Gia Long, founder of the Nguyễn dynasty, dies and is succeeded by his son Minh Mạng, who centralises the state.
Poet Nguyễn Du dies in Huế.
Stamford Raffles signs a treaty establishing a British East India Company trading post at Singapore, beginning the modern port city.
Britain and the Netherlands divide their spheres in the Malay world, roughly creating today's Malaysia–Indonesia divide.
Britain defeats Konbaung Burma, which cedes Assam, Manipur, Arakan and Tenasserim under the Treaty of Yandabo.
The most powerful volcanic eruption in recorded history occurs on Sumbawa, causing the global "Year Without a Summer" of 1816.
Prince Diponegoro leads a major uprising against Dutch colonial rule in Central Java; the war ends with his capture.