The Toungoo–Hanthawaddy War was a defining moment in the history of Burma (Myanmar) that set the stage for the subsequent expansion and consolidation of the Toungoo Empire. This military conflict was characterized by a series of military, strategic, and political maneuvers by both sides.

One of the fascinating aspects of this war is how the smaller, relatively new Toungoo Kingdom managed to overcome the more established Hanthawaddy Kingdom. A combination of clever tactics, including misinformation, and the weak leadership on the part of Hanthawaddy, helped the Toungoo in achieving their objectives.

Tabinshwehti and Bayinnaung, the key leaders of Toungoo, exhibited tactical brilliance, first by causing discord within Hanthawaddy and then by capturing Pegu. Moreover, their determination to chase the retreating Hanthawaddy forces and the successful battle of Naungyo turned the tides in their favor. They recognized the necessity to quickly neutralize the Hanthawaddy military might before they could regroup.

Martaban’s resistance, characterized by its fortified harbor and the assistance of Portuguese mercenaries^[44], did offer a substantial obstacle. Yet, even here, Toungoo forces showed adaptability by constructing bamboo towers on rafts and effectively using fire-rafts to disable the Portuguese warships defending the harbor. These actions were crucial to bypassing the harbor's fortifications, ultimately allowing for the sack of the city.

The final victory at Martaban sealed the fate of Hanthawaddy and greatly expanded the Toungoo Empire. It is also worth noting how both sides employed foreign mercenaries, particularly the Portuguese, who brought new warfare technologies like firearms and artillery into the regional conflicts of Southeast Asia.

In essence, the war reflected not just a contest for territorial control but also a clash of strategies, with leadership and tactical innovation playing a significant role in the outcome. The fall of Hanthawaddy marked the end of one of the most powerful post-Pagan kingdoms^[44], allowing the Toungoo to use the acquired resources for further expansion, including reunification of other fragmented Burmese states. This war thus holds a crucial place in the larger narrative of Burmese history.