Since ancient time, Vinh had been a suitable place for human to stop and reside. Archaeologists proved this by researches and excavations. Throughout the history, Vinh has been an increasing strategic position since it lies on the national road as our ancestor acquired more territories.

Vinh city map

 One day at the end of 1788, under the sight of legendary military leader Nguyen Hue, known as Quang Trung Emperor, Vinh appeared as a “wide geographical area, bright landscape, that could be chosen as a site for new capital city. This is a remarkable place for setting up capital city” (letter from Nguyen Hue to Nguyen Thiep asking for choosing place for capital city). Thus, Vinh became Phoenix Central City. Although the construction had never been completed due to the short existence of Tay Son reign, Phoenix Central city was the brightest milestone in the development of Vinh city.

Under the French ruling, recognizing the strategic position of Vinh, the French upgraded Vinh to a large industrial compound in the country. By the end of 1920s and early 1930s, Vinh known to all with famous factories, workshops, ports, banks and warehouses of French, Chinese and Indians… Vinh was also the city for workers. As the result it was the heart of patriotic and revolutionary movements. “Look, Ben Thuy is rising as a pioneer…” The revolutionary peak of Soviet - Nghe Tinh movement (1930 – 1931) was triggered from here. Not only known as a revolutionary and enriched traditional city, the Red City or heroic Vinh is also a commercial and industrial city. In addition, Vinh is a convergence of Nghe Cultural talents that gave the rise to the value of urban culture. However, the romantic mountainous and riverside city was destroyed twice. The first was the scorched-earth policy during the national struggle against French Aggressor (1946 – 1947); the second was destructive war of American Imperialist (1964 – 1972). From the debris of war Vinh arose with “a pink face of smiles from the debris” (poet by Thach Quy).

Panorama of Vinh city

Today, Vinh has a good master plan. “…The first impression about Vinh is a cosy atmosphere, large streets with many tall buildings but the traditional characteristic of Vinh still remains. This is a beautiful city with many schools, factories and docks…” – this comment was given by the professor and writer Ha Minh Duc on the Red city at current moment. In Doi moi process, Vinh has attained significant socio–economic achievements, infrastructure construction and urban management. With the area of 64 Square Km, population of 260 thousand people, convenience for transportations (railways, highways, airways and waterways), enriched historic and traditions, Vinh is not only a town of Nghe An province but also a second grade urban area and the centre of North Central region.

However, the development of Vinh is not commensurate with its potentials and advantages. There remain many difficulties and challenges. Vinh should always be a welcome, an invitation to all visitors; Vinh is not only the beauty-stopping place but also the location for setting up the business. The dawning city lying along the Lam River, full of wind and sunshine, always reminds people to think about the future and things to come.