journey toward a prosperous future and an era of national rising.

The Master Plan for Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of the Relic’s values (scale 1/2000)

Source: Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre

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