Hanoi, known as the “city surrounded by river,” is a place of natural beauty, with its ponds, lakes, rivers, and bridges. While Hoan Kiem Lake and the iconic red bridge named The Huc represent the elegance and charm of the ancient city, the Red River and the Long Bien Bridge stand as symbols of the capital’s courage in times of war.
History
The construction of the Long Bien Bridge took place between 1899 and 1902, during the French occupation of Vietnam. Although the design was French, Vietnamese workers built it using local materials such as wood from Phu Tho, Yen Bai, and Thanh Hoa provinces, as well as cement from Hai Phong and Long Tho lime from Hue.
Originally named Paul Doumer by the French, the bridge has long been known to the Vietnamese as Long Bien or Cai River Bridge. With 19 spans, it was the first steel bridge to cross the Red River in Hanoi and was considered one of the greatest bridges in the world at the time of its construction.
Long Bien Bridge was not only a remarkable architectural achievement but also a vital connection for transporting tons of rice from the northern and northern central areas of Vietnam to the Dien Bien Phu battle. It played a significant role in the victory of the Vietnamese army against the French in 1954.
Despite enduring decades of war and being bombed multiple times by American forces in 1967 and 1972, Long Bien Bridge still stands as a testament to history. Although many spans were destroyed, the remaining sections serve as a reminder of the bridge’s unforgettable past. It is not just a traffic construction; it is a living historical relic.
What to See
Today, Long Bien Bridge is one of the five bridges that span the Red River in Hanoi. However, it holds a unique historical, architectural, and cultural value. It is the only bridge in Hanoi where all riders must travel on the left-hand side. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll and treat themselves to mouthwatering desserts offered by vendors. Hanoians can also buy fresh vegetables or fish for dinner from the small afternoon market on the bridge.
Many people living in or visiting Hanoi consider Long Bien Bridge the best place to witness breathtaking sunrises or sunsets and capture stunning photos of the alluvial patch. The bridge’s picturesque backdrop has also made it a popular choice for wedding albums. Tourists often visit to admire the historical structure and soak in the beautiful scenery. Youngsters and teenagers flock to the bridge to create cherished memories of their youthful days amidst the greenery. Vendors and housewives gather here every afternoon for an open-air market.
And let’s not forget the trains that pass over the bridge every day.
Long Bien Bridge, the oldest bridge in Hanoi, silently shares in the daily life of Hanoians. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to take a walk on Long Bien Bridge. Experience the vibrant daily life of the locals, enjoy peaceful moments in the present, and honor the unforgettable past.
How to Get There
To reach Long Bien Bridge, you can rent a motorbike and ride on the left-hand side of the bridge, or take a leisurely walk from the center of Hanoi. It’s just over 1 kilometer from the Old Quarter to Long Bien Bridge.
For more options, check out the full list of hotels in Hanoi.
Useful Information
- Location: Long Bien Bridge
- Best for: Solo, Couple
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: All Day
- Distance to city center: 3.2km (2.0 mi)
For more information and to embark on more exciting adventures in Hanoi, visit the official website of Rừng Cúc Phương.
