With a vast network of rivers stretching from North to South, Vietnam has long been home to many unique and interesting bridges, each rich in historical value. Below are 15 of the most impressive bridges that have become symbols of Vietnamese pride.
- 1. Bach Long Bridge (Moc Chau)
- 2. Long Bien Bridge (Ha Noi)
- 3. The Huc Bridge, Red Bridge (Hanoi)
- 4. Nhat Tan Bridge (Hanoi)
- 5. Ho Kieu Bridge (Lao Cai)
- 6. Golden Bridge (Da Nang)
- 7. Dragon Bridge (Da Nang)
- 8. Chua Cau Bridge (Hoi An)
- 9. Trang Tien Bridge (Hue)
- 10. Thanh Toan Historic Covered Bridge (Hue)
- 11. Hien Luong Bridge (Quang Tri- DMZ Zone)
- 12. Monkey Bridge, Mekong Delta
- 13. Can Tho Bridge (Can Tho)
- 14. Kissing Bridge (Phu Quoc Island)
- 15. Thi Nai Bridge (Quy Nhon)
1. Bach Long Bridge (Moc Chau)
The Bach Long Bridge, also known as the White Dragon, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest glass bridge in the world. Spanning 632 meters and suspended 150 meters above a lush valley, it's a perfect attraction for adventure and nature lovers.
Located in the Moc Chau of Son La province, about 200 km from Hanoi, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The bridge is open to visitors year-round, and ticket prices may vary. The reference price:
- During vacations and weekends: 650,000VND/adult and 450,000VND/child
- During the rest of the year (weekdays):: 550,000VND/ adult and 350,000VND/child
2. Long Bien Bridge (Ha Noi)
The Long Bien Bridge is one of Hanoi's most iconic and historically significant structures. Designed by the French company Daydé & Pillé, the same firm behind the famous Eiffel Tower, the bridge was originally built to transport minerals and raw materials from northern Vietnam to the capital during the French colonial era. Despite suffering numerous bombings during the war, the bridge still stands today, bearing the scars of a glorious and turbulent past.
Just below this bridge is a large night market, which is the largest in Hanoi. A little further under this bridge is Banana Island, a fertile stretch of land where local farmers grow bananas, vegetables, and flowers. This quiet, rural area offers a sense of tranquility right in the middle of a bustling city. It's a perfect spot to take beautiful photos at sunrise or sunset. The bridge is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, scooter, or bus, making it an ideal place for anyone interested in exploring Hanoi's history and finding a peaceful escape.
3. The Huc Bridge, Red Bridge (Hanoi)
The Huc Bridge (Cau The Huc), or "Bridge of the Rising Sun," is a distinctive red wooden bridge that gracefully spans Hoan Kiem Lake. It is reserved exclusively for pedestrians, leading them to the entrance of Ngoc Son Temple, a revered religious and historical site. As an iconic symbol of Hanoi, the bridge offers picturesque views of the lake and its legendary Turtle Tower, making it a popular spot for visitors to capture beautiful photos.
4. Nhat Tan Bridge (Hanoi)
The Nhat Tan Bridge is one of the largest bridges over the Red River, serving as a vital connection between downtown Hanoi and Noi Bai International Airport. This impressive structure, which officially opened in 2015, stands as a powerful symbol of the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, with significant financial support from the Japanese government.
Known for its striking modern design, the Nhat Tan Bridge is currently Vietnam's largest cable-stayed bridge, featuring five rhomboidal towers and six spans.
5. Ho Kieu Bridge (Lao Cai)
The Ho Kieu Bridge spans the Nam Thi River directly on the Vietnam-China border, connecting Lao Cai province of Vietnam with Hekou district of China. Serving as a crucial symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, the bridge is essential for cross-border trade.
While historical trade was more challenging, the construction of this rail and road link a century ago was instrumental in transforming the regional economy and facilitating the exchange of goods between the two nations.
6. Golden Bridge (Da Nang)
The Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) is one of Vietnam's most famous attractions, located high in the Ba Na Hills of Da Nang. At an altitude of more than 1,400 meters, this 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge appears to be held aloft by two colossal stone hands, creating a truly unique and breathtaking visual. It has quickly become an iconic symbol of Da Nang's tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world with its innovative design and stunning views. From the bridge, you can enjoy a magnificent landscape of lush mountains, beautiful buildings, and the vast expanse of clouds, all while exploring the surrounding Sun World amusement park.
The period from April to September is ideal for a visit, as the weather is typically pleasant. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds. To avoid the busiest times, we recommend visiting on a weekday, especially in the early morning.
To reach the bridge, you must purchase a ticket at the Sun World Ba Na Hills complex. The ticket includes a round-trip cable car ride, a funicular train ticket to the mountain, and access to many of the park's attractions. The complex is located about 60 km from Hoi An and is easily accessible by car, motorbike, bus, or taxi.
While a visit to the Golden Bridge itself can take about an hour, exploring the entire park and its various attractions will require a full day.
Opening hours: 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
7. Dragon Bridge (Da Nang)
Located in Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge is a striking tied-arch bridge that spans the Han River. Its design, which features a magnificent dragon stretching for 666 meters, was inspired by the imagery of the Ly Dynasty dragon, a powerful symbol of prosperity and growth in Vietnamese culture. The number 6 is considered a lucky number in Vietnam, making its length no accident.
At night, the bridge is spectacularly illuminated, creating a truly magical scene. On weekends and major holidays, the dragon comes to life, staging a thrilling show where it breathes fire and sprays water from its mouth. These free shows typically take place around 9:00 PM. You can watch the spectacle from the riverbanks, a cruise boat, or from the rooftop of a nearby hotel for a better view.
This iconic bridge has become a major symbol of Da Nang, and no trip to the city is complete without seeing it.
8. Chua Cau Bridge (Hoi An)
The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, is a beautiful wooden bridge covered with a tiled roof. Built by Japanese merchants in the late 16th century, it served as a vital link between the Japanese and Chinese communities of the trading port.
Legend has it that the bridge is a symbol of a monster whose head is in India and tail is in Japan. The bridge itself is said to act as a sword plunged into the monster's back, preventing it from causing earthquakes. Its unique blend of Japanese and Vietnamese architectural styles has made it a timeless symbol of the city. The bridge is also famously depicted on the 20,000 VND banknote.
While you can admire the bridge's exterior 24/7, to cross it and visit the small pagoda inside, you need to purchase the 120,000 VND Old Town ticket. This ticket is valid for all historical sites within the Hoi An Ancient Town. A visit to the bridge itself can be completed in about 15 minutes. As it is an extremely popular spot, it is best to visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds. Inside the bridge, you can find a small temple dedicated to the Taoist deity Tran Vo Bac De.
9. Trang Tien Bridge (Hue)
Located on the famous Perfume River, the Trang Tien Bridge stands as one of Hue's most iconic landmarks. Designed by Gustave Eiffel's company, this historic bridge is considered a link between the city's rich past, vibrant present, and promising future.
At 402.6 meters long, the bridge becomes a visual spectacle in the evening, with a dynamic light display that illuminates the arches in a dazzling array of colors. This is especially true during the Hue Festival, when the atmosphere is at its most festive. Surrounded by famous tourist sites, the Trang Tien Bridge is a must-see highlight of any trip to central Vietnam.
10. Thanh Toan Historic Covered Bridge (Hue)
The Thanh Toan Bridge, one of Vietnam's oldest bridges, is a rare and beautiful example of ancient architecture. Located in a picturesque rural setting near the city of Hue, this wooden bridge with a tiled roof spans a small canal in Bao La village, which is famous for its bamboo products.
Built in the 18th century at the request of a mandarin's wife to help villagers cross the river more easily, the bridge still houses a small altar dedicated to her. The bridge's tranquil surroundings offer a glimpse into the rural life of the past, complete with a nearby market where local villagers sell produce and handicrafts.
11. Hien Luong Bridge (Quang Tri- DMZ Zone)
Located on the Ben Hai River in Quang Tri Province, the Hien Luong Bridge played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. As the official boundary between North and South Vietnam at the 17th parallel, the bridge was a witness to the intense conflict and propaganda efforts from both sides, being repeatedly bombed and rebuilt. Today, it stands as a sacred and emotional monument, representing the Vietnamese people's eternal desire for peace, independence, and unification.
Originally built in 1928, the bridge was expanded in 1950 by the French for military purposes. After 1954, it was famously painted with two different colors - one side red and the other blue. During the conflict, the bridge was also the site of a "loudspeaker war", where both sides broadcast propaganda messages to each other
Now a national relic, the Hien Luong Bridge and its surrounding area offer a deeply moving experience. The current cost for a visit is 50,000 VND per adult.
12. Monkey Bridge, Mekong Delta
The Cau Khi, or "Monkey Bridge", is a quintessential symbol of the traditional lifestyle in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. These fragile footbridges are built by hand using bamboo or coconut palm logs and span the region's many rivers and canals.
Known for their wobbly and challenging nature, they are often considered one of the most intimidating bridges for tourists to cross. The name "monkey bridge" comes from the posture required to navigate them. You have to crouch and balance carefully, much like a monkey, to avoid falling into the water below.
13. Can Tho Bridge (Can Tho)
This cable-stayed bridge is located on one of the branches of the Mekong River in Can Tho, the "capital of the Southwest Zone" of the Mekong Delta. It is the longest main span bridge in Southeast Asia (the length of the main span is 550m) thanks to the support of the Japanese government. Before it was built, people had to cross the river by ferry, now it could be crossed more easily with this bridge.
14. Kissing Bridge (Phu Quoc Island)
The Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon) is a new symbol of Phu Quoc, designed to embody the theme of love. Inspired by the Vietnamese legend of Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu, the bridge is made of steel and features a unique cantilever design.
It is a popular destination for couples and a romantic spot for marriage proposals. The bridge's two sides are separated by a small gap of 50cm, which allows the setting sun to shine through perfectly, creating an ideal setting for romantic photos and symbolizing the meeting of two lovers.
15. Thi Nai Bridge (Quy Nhon)
The Thi Nai Bridge, completed in 2006, is a key piece of infrastructure connecting the city of Quy Nhon to the Phuong Mai Peninsula. With a length of 2,477.3 meters, it was Vietnam's second longest cross-sea bridge at the time.
The bridge is a popular destination for visitors who come to admire the stunning mountain scenery and the breathtaking sunsets that reflect beautifully on the water.
After exploring these 15 impressive bridges in Vietnam, it's clear they are more than just connections across rivers. From ancient stone structures to modern, artistic designs, each one tells a part of Vietnam's story. They connect communities, carry daily life, and offer a unique perspective on the country's rich history and engineering.
We hope this guide inspires you to seek out these remarkable structures on your travels and appreciate the significant role they play in the Vietnamese landscape.
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