First Counterattack
At the end of May 1282, the Đại Việt troops advanced northward in two formations. One group, led by Prince Hưng Đạo, took to the sea route to launch an assault on Thiên Trường and Trường Yên, aiming to penetrate major rivers and confront Toghan’s most depleted forces. Their objective was to regain control of the origins of the Trần Dynasty and boost the morale of their troops. From this area, they could navigate the rivers northward, encircling the Yuan troops and cutting off their escape in the event of a Đại Việt victory. Conversely, if the Yuan forces gained the upper hand, they could swiftly retreat to Trường Yên.
The other formation, comprising a mix of infantry and naval forces, was led by the King, the Retired King, Prince Chiêu Minh, and several other high-ranking military commanders. They targeted the large Yuan barracks along the Red River, near the Đại Việt capital, with the primary goal of separating Toghan and Sogetu while reclaiming the capital.
Prince Hưng Đạo and his troops swiftly engaged the Yuan barracks at “A Lỗ,” where the Yuan had stationed 10,000 soldiers. By the time the Yuan realized the Đại Việt forces were approaching, it was too late for reinforcements to arrive. The Đại Việt armies, being significantly larger, quickly seized control of the situation.
Without much resistance, Đại Việt reclaimed Thiên Trường, isolating numerous Yuan armies in the region and securing many crucial sea routes in the Red River Plain.
The Battle of Hàm Tử Quan
At Thiên Mạc in Khoái Châu, the circumstances were equally favorable for Đại Việt, which moved its forces swiftly in preparation for a decisive battle. Both sides deployed their best military leaders and units for this campaign. The Yuan had a substantial naval presence in the area, as well as concentrated troops at Tây Kết, facilitating easy troop movements among their barracks and enabling coordination between cavalry, navy, and infantry.
Đại Việt, relying on its navy as a vanguard, quickly established control over the river routes. Once established, their infantry launched an attack, resulting in fierce fighting. Sogetu mobilized his forces from Tây Kết to assist Hàm Tử, during which Prince Chiêu Văn deployed a contingent of Song soldiers led by Zhàozhōng, a prince of the former Song dynasty. Driven by a desire to reclaim their homeland, this unit fought with high morale. To motivate them further, Prince Chiêu Văn allowed the Song troops to wear their traditional uniforms instead of Đại Việt attire, which caught the Yuan troops by surprise and diminished their spirit. The Yuan, mistaking the Song soldiers for a returning Song force, feared that they had regained their sovereignty under Kublai Khan.
In addition, Đại Việt used a psychological tactic by shooting arrows attached to messages into the Yuan barracks, stating they would only attack the Mongols and not the Chinese. This strategy led many Chinese soldiers within the Yuan ranks to surrender or fight less vigorously.
Furthermore, Đại Việt launched an offensive against Sogetu’s forces at Tây Kết to prevent them from assisting Hàm Tử. Đại Việt achieved victory in both engagements, which shattered the Yuan defense and demoralized their troops. They subsequently divided their forces into three groups: one aimed at attacking Toghan in the capital, another to protect reclaimed territory and target Yuan remnants in Thiên Mạc, Trường Yên, and Thiên Trường, and the third to disrupt Yuan retreat routes or coordinate with the first group against Toghan if necessary.
The Battle of Chương Dương
Despite many Yuan troops being defeated and scattered, they managed to regroup under Toghan’s command, which still included thousands of soldiers and experienced leaders. This posed a significant challenge for Đại Việt.
To isolate the Yuan forces, Đại Việt dispatched talented leaders to assist Prince Chiêu Minh in his campaign against Toghan. Additionally, the government mobilized local militia, as many farmers had become seasoned warriors through their ongoing struggles.
Prince Chiêu Minh led his forces to assault Chương Dương, where the Yuan troops had concentrated, yet they could not withstand the might of the Đại Việt forces. Upon learning of this dire situation, Toghan rushed to Chương Dương with reinforcements, only to be ambushed en route. Đại Việt emerged victorious at Chương Dương and subsequently at Giang Khẩu.
Following these victories, they surrounded the capital. The Yuan forces, renowned for their archery, inflicted significant casualties on Đại Việt from within the fortress, yet the Đại Việt troops remained determined to retake their capital. As their arrows ran low and food shortages worsened, Yuan military leaders decided to withdraw. However, traps set by Đại Việt awaited them.
In a desperate bid for escape, Toghan ordered his forces to break free from the Đại Việt encirclement. The remaining Yuan troops regrouped after the battle at Hàm Tử and attempted to reach Thăng Long, only to be repulsed by Đại Việt forces once more. These remnants later joined Toghan.
Prince Chiêu Minh assigned the young Trần Quốc Toản to lead a cavalry unit in pursuit of Toghan, while Prince Hưng Đạo instructed Prince Hưng Ninh to pursue from another direction. Weary from their confrontation at Thăng Long, the Yuan troops suffered further defeats. When they attempted to cross a temporary bridge, they were ambushed by Trần Quốc Toản’s forces.
As the Yuan completed their makeshift bridge and prepared to cross the river, Đại Việt launched an attack. The Yuan troops, eager to flee rather than engage in combat, rushed onto the bridge, causing it to collapse. Only half of Toghan’s forces managed to cross safely. Upon reaching Vĩnh Bình, they were ambushed by Prince Trần Quốc Nghiễn’s forces, resulting in severe casualties. Toghan, badly wounded, escaped in a copper roller under a hail of arrows, while Princes Trần Quốc Uy and Trần Quốc Nghiễn led their troops across the Đại Việt-Yuan border in pursuit of the Song.
Meanwhile, other Đại Việt troops and local forces continued to attack the remaining Yuan factions to prevent them from regrouping and turning the tide.
Tactics of the Minorities
Meanwhile, the Yuan forces under Naxirut Din from Yunnan were preoccupied in the western region of Thăng Long, engaged in battles against minority groups. They retreated upon realizing Toghan’s withdrawal. By then, Đại Việt had gained control over all major routes, forcing this force to retreat by their original paths.
At Trĩ Sơn Mountain in Phù Ninh, Hà Đặc led a diverse army against Naxirut Din’s forces. Despite being outnumbered, they employed clever tactics. Anticipating the Yuan’s route, Hà Đặc had his men dig pits in the ground, placing large arrows within them. Observing the arrows on the trees, the Yuan halted at Cự Đà to assess the situation instead of advancing.
Each night, Hà Đặc had his men create large straw effigies dressed in clothes with giant arrows attached, positioning them on the mountainside. This illusion made the enemy believe that the local men were formidable and capable of shooting arrows through tree trunks, instilling fear in the Yuan troops.
After demoralizing the enemy, Hà Đặc led his forces into battle against the Yuan, who panicked and fled. As a brave leader, Hà Đặc always led the charge but ultimately perished in combat. His death left Đại Việt’s troops in a precarious position, with some of his close allies, including his brother, captured.
After eliminating the Northern minorities’ leader, the Yuan troops took a rest. That night, Hà Đặc’s brother, Hà Chương, escaped, stealing Yuan clothes and flags. Upon returning to his base, he led a Đại Việt attack on the Yuan forces to avenge his brother and the others. Using the stolen uniforms and flags to infiltrate the Yuan barracks, Đại Việt launched a surprise attack from within, coordinating with outside forces. This clever tactic resulted in a significant victory.
The Second Battle of Tây Kết
After the defeat at Hàm Tử, Sogetu retreated to the coast of Thiên Trường to regroup his remnants. At that point, Đại Việt only had enough forces at Thiên Trường to secure the main river routes, leaving the coast vulnerable. Many Yuan remnants began to converge at Sogetu’s location. In June 1285, Sogetu and Omar led their forces to the Red River, intending to join Toghan, unaware that he had already been defeated.
Upon detecting the Yuan movement, the Đại Việt King ordered preparations for battle at Tây Kết. An envoy was dispatched to inform Sogetu that Toghan was retreating to Yuan, but Sogetu remained skeptical. Regardless of Sogetu’s beliefs, Đại Việt aimed to diminish the morale of his troops.
Some of Đại Việt’s forces split into small groups and launched guerrilla attacks on the Yuan. Weary and demoralized, a high-ranking Yuan official eventually surrendered to Đại Việt. When Sogetu and his forces arrived at Tây Kết, battle ensued. Đại Việt quickly gained control of the situation and achieved victory, resulting in Sogetu’s death.
After the War
Following the war’s conclusion, the government initiated a census, recognizing that it would be a lengthy process. However, this effort encouraged displaced individuals to return to their hometowns and work to restore the economy. Additionally, it aimed to demonstrate to the Yuan that Đại Việt remained strong post-war. Months later, a Yuan ambassador arrived. Unlike previous encounters, Đại Việt allowed the ambassador a more direct route to Thăng Long. Although they were friendlier this time, they still ensured he did not have to traverse difficult terrain, allowing more time for the country to rebuild.
When the ambassador finally arrived, the census was still ongoing. Đại Việt sought to impress the Yuan envoy with their military strength. Within six months, Đại Việt had expelled the Yuan from their territory, pursuing them relentlessly and inflicting heavy casualties, capturing over 50,000 prisoners of war. Omar managed to escape by sea.
The Yuan, a formidable force controlling vast territories from China to Europe, had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the newly established Đại Việt dynasty. They resolved to exact revenge with another invasion.
Just as the Đại Việt King and the Retired King returned to Thăng Long before Toghan could regroup, discussions within the Yuan court had already begun about launching a new invasion. They aimed to strike before Đại Việt could recover its infrastructure and resources. However, even if the Yuan attacked immediately, the Đại Việt forces retained the spirit of victors, while the Yuan troops lacked time to recuperate from their panic.
Driven by a thirst for revenge, Kublai Khan approached the situation with caution. Many officials in the Yuan court advised that soldiers should be given time to rest. Khan accepted this recommendation and dispatched another ambassador to Đại Việt, hoping to establish a new administration there. However, Đại Việt rejected this proposal, forcing the ambassador to return to China.
See also: Tran dynasty: the dynasty that defeated the Mongols 3 times
