His talent was noticed by Prince Hưng Đạo Trần Quốc Tuấn who married his adopted daughter to Phạm Ngũ Lão and recommended him for the royal court.

According to Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư, Phạm Ngũ Lão was born in 1255 in Phù Úng, Đường Hảo, Thượng Hồng (now Ân Thi, Hưng Yên).

[1] At the age of about 20 when his talent was noticed by Prince Hưng Đạo Trần Quốc Tuấn after sitting still whilst weaving a basket in the open road, not responding with anything other than "I am thinking about war."

[2] After that, Prince Hưng Đạo recommended him for the Emperor Trần Nhân Tông who appointed him as commander of right division of the Royal Guard (Thánh dực quân) in May 1290.

[11] After fighting in Battle of Bạch Đằng, Phạm Ngũ Lão ambushed Prince Toghan's retreating troops, destroying half of the Yuan army.

[14] In the military campaign in August 1294 led by the Retired Emperor Trần Nhân Tông in person, general Phạm Ngũ Lão was successful in relieving the troops of Prince Trung Thành trapped by Laotian force, he was awarded a golden badge by this deed of arms.

[15] In 1297, Phạm Ngũ Lão had another victory over the troops from Laos[16] and was appointed as commander-in-chief (Hữu kim ngô vệ đại tướng quân) in October 1298.