“Imagine walking along a street that was once a part of Thăng Long’s ancient citadel. That is Phường Lý Thái Tổ. Once just a strip of land along the eastern wall of the old city, it now pulses with the energy of Hanoi.
Phường Lý Thái Tổ offers a glimpse into Hanoi’s layered past. It stretches 882 meters long and 12 meters wide.
Originally, this area comprised land from Tả Lâu, Trừng Thanh Hạ Kiếm Hồ, and Vọng Hà villages. These villages belonged to Tả Túc commune, later renamed Phúc Lâm commune. On the other side were Nhiễm Thượng, Hậu Bi, and Hậu Lâu villages. These were part of Hữu Túc commune, later Đông Thọ commune. All were under Thọ Xương district.
During French rule, in 1894, it was called Boulevard Amiral Courbet. But in 1945, it was renamed Phố Lý Thái Tổ. For a brief period, in 1949 and 1951, it was Đại lộ Lý Thái Tổ. Finally, it became Phố Lý Thái Tổ again.
The French meticulously planned this street from their earliest days of governing. In the 1890s, they built the “Ice House of Indochina” facing Pôn Be flower garden where the modern-day Chi Linh flower garden is. This structure was rebuilt in 1926. It was completed in 1930. Today, it is the State Bank of Vietnam.
In the early 20th century, the French constructed the Cươc bơ elementary school. It is now Nguyễn Du school at 25-27. They also built the Cercle du l’union. This became the French club at number 38. There was also a Protestant church at 61, the Club of Veterans. It is now the Đoàn kết Club. Finally, there was the Trẻ Âu Trí Viên garden in the 34-36 area.
Today, Phố Lý Thái Tổ has the Children’s Cultural House. It stands on the former Trẻ Âu Trí Viên site. Its beautiful and airy architecture provides a space for children. They can play and learn in the capital.
Notably, Uncle Ho Chi Minh once worked in a house on this street. At number 38, the old Cercle du Tây. On March 6, 1946, he and representatives of the French Republic signed the “Preliminary Agreement of March 6” here.
Lý Thái Tổ himself lived from 974 to 1028. He was Lý Công Uẩn’s temple name. He hailed from Cổ Pháp, now Đình Bảng area. It is in Tiên Sơn district, Bắc Ninh province.
His mother was from the Phạm family. When Công Uẩn was three, he became the adopted son of monk Lý Khánh Văn. From then on, Công Uẩn carried the Lý surname. As a child, he studied with monk Vạn Hạnh. He later pursued martial arts. In 1009, when Lê Ngọa Triều died, Lý Công Uẩn was 35. He held the Điện tiền chỉ huy sứ position. The court elevated him to the throne. Thus, he founded the Lý dynasty with nine emperors. It lasted 216 years. He adopted the era name Thuận Thiên meaning following Heaven’s will. After his death, the court honored him as Lý Thái Tổ.
Ascending the throne in 1010, Lý Công Uẩn moved the capital. He moved it from Hoa Lư to Đại La citadel and renamed it Thăng Long. From then on, Thăng Long became a symbol. The image of a “flying dragon” represented the nation’s rising spirit. It became the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. As you stroll along Phường Lý Thái Tổ, remember this rich tapestry of history. It is a place where ancient walls meet modern life.”