Many events were held in 2009 and 2010 to commemorate the anniversary, including cultural and traditional festivals as well as inaugurations of major projects in Hanoi.

When the convoy of Lý Thái Tổ arrived in Đại La, a golden dragon rose beside the emperor's boat, hence Lý Thái Tổ changed the name of the new capital from Đại La to Thăng Long (昇 龍, literally "The Rising Dragon").

[citation needed] Commemorative events were organized not only in Hanoi but also in other provinces, from Phú Thọ to Huế and Ho Chi Minh City.

For example, in Bắc Ninh, the native land of Lý Thái Tổ, an incense-offering ceremony at the Lý Bát Đế Shrine and other festivals were held during the ten days from 1 to 10 October 2010, while Ho Chi Minh City organized its own festival, named "Thang Long – Hanoi: 1000 Years of History".

[4] On 10 June 2009, Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng issued a decision approving the detailed scheme of the Millennial Anniversary of Hanoi as following:[4] Following the cancellation of celebratory fireworks in 29 locations around the country due to flooding in Central Vietnam, at 9:00 pm, 10 October 2010, a fireworks show began in Mỹ Đình National Stadium.