In the wake of the devastation wrought during the Ming invasions of 1407-1427, the early kings of the posterior Lê dynasty extensively rebuilt the Thăng Long Citadel during the mid 15th century, but the style which emerged was more modest than before, with decorative sculpture of a relatively subdued nature.

During this period Confucian doctrine was enforced strictly at court; Buddhism lost the political and ideological role it had enjoyed under the Trần kings and restrictions were placed on the building of pagodas. Consequently in the years which followed the development of Buddhism in Việt Nam was confined mainly to rural areas.

However, this was an important period in the development of urban housing. When Hà Nội was founded in 1010 it had comprised a citadel and some temples surrounded by a small village of traders. By the 15th century the village had begun to evolve into what is now known as the Old Quarter or the '36 Streets' District. Most houses of this time still had mud walls and thatched roofs but brick houses were becoming increasingly common. The basic street plan of the Old Quarter dates from this time.