List of wars involving Vietnam

This is a list of wars involving the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and its predecessor states.

Ancient era

Hồng Bàng dynasty (2879 BC–258 BC)

ConflictCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Âu ViệtLạc Việt War
(258 BC)[a]
Văn Lang
(Lạc Việt)
Âu ViệtVictory for Âu Việt

Âu Lạc (258 BC179 BC)

ConflictCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Qin campaign against the Baiyue
(221 BC214 BC)
Baiyue tribes:Qin dynastyDefeat
Âu LạcNanyue War
(179 BC)
Âu LạcNanyue under Triệu ĐàDefeat

Triệu dynasty (179 BC111 BC)

ConflictCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Han–Nanyue War
(111 BC)
NanyueWestern HanDefeat

Chinese Domination era

First and Second Chinese domination (111 BC544 AD)

ConflictEventCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Trưng sisters' rebellion
(40 AD43 AD)
Uprising
(40 AD)
Trưng sisters in LingnanEastern HanRebel victory
Han counterattack
(43 AD)
Trưng sisters in LingnanEastern HanDefeat
Chu Đạt's rebellion
(157)
Chu Đạt in JiuzhenEastern HanRebel defeat
Wuhu rebellion
(178–181)
Liang Long in Hepu and JiaozhiEastern HanRebel defeat
Independence of Lâm Ấp
(192)
Khu Liên in Xianglin (Huế)Eastern HanRebel victory
Lady Triệu's rebellion
(248)
Lady Triệu in JiuzhenEastern WuRebel defeat
Jin–Wu War
(263–280)
Local rebels in Jiaozhi
Jin dynasty
Eastern WuVictory for Jin
JinLâm Ấp conflicts
(351–415)
Jin dynastyLâm ẤpVictory for Jin
Liu SongLâm Ấp War
(445–446)
Liu SongLâm ẤpVictory for Liu Song
Lý Trường Nhân's rebellion
(468)
Lý Trường Nhân in JiaozhouLiu SongRebel victory
Lý Bí's rebellion
(541–544)
Lý Bí in JiaozhiLiang dynastyRebel victory

Early Lý dynasty (544–602)

ConflictEarly Lý dynasty
and allies
OpponentsBrief description
Liang–Vạn Xuân War
(545–550)
Vạn XuânLiang dynastyVictory for Vạn Xuân
Vạn Xuân–Dã Năng War
(557–571)
Vạn XuânDã Năng (vi)Victory for Dã Năng
Sui–Vạn Xuân War
(602)
Vạn XuânSui dynastyDefeat

Third Chinese domination (602–905)

ConflictCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Sui–Lâm Ấp War
(605)
Sui dynastyLâm ẤpVictory for Sui
Lý Tự Tiên's rebellion
(679)
Lý Tự Tiên and Đinh Kiến in AnnanTang dynastyVictory for Tang
Mai Thúc Loan's rebellion
(722–723)
Mai Thúc Loan in AnnanTang dynastyVictory for Tang
Javanese raids in modern-day Vietnamese coast
(767, 774 & 787)
Tang dynasty
Champa
Javanese raidersVictory for Tang
Phùng Hưng's rebellion
(791)
Phùng Hưng in AnnanTang dynastyRebel defeat
Hoàn Vương–Tang conflicts
(803–809)
Tang dynastyHoàn VươngVictory for Tang
Dương Thanh's rebellion
(819–831)
Dương Thanh in AnnanTang dynastyRebel defeat
Tang–Nanzhao war
(846–866)
Nanzhao
Local rebels in Northern Vietnam
Tang dynastyVictory for Tang
Khúc Thừa Dụ's rebellion
(905)
Khúc Thừa Dụ in Tĩnh Hải quânTang dynastyRebel victory

Monarchical era

Autonomous period under Khúc clan and Dương Đình Nghệ (905–938)

ConflictEventCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Tĩnh Hải quânSouthern Han War (930)Tĩnh Hải quânSouthern HanDefeat
Southern HanAnnan War
(931–938)
Dương Đình Nghệ campaign
(931)
Dương Đình Nghệ in Annan
Southern HanVictory
Battle of Bạch Đằng
(938)
Ngô Quyền in AnnanSouthern HanVictory

Ngô dynasty (939–965)

ConflictEventCombatant 1Combatant 2Brief description
Dương Tam Kha's coup d'état
(944)
Ngô Xương NgậpDương Tam KhaVictory for Dương Tam Kha
Countercoup against Dương Tam Kha
(950)
Dương Tam KhaNgô Xương VănVictory for Ngô Xương Văn
Anarchy of the 12 Warlords
(965–968)
Lã Xử Bình's coup d'état
(965)
Ngô Xương XíLã Xử BìnhVictory for Lã Xử Bình
  • Lã Xử Bình usurps rulership, however, local warlords refuse to recognize Lã Xử Bình
  • Vietnamese lands fragmented into 12 domains, each administered by a powerful warlord
Đinh Bộ Lĩnh's Unification War
(967–968)
Đinh Bộ Lĩnh
and allies
Opposing factions in the 12 WarlordsVictory for Đinh Bộ Lĩnh (Đinh Tiên Hoàng)

Đinh dynasty (968–980)

ConflictĐinh dynasty and alliesOpponentsBrief description
Countercoup against Lê Hoàn
(979)
Lê Hoàn

Supported by:
Dương Vân Nga

Đinh Điền (vi), Nguyễn Bặc, Phạm Hạp
Ngô Nhật Khánh
Victory for Lê Hoàn

Early Lê dynasty (980–1009)

ConflictEarly Lê dynasty
and allies
OpponentsBrief description
Song–Đại Cồ Việt War
(981)
Đại Cồ ViệtSong dynastyVictory
First Champa–Đại Cồ Việt War
(982)
Đại Cồ ViệtChampaVictory
Wars of the Early Lê dynasty succession
(1005)
Lê Long ViệtLê Long Tích (vi)Victory for Lê Long Việt
Lê Ngọa TriềuLê Long Cân (vi), Lê Long Kính (vi), Lê Long Đinh (vi)Victory for Lê Ngọa Triều

Later Lý dynasty (1009–1225)

ConflictEventLater Lý dynasty
and allies
OpponentsBrief description
DaliĐại Cồ Việt War
(1014)
Đại Cồ ViệtDali KingdomVictory
War of the Later Lý dynasty succession
(1028)
Khai Thiên VươngĐông Chinh Vương (Lý Thái Tổ's son)
Vũ Đức Vương
Dực Thánh Vương (Lý Thái Tổ's brother)
Victory for Khai Thiên Vương
Nong Quanfu's rebellion
(1038–1041)
Đại Cồ ViệtNong Quanfu's Kingdom of LongevityVictory
Second ChampaĐại Cồ Việt War
(1044)
Đại Cồ ViệtChampaVictory
Nong Zhigao's rebellion
(1048–1055)
Đại Cồ ViệtNong Zhigao's DaliVictory
First ChampaĐại Việt War
(1069)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Đại Việt–Song War
(1075–1077)
Viet invasion (1075)Đại ViệtSong dynastyIndecisive
  • Đại Việt troops capture several Song forts and retreats
Song counterattack (1077)Đại ViệtSong dynastyVictory
Đại Việt–Khmer War
(1123–1150)
Khmer campaign (1123–1124)Đại ViệtKhmer EmpireVictory
Khmer–Champa joint invasion (1132)Đại ViệtKhmer Empire
Champa
Victory
  • Invasion repelled
  • Champa briefly regains control of Ma Linh, Bố Chính, Địa Lý
Viet campaign (1136)Đại ViệtKhmer Empire
Champa
Indecisive
Further Suryavarman II's expeditions (1136–1150)Đại ViệtKhmer EmpireVictory
Quách Bốc's rebellion
(1209)
Đại ViệtQuách BốcVictory
Nguyễn Nộn's rebellion
(1213–1219)
Đại ViệtNguyễn Nộn (vi)

Trần dynasty (1225–1400)

ConflictEventTrần dynasty and alliesOpponentsBrief description
Second ChampaĐại Việt War
(1252)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Đại Việt–Mongol War
(1257–1258)
or First Đại Việt–Mongol War
Đại ViệtMongol EmpireDefeat
First Đại Việt–Yuan War
(1285)
or Second Đại Việt–Mongol War
Yuan advance
(January – May)
Đại ViệtYuan dynastyDefeat
Đại Việt counteroffensive
(May – June)
Đại Việt
Champa
Yuan dynastyVictory
  • Yuan invasion repelled
Second Đại Việt–Yuan War
(1287–1288)
or Third Đại Việt–Mongol War
Yuan advance
(1287 – January 1288)
Đại ViệtYuan dynastyDefeat
Battle of Bạch Đằng River
(1288)
Đại ViệtYuan dynastyVictory
  • Yuan invasion repelled
Đại Việt–Muang Sua War
(1294–1301)
Đại ViệtMuang SuaVictory
Third ChampaĐại Việt War
(1311)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Fourth ChampaĐại Việt War
(1318)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Champa–Đại Việt War
(1367–1396)
Battle of Chiêm Động
(1367)
Đại ViệtChampaDefeat
  • Beginning of a series of Champan counter-offensives
Coup against Dương Nhật Lễ
(1369–1370)
Dương Nhật LễTrần PhủRulership change
Sack of Thăng Long
(1371)
Đại ViệtChampaDefeat
  • Champans set the city on fire, seized women, jewels, and silks. All Vietnamese books held in the royal palace were lost
Battle of Vijaya
(1377)
Đại ViệtChampaDefeat
Trần Khát Chân's last stand
(1390)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Hồ Quý Ly's coup d'état
(1399–1400)
Trần Thuận Tông and Trần Thiếu ĐếHồ Quý LyRulership change

Hồ dynasty (1400–1407)

ConflictEventHồ dynasty and alliesOpponentsBrief description
Champa–Đại Ngu War
(1400–1407)
First Đại Ngu campaign
(1400)
Đại NguChampaDefeat
Second Đại Ngu campaign
(1402)
Đại NguChampaVictory
Third Đại Ngu campaign
(1403)
Đại NguChampaDefeat
  • Đại Ngu fails to capture Vijaya
Champan campaign
(1407)
Đại NguChampa
Ming dynasty
Defeat
  • Champa recaptures Chiêm Động and Cổ Lũy
Đại Ngu–Ming War
(1406–1407)
Đại NguMing dynastyDefeat

Fourth Chinese Domination (1407–1428)

ConflictEventVietnamese peopleOpponentsBrief description
Later Trần rebellion
(1407–1413)
Later Trần rebels in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel defeat
Lam Sơn uprising
(1418–1428)
Early phases
(1418–1422)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel defeat
Capture of Nghệ An
(1424–1425)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel victory
Battle of Tốt Động – Chúc Động
(1426)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel victory
Siege of Đông Quan
(1427)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel victory
Battle of Chi Lăng
(1427)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel victory
Siege of Xương Giang
(1427)
Lê Lợi in JiaozhiMing dynastyRebel victory

Later Lê dynasty (1428–1789)

Early period (1428–1527)

ConflictEventLater Lê dynasty
and allies
OpponentsBrief description
Đại Việt–Ngưu Hống war
(1431–1432)
Đại ViệtNgưu HốngVictory
Sixth Champa–Đại Việt War
(1446)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Later Lê dynasty succession crisis
(1459–1460)
Lê Nghi Dân's coup d'état
(1459)
Lê Nhân TôngLê Nghi DânVictory for Lê Nghi Dân
Countercoup against Lê Nghi Dân
(1460)
Lê Nghi DânLê Lăng and Nguyễn XíVictory for Lê Lăng and Nguyễn Xí
  • High-ranking mandarins install Lê Tư Thành (Lê Thánh Tông) as King
Seventh Champa–Đại Việt War
(1471)
Đại ViệtChampaVictory
Đại Việt–Lan Xang War
(1479–1484)
or White Elephant War
Đại ViệtLan Xang
Lanna
Muang Phuan
Ayutthaya
Ava
Defeat (see analysis)
Lê Oanh's coup d'état
(1509)
Lê Uy MụcLê OanhVictory for Lê Oanh
  • Usurpation of Lê Oanh (Lê Tương Dực)
Trần Tuân's rebellion
(1511–1512)
Đại ViệtTrần Tuân (vi)Victory
Crisis of the late Later Lê dynasty – Early period
(1516–1526)
Trịnh Duy Sản's coup d'état
(1516)
Lê Tương DựcTrịnh Duy Sản (vi), Trịnh Duy ĐạiVictory
Trần Cảo's rebellion
(1516–1521)
Đại ViệtTrần CảoVictory
  • Death of Trịnh Duy Sản
Trịnh Tuy's coup d'état
(1518–1522)
Lê Chiêu TôngTrịnh TuyVictory
  • As Lê Chiêu Tông is absent from court, Trịnh Tuy installs Lê Bảng and then Lê Do as King in quick succession
  • Mạc Đăng Dung quells the rebellion, consolidating power in the imperial court
  • Trịnh Tuy surrenders
Mạc Đăng Dung's coup d'état
(1522–1526)
Lê Chiêu Tông, Trịnh TuyMạc Đăng DungDefeat

Restored Lê period (1533–1789)

During this period, there existed 3 dynasties and 3 lordships: Mạc dynasty (1527–1677), Restored Lê (1533–1789), and Tây Sơn dynasty (1778–1802); Trịnh lords (1545–1787), Nguyễn lords (1558–1802), and Bầu lords (1527–1689); each with varying degrees of power and control over the country. This period is considered to be one of the most complicated periods in the history of Vietnam.

ConflictEventAggressorDefenderBrief description
Lê–Mạc War
(1533–1677)
Later Lê dynasty's return to Vietnam
(1533–1543)
Nguyễn Kim, Lê Trang TôngMạc dynastyVictory for Nguyễn Kim
Battle of Yên Mô
(1545)
Nguyễn Kim, Lê Trang TôngMạc dynastyVictory for Mạc
Battle of Thăng Long
(1551)
Southern dynastyMạc dynastyStalemate
Battle of Thuận Hóa
(1554)
Southern dynastyMạc dynastyVictory for Lê
Prince Mạc Kính Điển's Southern campaigns
(1555–1579)
Northern dynasty
  • Mạc Kính Điển
  • Nguyễn Quyện (since 1557)
Southern dynastyStalemate
Lê Northern campaigns
(1584–1592)
Southern dynastyNorthern dynastyVictory for Later Lê dynasty
Later campaigns
(1592–1677)
Đại ViệtMạc dynasty
Bầu lords

Supported by:

Victory
First Đại Việt–Panduranga War
(1611)
Đàng TrongPandurangaVictory for Nguyễn
First Trịnh–Nguyễn War
(1627–1672)
Early phases
(1627–1648)
Đàng Ngoài

Dutch East India Company (1643)

Đàng TrongStalemate
Battle of Nghệ An
(1655–1660)
Đàng TrongĐàng NgoàiVictory for Trịnh
Later campaigns
(1661–1672)
Đàng NgoàiĐàng TrongVictory for Nguyễn
Second Đại Việt–Panduranga War
(1653)
Đàng TrongPandurangaVictory
First Cambodia–Đại Việt War
(1658)
Đàng Trong

Barom Reachea V

CambodiaVictory
Second Cambodia–Đại Việt War
(1674)
Đàng Trong

Ang Nan

CambodiaVictory
Third Đại Việt–Panduranga War
(1693–1697)
Đàng TrongPandurangaDefeat
Third Cambodia–Đại Việt War
(1699)
Đàng Trong CambodiaVictory
Fourth Cambodia–Đại Việt War
(1708)
Đàng Trong

Ang Em

Cambodia

Ayutthaya Siam

Victory
First Đại Việt–Siam War
(1714)
Đàng Trong

Cambodia

Ayutthaya Siam

Thommo Reachea III

Defeat
  • Đại Việt loses suzerainty over Cambodia but annexes several border provinces of it
Hoàng Công Chất's rebellion
(1739–1769)
Hoàng Công Chất (vi)Đàng NgoàiVictory
Lê Duy Mật's rebellion
(1740–1770)
Lê Duy MậtĐàng NgoàiVictory
Nguyễn Hữu Cầu's rebellion
(1743–1751)
Nguyễn Hữu CầuĐàng NgoàiVictory
Nguyễn Danh Phương's rebellion
(1744–1751)
Nguyễn Danh PhươngĐàng NgoàiVictory
Đại ViệtLuang Phrabang War
(1749)[1]
Đàng Ngoài Luang PhrabangDefeat
Fifth Cambodia–Đại Việt War
(1753–1756)
Đàng Trong CambodiaVictory
Second Đại Việt–Siam War
(1771–1773)
Đàng Trong

Cambodia

Thonburi Siam
Ang Non II
Defeat
Tây Sơn uprising
(1771–1777)
First Tây Sơn campaigns
(1771–1774)
Tây SơnĐàng TrongRebel victory
Second Trịnh-Nguyễn War
(1774–1775)
Đàng Ngoài

Tây Sơn

Đàng TrongVictory for Trịnh
Gia Định campaigns
(1776–1777)
Tây SơnĐàng TrongRebel victory

Tây Sơn dynasty (1778–1802)

Conflict Event Tây Sơn dynasty
and allies
Opponents Brief description
Third Đại Việt-Siam War
(1785)
Đàng Trong Rattanakosin Siam
Nguyễn Ánh
Victory
  • Vietnamese forces repel the first ever Siam invasion of Vietnam
  • Escape of Nguyễn Ánh to Siam
Tây Sơn–Trịnh War
(1786)
Đàng TrongĐàng NgoàiVictory for Tây Sơn
Nguyễn HuệNguyễn Nhạc conflict
(1786)
Nguyễn Nhạc in Quy Nhơn Nguyễn Huệ in Phú XuânIndecisive
Đại Việt–Qing War
(1788–1789)
Đại Việt  Qing dynasty

Lê Chiêu Thống

Victory
Lê Duy Chỉ's rebellion
(1791)
Đại Việt
Supported by:
Cambodia
Lê Duy Chỉ (Lê Chiêu Thống's brother)
Vientiane
Supported by:
Rattanakosin Siam
Victory
  • Tây Sơn troops reach Siam–Vientiane border and retreat
Tây Sơn–Nguyễn War
(1792–1802)
Battle of Quy Nhơn
(1799–1801)
Đại ViệtNguyễn Ánh
Supported by:
Victory for Nguyễn Ánh
  • Near-annihilation of Tây Sơn navy
  • Turning point of the war
Battle of Huế
(1801)
Đại ViệtNguyễn Ánh
Supported by:
Battle of Thăng Long
(1802)
Đại ViệtNguyễn Ánh
Supported by:
Victory for Nguyễn Ánh

Nguyễn dynasty – Independent period (1802–1887)

Conflict Event Nguyễn dynasty
and allies
Opponents Brief description Monarch
Cambodian rebellion
(1811–1812)
Việt Nam
Ang Chan
Rattanakosin Siam
Ang Snguon
VictoryGia Long
Phan Bá Vành's rebellion
(1821–1827)
Việt NamPhan Bá VànhVictoryMinh Mạng
Ja Lidong's rebellion
(1822–1823)
Việt NamJa LidongVictory
Anouvong's rebellion
(1826–1828)
Vientiane
Champasak
Việt Nam
Rattanakosin SiamDefeat
Siam–Việt Nam War
(1831–1834)
Việt Nam Rattanakosin SiamVictory
Lê Duy Lương's rebellion
(1832–1837)
Việt NamLê Duy Lương (vi) rebelsVictory
Lê Văn Khôi's rebellion
(1833–1835)
Việt NamLê Văn Khôi rebelsVictory
Nông Văn Vân's rebellion
(1833–1835)
Việt NamNông Văn Vân rebelsVictory
Ja Thak Wa's rebellion
(1834–1835)
Việt NamJa Thak Wa rebelsVictory
Đại Nam–Siam War
(1841–1845)
Đại Nam Rattanakosin SiamIndecisive
  • Joint Siamese-Vietnamese suzerainty of Cambodia.
Thiệu Trị
Cao Bá Quát's rebellion
(1854–1856)
Đại NamCao Bá QuátVictoryTự Đức
Cochinchina campaign
(1858–1862)
Siege of Đà Nẵng
(1858–1860)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Victory
Siege of Sài Gòn
(1859–1861)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Defeat
Battle of Chí Hòa Fortress
(1861)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Defeat
Capture of Mỹ Tho
(1861)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Defeat
Capture of Biên Hòa
(1861)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Defeat
Capture of Vĩnh Long
(1862)
Đại Nam Second French Empire
Spain
Defeat
Garnier Expedition
(1873–1874)
Đại Nam
Black Flag Army
 French Third RepublicDefeat
Tonkin campaign
(1883–1886)
Capture of Nam Định
(1883)
Đại Nam
 Qing dynasty
Black Flag Army
 French Third RepublicDefeat
Battle of Cầu Giấy
(1883)
Black Flag Army  French Third RepublicVictory
Battle of Thuận An
(1883)
Đại Nam  French Third RepublicDefeat
Sơn Tây campaign
(1883)
Đại Nam
 Qing dynasty
Black Flag Army
 French Third RepublicDefeat
Bắc Ninh campaign
(1884)
Đại Nam
 Qing dynasty
Black Flag Army
 French Third RepublicDefeat
Capture of Hưng Hóa
(1884)
Đại Nam
Black Flag Army
 French Third RepublicDefeat
Sino–French War
(1884–1885)
 Qing dynasty
Supported by:
 French Third RepublicDefeat

Colonial era

French Indochina (1887–1945)

ConflictFrench Indochina
and allies
OpponentsBrief descriptionMonarch
Yên Thế insurrection
(1884–1913)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Hoàng Hoa Thám forcesVictory for French Indochina
Cần Vương movement
(1885–1896)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Hàm Nghi
Tôn Thất Thuyết

Tonkin:

Annam:

Victory for French Indochina
Franco-Siamese conflict
(1893)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Rattanakosin SiamVictory for French IndochinaThành Thái
Cochinchina uprising
(1916)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Cochinchina rebelsVictory for French Indochina
Thái Nguyên uprising
(1917)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Thái Nguyên rebelsVictory for French IndochinaKhải Định
Yên Bái mutiny
(1930)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Nationalist rebelsVictory for French IndochinaBảo Đại
Nghệ–Tĩnh Soviets
(1930–1931)
 French Third Republic
French Indochina
Communist rebelsVictory for French Indochina
Japanese invasion of Indochina
(1940)
 Vichy France
French Indochina
 Empire of JapanVictory for Japan
  • Occupation of Tonkin by Japan
Franco–Thai War
(1940–1941)
 Vichy France
French Indochina
 ThailandMilitary indecisive
Thai political victory
  • Disputed enclaves returned to Thailand
Cochinchina uprising
(1940)
 Empire of Japan
 Vichy France
French Indochina
Communist rebelsVictory for French Indochina
Japanese coup d'état
(1945)
 Vichy France
French Indochina
 Empire of JapanVictory for Japan
August Revolution
(1945)
 Third French Republic
 Empire of Japan
Empire of Vietnam
Việt MinhVictory for Việt Minh

Republican era

North Vietnam (1945–1976)

ConflictEventNorth Vietnam
and allies
OpponentsBrief descriptionGeneral Secretary
Chinese troops enter Vietnam
(1945)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  Republic of China

Supported by:
 France

VictoryHồ Chí Minh
Partisan conflict in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
(1945–1947)
Việt Minh Vietnamese Kuomintang Front

National Union Front

National Front

Supported by:

Victory
  • Anti-Việt Minh parties and political organizations crushed
Operation Masterdom
(1945–1946)
Việt Minh

Việt Nam Quốc Dân Đảng

 United Kingdom

 France

 Japan

Defeat
First Indochina War
(1946–1954)
Hải Phòng incident
(1946)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  FranceDefeat
Battle of Hà Nội
(1946)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  FranceDefeat
Việt Bắc campaign
(1947)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  FranceIndecisive
  • France fails to cripple Việt Minh leadership
Border campaign
(1950)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  France
 State of Vietnam
Supported by:
 United States
Victory
Operation Castor
(1953)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam  France
 State of Vietnam
Defeat
  • Successful French establishment of the Điện Biên Phủ outpost, a major site in Việt Minh's supply routes
Battle of Điện Biên Phủ
(1954)
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Supported by:

 France
 State of Vietnam
Supported by:
 United States
Victory
Summary Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Lao Issara (1946–1949)
Pathet Lao (since 1949)
Khmer Issarak

Supported by:

 France

Supported by:

VictoryHồ Chí Minh
Second Indochina War
(1955–1975)[b]
Including:
North Vietnamese invasion of Laos
(1958–1959)
 North Vietnam
Pathet Lao
Kingdom of LaosVictoryHồ Chí Minh
Battle of Ấp Bắc
(1963)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South Vietnam
 United States
Victory
Battle of An Lão
(1964)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Battle of Bình Giã
(1964–1965)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South Vietnam
 United States
Victory
Operation Rolling Thunder
(1965–1968)
 North Vietnam
 China
 North Korea
 United States
 South Vietnam
Victory
Battle of Ba Gia
(1965)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Battle of Đồng Xoài
(1965)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South Vietnam
 United States
Victory
Battle of Ia Đrăng
(1965)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United StatesIndecisive
Operation Masher
(1966)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
Defeat
Operation Thayer
(1966–1967)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
 South Korea
Defeat
Operation Cedar Falls
(1967)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
Indecisive
Operation Junction City
(1967)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United StatesIndecisive
Battle of Cồn Tiên
(1967–1968)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
Defeat
Operation Wheeler/Wallowa
(1967–1968)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United StatesDefeat
Battle of Khe Sanh
(1968)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
Pathet Lao
 United States
 South Vietnam
 Kingdom of Laos
Indecisive
Tết Offensive
(1968)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
 South Korea
 Australia
 New Zealand
 Thailand
Tactical defeat
Political victory
Operation Speedy Express
(1968–1969)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United StatesDefeat
Cambodia campaign
(1970)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
Khmer Rouge
 United States
 South Vietnam
 Khmer Republic
DefeatLê Duẩn
Operation Lam Son 719
(1971)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
Pathet Lao
 United States
 South Vietnam
 Kingdom of Laos
Victory
Easter Offensive
(1972)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 United States
 South Vietnam
Indecisive
Operation Linebacker
(1972)
 North Vietnam  United States
 South Vietnam
Indecisive
Operation Linebacker II
(1972)
 North Vietnam  United States
 South Vietnam
Indecisive
Battle of Ấp Đá Biên
(1973)
 North Vietnam  United States
 South Vietnam
Defeat
Battle of Svay Rieng
(1974)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamDefeat
Battle of Phước Long
(1975)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Tây Nguyên campaign
(1975)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Huế–Đà Nẵng campaign
(1975)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Battle of Xuân Lộc
(1975)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Fall of Saigon
(1975)
 North Vietnam
Việt Cộng
 South VietnamVictory
Summary
Supported by:
Victory

State of Vietnam (1949–1955)

ConflictEventState of Vietnam
and allies
OpponentsBrief descriptionChief of State
First Indochina War
(1946–1954)
Border campaign
(1950)
 France
 State of Vietnam
Supported by:
 United States
 Democratic Republic of VietnamDefeatBảo Đại
Battle of Vĩnh Yên
(1951)
 France
 State of Vietnam
Supported by:
 United States
 Democratic Republic of VietnamVictory
Operation Castor
(1953)
 France
 State of Vietnam
 Democratic Republic of VietnamVictory
Battle of Điện Biên Phủ
(1954)
 France
 State of Vietnam
Supported by:
 United States
 Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Supported by:

Defeat
Summary  France

Supported by:

Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Lao Issara (1946–1949)
Pathet Lao (since 1949)
Khmer Issarak

Supported by:
 China (since 1949)
 East Germany (since 1950)
 Soviet Union (since 1952)

Defeat
Conflict around the State of Vietnam referendum
(1955)
Pro-Ngô Đình Diệm groups

Supported by:
 United States

Pro-Bảo Đại groups

Vietnamese Kuomintang
Nationalist Party of Greater Vietnam
Supported by:
 France

Victory for Ngô Đình Diệm

South Vietnam (1955–1975)

ConflictSouth Vietnam
and allies
OpponentsResultPresident
Vietnam War
(1955–1975)
Supported by:
Defeat
1960 South Vietnamese coup attempt
Army of the Republic of Vietnam loyalists
Presidential Guard
 Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebels
 Republic of Vietnam Marine Division rebels
Republic of Vietnam Airborne Division rebels
VictoryNgô Đình Diệm
Buddhist crisis
(1963)
 South Vietnam BuddhistsIndecisive
1963 South Vietnamese coup Army of the Republic of Vietnam loyalists
Presidential Guard
Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces
 Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebels
 Republic of Vietnam Marine Division rebels
 Republic of Vietnam Air Force rebels
Republic of Vietnam Airborne Division rebels
Supported by:
 United States
Defeat
Montagnard rebellion
(1964–1969)
 South VietnamBAJARAKA
FULRO
VictoryNguyễn Văn Thiệu (since 1967)
January 1964 South Vietnamese coup Revolutionary Military Council led by Dương Văn Minh  Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebels led by Nguyễn KhánhDefeatInterregnum (various military juntas)
September 1964 South Vietnamese coup attempt  South Vietnam  Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebelsSuccess
December 1964 South Vietnamese coup High National Council  Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebelsCoup defeat
1965 South Vietnamese coup  South Vietnam  Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebelsVictory
Buddhist Uprising
(1966)
 South Vietnam  Army of the Republic of Vietnam rebels
Buddhists monks
Victory
Northeast Cay incident
(1968)
 South Vietnam  PhilippinesDefeatNguyễn Văn Thiệu
Southwest Cay incident
(1970)
 South Vietnam  PhilippinesVictory
Battle of the Paracel Islands
(1974)
 South Vietnam  ChinaDefeat

Vietnam

ConflictVietnam and alliesOpponentsResultGeneral Secretary
Insurgency in the Central Highlands
(1975–1992)
 Vietnam FULROVictory
Insurgency in Laos
(1975–2007)
 Vietnam
 Laos
Hmong insurgentsVictory
Cambodian–Vietnamese War
(1977–1989)
 Vietnam
FUNSK
Post-invasion:
1979–1989:
 Vietnam
 People's Republic of Kampuchea
1989–1991:
 State of Cambodia
Supported by:
 Democratic Kampuchea (1979–1982)
Post-invasion:
 CGDK/NGC (1982–1990)

 Thailand (border clashes)
Supported by:

Victory
Sino–Vietnamese War
(1979)
 Vietnam  ChinaStalemate
  • Both sides claim victory
Lê Duẩn
Sino-Vietnamese conflicts
(1979–1991)
 Vietnam  ChinaStalemate
  • Normalization of bilateral relations
Lê Duẩn (until July 1986)
Trường Chinh (July–December 1986)
Nguyễn Văn Linh (1986–1991)
Đỗ Mười(since 1991)
Thai–Laotian Border War
(1987–1988)
 Vietnam
 Laos
 ThailandVictory
  • Peace talks in Bangkok
Nguyễn Văn Linh
Johnson South Reef Skirmish
(1988)
 Vietnam  ChinaDefeat

Notes

Citations

References