On the evening of November 10, 2024, the Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Son Tay Town solemnly organized a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Son Tay Town (1924–2024), the 70th anniversary of its liberation (1954–2024), and the 555th anniversary of the name “Son Tay” (1469–2024).
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Politburo Member and Secretary of the Party Committee, who also serves as the Head of the Hanoi City National Assembly Delegation; Nguyen Van Phong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee; leaders from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; city officials; former leaders of Hanoi; Vietnamese Heroic Mothers; and numerous residents of the town.
Son Tay is an ancient land, originally part of Giao Chi, one of the 15 regions of Van Lang – Au Lac during the Hung Kings and An Duong Vuong eras. Later, it became one of the “Four Protectorates,” a defensive perimeter safeguarding the ancient capital of Thang Long, also known as Tran Doai (or Xu Doai). This land, renowned for its “spiritual essence and extraordinary people,” is the only place in the nation that produced two kings from one village: Phung Hung (known as Bo Cai Dai Vuong) and Ngo Quyen (the first Ngo Dynasty King), along with numerous other illustrious historical figures. The name “Son Tay” officially emerged in 1469 as an administrative unit directly under the central government. Over time, this name has been preserved for 555 years.
On December 30, 1924, Son Tay Town was officially established. Over the past century, it has maintained its strategic importance in the nation’s economic, social, political, and military domains.
Over the last 100 years, Son Tay Town has achieved remarkable milestones across various fields. In 2020, the government recognized Son Tay as meeting the standards of a “new rural area.” The town has successfully promoted tourism, exemplified by the “Traditional Northern Vietnamese Culinary Experience in Duong Lam Ancient Village,” which won the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Product Award in 2024. Social welfare efforts have eradicated poverty, and the town has made significant strides in Party-building and enhancing the political system. Son Tay has proudly welcomed President Ho Chi Minh on ten occasions for visits, work sessions, and encouragement.
The Party, government, military, and people of Son Tay Town, along with two affiliated communes, have been honored with the prestigious title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces. The town has also been awarded the First, Second, and Third-Class Labor Orders, the Third-Class Independence Order, and multiple accolades from the Central Government and Hanoi authorities.
During the ceremony, attendees enjoyed an exceptional artistic performance titled Son Tay: A Radiant Ancient Land, featuring renowned singers and artists. On this occasion, the Party, government, people, and armed forces of Son Tay Town were honored to receive the Second-Class Labor Order from the Party and State. Additionally, the Hanoi Party Committee presented a banner inscribed with the message: “Promote the historical-cultural tradition, heroic revolution, unity, democracy, discipline, and creativity to build a sustainable, civilized, and modern Son Tay Town.”
Speaking at the event, Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, commended the achievements of the Party, government, and people of Son Tay Town.
Looking ahead, he urged the town to focus on strengthening Party-building efforts, ensuring a clean, strong, streamlined, effective, and efficient political system. He emphasized gradually enhancing the governance and operational capacity of local authorities to achieve the goals set forth in the Party Congress Resolution for the 2020-2025 term.
Thanh Thanh