The brothers Nguyễn Nhạc, Nguyễn Huệ and Nguyễn Lữ rise in revolt at Tây Sơn (Bình Định), eventually overthrowing both the Nguyễn and Trịnh lords.
Konbaung Burmese forces capture and destroy Ayutthaya, ending the Siamese kingdom after more than four centuries.
Nguyễn Du, author of The Tale of Kiều, is born.
Rama I founds the Chakri dynasty and moves the capital to Bangkok; the dynasty still reigns in Thailand today.
Nguyễn Huệ destroys a Siamese army, invited by Nguyễn Ánh, on the Mekong (Tiền River).
Before marching north against the Qing, Nguyễn Huệ proclaims himself emperor at Phú Xuân with the era name Quang Trung.
Emperor Quang Trung routs the Qing army during the Lunar New Year and liberates Thăng Long.