The Iconic Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi

By Ngoc Tu Dinh - July 25, 2024
The Iconic Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi

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!

Table of Content[Hide]

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 architect 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.

year of establishment long bien bridge
Metal plate with engraved construction time and construction contractor of Long Bien bridge

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.

ponte long bien 1
Sunset over the Bridge is always an endless inspiration

Historical events associated with the 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.

ponte long bien 6

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.

ponte long bien 2

Enjoy Vietnamese cafe with a 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.

ponte long bien 4
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. The drink menu is varied from tea, juice, and smoothies to coffee. Just by holding up the camera, you can capture many bustling pictures of life here.

hoa xa coffee long bien bridge
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.

ponte long bien 5
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.

ponte long bien 3
Banana Island's lush green tapestry

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 in banana island
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.

See more:



Rate this post
5/5 - (2 Vote)

Share

  • printerest
  • whatsapp
  • linkedin
  • redis
Ngoc Tu Dinh
Travel Expert
I'm Ngoc Tu Dinh, a local travel expert from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Exploring Vietnam has been my passion for years, and I've spent 10 years as a tour guide throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. I hope that my understanding of Vietnamese culture, allow me to offer a unique perspective in this blog. Currently, I am based at IZITOUR. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, I'm here to help you make the most of it! Feel free to leave your comments at the end of the article. Your feedback is important, and I look forward to responding to you.

Write Comment

Other articles



Online Support
  • SMS/call/WhatsApp
    +84 382 536 266
  • Email
    sm@izitour.com
  • Skype ID:
    Mr.Hung
Legal license Izitour
WhatsappCustomize Tour