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Long Bien Bridge, referred to as the "historical witness" of Vietnam has endured many changes through ups and downs. Having stood still after many historical events, it is now one of the significant symbols of Hanoi. Discover more about this famous bridge with Izitour in the following article!
Sunset over the bridge is always endless inspiration
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General information about Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge is considered the first steel bridge to span over the Red River, connecting the two districts of Hoan Kiem and Long Bien in Hanoi. The bridge was built by a Fench architecture, from 1898 to 1902, under the government of Indochina's Governor General, Mr. Paul Doumer. The bridge is 1,682m long and comprises 19 spans of steel girders placed on 20 pillars with unique architecture. The bridge is designed with a single track in the middle and two lanes on each side for bicycles and pedestrians.
The Long Bien Bridge was once known as the second longest bridge in the world (after the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River in the USA), and was even referred to as Hanoi's horizontal Eiffel Tower.
Metal plate with engraved construction time and construction contractor of Long Bien bridge
Historical events associated with Long Bien Bridge
The Long Bien Bridge played a significant role in Vietnam's history by being present during two major wars of resistance: one against the French colonialists and another against the American imperialists. In 1945, it served as a pathway for thousands of suburban residents to meet Uncle Ho when he read the Declaration of Independence in Ba Dinh Square, filling people with happiness and pride. In October 1954, the bridge was surrounded by celebrations as Hanoi was liberated, bearing witness to the nation's joy. Then, 21 years later, it once again witnessed the joy of independence and reunification when the South was liberated. Throughout its more than 100 years of existence, the bridge has become more than just a structure; it has become a companion to Vietnamese citizens and symbolises the spirit of Vietnam.
Interesting activities around the Long Bien Bridge
Watching Hanoi from above
Long Bien Bridge is probably a bridge associated with nostalgia, the bridge that young people often cross to stop and enjoy the breeze or feel the need for an open space to breathe. The bridge is also a place where students often gather to sit and sing happily, a place to cherish the youthful memories.
Enjoy Vietnamese cafe with view
Serein Cafe and Lounge
Address: 16 Long Bien Dormitory Area, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
From Café Tran Nhat Duat, located on the 4th floor with an open area, you can see the Long Bien Bridge from a distance. When you visit, you can have a coffee, chat, and enjoy the view of the ancient bridge, Banana island, the bustling market, and the vast space in the distance. This spot offers a unique perspective of the Long Bien Bridge from above, instead of the usual straight-ahead or under-the-bridge view.
Serein Cafe and Lounge
Hỏa Xa Coffee
Address: Long Biên Station, Tran Nhat Duat Street, Hanoi
Hoa Xa Cafe is located next to Long Bien Station, on Tran Nhat Duat Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. The shop is easy to recognize because it is located right on Tran Nhat Duat street and next to Long Bien bridge. Opposite is the entrance to Long Bien bridge. The front is the scene of Long Bien Bridge crossing Tran Nhat Duat Street. Drink menu is varied from tea, juice, smoothies to coffee. Just by holding up the camera, you can capture many bustling pictures of life here.
Hỏa Xa Coffee's view to the bridge
Eating grilled corn in winter
In winter, Long Bien Bridge will be the perfect spot to relax and savour grilled corn while feeling the refreshing breeze and listening to the whistling wind. It will be a thrilling experience as you sit next to the stream of traffic, eating corn. You can also seek comfort near the fire and warm your heart with the steam from the hot potatoes.
Night activities on the bridge
Visit Hanoi’s hidden Banana Island
People call it Bai Giua or Banana island because you can find a vast garden of banana trees stretching as far as the eye can see. The island is the living place of a community making agriculture for a living. It's a popular spot with vast green scenery that's perfect for beautiful photos, resembling a grassland from above.
Banana Island's lush green tapastry
From the Long Bien Bridge, go down to the area at the foot of the bridge, go deep into the streets hidden by the trees below, ask the way, people here will show you the way to discover the Banana Island. If you go deeper into the land, you can counter a community living on floating houses. There are some unique bicycle tours that include this attraction.
Floating houses of a community living on Banana Island
We hope the above interesting information about Long Bien Bridge will help you to love the bridge associated with the heroic and tragic years of the Vietnamese people.
To see more about Hanoi:
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