What Is Vietnam National Anthem?
Vietnam national anthem is called "Tiến Quân Ca" (The Army March), written and composed by Văn Cao in 1944. It was officially adopted in 1945 by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and later retained by the unified country in 1976.
This powerful anthem reflects the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and patriotism during Vietnam’s decades-long fight for independence. Though originally two verses, only the first verse is used in official ceremonies today.
Vietnam National Anthem Lyrics (Vietnamese & English)
Lyrics: Van Cao, 1944
Music: Van Cao, 1944
Adopted 1945
Verse 1 of Vietnamese National Anthem
Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi
Chung lòng cứu quốc
Bước chân dồn vang trên đường gập ghềnh xa
Cờ in máu chiến thắng mang hồn nước,
Súng ngoài xa chen khúc quân hành ca.
Đường vinh quang xây xác quân thù,
Thắng gian lao cùng nhau lập chiến khu.
Vì nhân dân chiến đấu không ngừng,
Tiến mau ra sa trường,
Tiến lên, cùng tiến lên.
Nước non Việt Nam ta vững bền.
Verse 2 of Vietnamese National Anthem
Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi
Sao vàng phấp phới
Dắt giống nòi quê hương qua nơi lầm than
Cùng chung sức phấn đấu xây đời mới,
Đứng đều lên gông xích ta đập tan.
Từ bao lâu ta nuốt căm hờn,
Quyết hy sinh đời ta tươi thắm hơn.
Vì nhân dân chiến đấu không ngừng,
Tiến mau ra sa trường,
Tiến lên, cùng tiến lên.
Nước non Việt Nam ta vững bền.
Vietnamese National Anthem in English
Verse 1 of Vietnam National Anthem
Armies of Vietnam, forward!
With one single determination to save our Fatherland,
Our hurried steps resound on the long and arduous road.
Our flag, red with the blood of victory, bears the spirit of the country.
The distant rumbling of the guns mingles with our marching song.
The path to glory is built by the bodies of our foes.
Overcoming all hardships, together we build our resistance bases.
Ceaselessly for the People's cause let us struggle,
Let us hasten to the battlefield!
Onward! All together advancing!
For one eternal Vietnam.
(The sixth line was original: "We swear to flay the enemies and drink their blood" This was changed to current wordings in 1955 by the Fifth Plenum of the First National Assembly.)
Verse 2 of Vietnam National Anthem
Soldiers of Vietnam, forward!
The gold star fluttering
Leading the people of our native land out of misery and suffering.
Let us join our efforts in the fight to build a new life.
Arise and break these chains.
For too long have we swallowed our hatred.
Be ready for all sacrifices and life will be radiant.
Ceaselessly for the People's cause, let us struggle,
Let us hasten to the battlefield!
Onward! All together advancing!
For one eternal Vietnam.
What Makes “Tiến Quân Ca” So Unique?
Composed at age 21: Văn Cao wrote the anthem while part of the resistance movement.
Violent origins: The original line “Thề phanh thây uống máu quân thù” (Swear to tear apart and drink enemy’s blood) was later replaced due to its graphic tone.
Copyright drama: Until 2015, the anthem was partially under copyright dispute, restricting public use.
World recognition: It’s been listed as one of the most powerful war-time anthems globally.
Listen to Vietnam National Anthem
Who Was Văn Cao?
Văn Cao (1923–1995) was not just a composer — he was a revolutionary artist. His music, poetry, and nationalistic voice helped shape Vietnam’s cultural identity. Today, he’s honored as one of Vietnam’s greatest cultural figures.
Did You Know?
Vietnam’s anthem was written before the country gained independence.
The anthem is required to be played in schools and during sports events.
It’s short and powerful — only one verse is used in official performances.
Want to Experience the Spirit of Vietnam?
Take a journey through Vietnam’s historical sites — from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to battlefields that inspired this song. Explore with our vietnam vacation packages and walk in the footsteps of history.
