Vietnam: Ly Thai To statue, Indira Gandhi Park, Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Lý Thái Tổ (birth name Lý Công Uẩn 李公蘊) was Đại Việt Emperor and was the founder of the Lý D‎ynasty, he reigned from 1009 AD to 1028 AD.

In 1010, Ly Thai To returned to Dai La (present day Hanoi). According to legend, as he entered the former capital a golden dragon took off from the top of the citadel and soared into the heavens. This was taken by the emperor as an extraordinarily auspicious sign, and he forthwith renamed the city Thang Long, or ‘Ascending Dragon’.

Ly Thai To is regarded as the founding father of Hanoi.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia