With a dense system of rivers and islands in Vietnam, you can see hundreds of bridges from the north to the south in this country.
Today, in the following articles, Vietnamdrive will mention three types of bridges in Vietnam that you may like to see.
Let’s see them now!
1. The top 5 longest bridges in Vietnam
1.1. Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Bridge
Length: 5,400 m, Crossing: Sea, Location: Hai Phong
The longest bridge in Vietnam holds the record for Dinh Vu – Cat Hai bridge, also known as Tan Vu – Lach Huyen, in Hai Phong City.
The bridge was started construction in 2014 and inaugurated in 2017, with a total investment of 11,849 billion Vietnam dong. This is a combined project between Japan and Vietnam.
After being inaugurated, the Cat Hai Bridge has promoted traffic in the vicinity of Hai Phong City, creating favorable conditions for tourism development for the famous tourist destination of Cat Ba Island.
1.2. Vinh Thinh Bridge
Length: 4480m, Crossing: The Red River, Location: Hanoi
Vinh Thinh Bridge is the longest river-crossing bridge in Vietnam. It was inaugurated in 2014 to connect Son Tay town (Hanoi city) with Vinh Tuong district (Vinh Phuc province).
Vinh Thinh Bridge is the result of cooperation between Vietnam and Korea. It has a total investment of 137 million USD, of which Korea’s ODA is 100 million; 37 million USD is the counterpart capital of Vietnam.
With a width of 16.5m, Vinh Thinh Bridge has four lanes, designed with a maximum speed of 80km/h. This bridge connects traffic between the Hanoi capital and the northwestern provinces such as Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Tuyen Quang.
1.3. Nhat Tan Bridge
Length: 3,900 m, Crossing: The Red River, Location: Hanoi
Nhat Tan Bridge, 3,900 m long, crosses the Red River, connecting Tay Ho District (Hanoi) and Vinh Ngoc Commune (Dong Anh District, Hanoi). It is designed in a modern cable-stayed style with six main spans.
Nhat Tan Bridge started construction in 2009 and was inaugurated in 2015. Its total investment was over 13,620 billion VND, and funds were mobilized from Japan’s ODA and Vietnam’s reciprocal capital.
With five main pillars representing five old gates in Hanoi, Nhat Tan Bridge makes traffic from Hanoi center to Noi Bai International Airport more convenient. At the same time, it connects the city center with the northern industrial areas.
1.4. Vinh Tuy Bridge
Length: 3778m, Crossing: Red River, Location: Hanoi
Vinh Tuy Bridge has a length of 3,778m, crossing the Red River and connecting Hai Ba Trung and Long Bien districts (Hanoi). The bridge has a width of more than 19m, and the maximum design speed is 60 km/h.
Vinh Tuy Bridge was built in 2005 and opened to traffic in 2009, with a VND 3,550 billion investment from Vietnam.
With an effort to connect traffic between the Hanoi capital and surrounding areas easily, Vinh Tuy Bridge was born to meet the increasing transportation demand, helping to narrow the gap between the two banks of the Red River.
1.5. Thang Long Bridge
Length: 3,115m, Crossing: Red River, Location: Hanoi
Thang Long Bridge is 3,115 m long and is in the Bac Tu Liem district of Hanoi City. It was built in 1974 and inaugurated in 1985, making it the longest-built bridge over the Red River.
This construction represents the friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union because of the technical and technological support from the Soviet Union.
The special feature of Thang Long Bridge is its two-storey structure: the lower floor has a railway line, and two sides are for rudimentary vehicles. The upper floor is a 15m wide car road.
In short, of the five longest bridges in Vietnam mentioned above, four are located in Hanoi and cross the Red River. The Red River is one of the largest rivers in Vietnam. Thanks to these bridges, the distance between the two banks has been reduced, promoting the economy and tourism.
2. The top 5 most beautiful bridges in Vietnam
In the section on the most beautiful bridges in Vietnam, we choose five typical bridges from our own perspective. We arrange a layout:
- Where it is
- Year to be built
- Why is it beautiful, or what is outstanding?
Let’s see what they are!
2.1. Trang Tien Bridge (Hue)
Trang Tien Bridge crosses the Perfume River in the beautiful city center of Hue, connecting Hung Vuong Street on the south bank with Tran Hung Dao Street on the north bank.
The bridge, which was built in 1897 and completed in 1899, is considered the first bridge across the Perfume River. Formerly known as Truong Tien, the names Truong Tien and Trang Tien are still used by the locals to refer to the bridge.
In terms of itself, Trang Tien Bridge is not beautiful. However, it is charming because of its history, because it is in the right place where it should be, staying with the peaceful Perfume River.
Every night, the colorful lights on the bridge reflecting on the sparkling river make the space and the whole bridge more romantic and shimmering.
2.2. Dragon Bridge (Da Nang)
Dragon Bridge crosses the Han River in the middle of Da Nang City, connecting Nguyen Van Linh Street (in the west) and Vo Van Kiet Street (in the east). The bridge helps traffic from the international airport to hotels along beautiful beaches in Danang more conveniently.
Dragon Bridge started construction in 2009 and was completed in 2013, becoming the 6th bridge across the Han River of this coastal city.
True to its name, the bridge is designed with the shape of a dragon gliding in the middle of the bridge. The tail in the est, the dragon’s head, faces the sea with the desire of Da Nang city to reach far and thrive.
Every night on weekends, you can admire the dragon spitting fire and water. Dragon Bridge is valued for its beautiful and unique design.
2.3. Golden Bridge (Da Nang)
Golden Bridge is one of the few bridges that does not cross rivers or sea estuaries. It is located on top of Ba Na mountain, 30 km northwest of Da Nang city center.
The Golden Bridge, also known as the Hand Bridge, was built in 2017 and put into use in 2018. Cầu Vàng, in Vietnamese, is at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level.
Since it was put into use, many visitors have been fascinated by the design of the bridge, which has beautiful curves supported by two giant hands.
When walking on the bridge, you will feel you are nailed in the middle of the space, blending between the clouds – the sky and the vast green of the mountains and forests.
Beautiful photos attached to the Golden Bridge in Da Nang have crossed the Vietnamese border with friends on five continents.
2.4. Long Bien Bridge (Hanoi)
Long Bien Bridge is one of the rare bridges in Vietnam with historical value. It connects the two districts of Hoan Kiem and Long Bien in Hanoi City.
The French built this bridge in 1898 – 1902 with its original name, Doumer.
Like the Trang Tien Bridge in Hue, the Long Bien Bridge is not as beautiful as today’s new and modern bridges. But it is a historical witness and the first bridge to cross the Red River.
Many people who like the classic look consider this bridge a great place to take beautiful photos. So, if you have the opportunity, please stop by Long Bien Bridge to discover the beauty of its ancient features.
2.5. Bai Chay Bridge (Ha Long)
Bai Chay Bridge spans the Cuu Luc River, formed from a strait of Ha Long Bay. It is located on National Highway 18 (QL 18), connecting two parts of Ha Long City, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam.
Bai Chay Bridge was built in 2003 and put into use in 2006. The bridge deck is 25.5 meters wide and has 4 lanes and 2 pedestrian lanes on both sides to help pedestrians see the city and the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
The bridge is especially prominent at night because of its twinkling colored lights. If seen from afar, its columns and cable-stayed lines look like the sails of the beautiful cruises in Ha Long Bay. Bai Chay Bridge helps to decorate Ha Long City at night more colorful and poetic.
3. The top 5 old covered bridges in Vietnam
Here is the part about the top old covered bridges in Vietnam. Each section includes the structure, its location, the date, and its highlight.
3.1. Japanese Covered Bridge (Hoi An)
The Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as the Pagoda Bridge, is in the center of Hoi An ancient town. It connects Tran Phu Street in the east with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in the west.
The bridge, a wooden structure with a tiled roof, was built in the 16th century. Next to the bridge, there is a temple worshiping the god Bac De Tran Vu, who can control wind and storms.
The locals call it Chua Cau, meaning the Pagoda Bridge. Until now, the two names Chua Cau and Cau Nhat Ban (Japanese Covered Bridge) have been used in parallel.
The gentle beauty and historical significance of the bridge have been one of the must-see attractions in Hoi An. It has also become the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos showing your friends about your Hoi An Old Town trip.
3.2. Thanh Toan Tile Bridge (Hue)
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge is 7 km east of Hue city center. It crosses a small canal, making it easier for locals to travel.
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge was built in 1776, an estimated 250 years ago, but its structure is still intact. People still use it to walk back and forth in this area.
With its ancient architectural structures and peaceful countryside, Thanh Toan Tile Bridge attracts many tourists. The highlight of this covered bridge is the decoration of porcelain on both sides, the rustic yin and yang tile roof, and the solid wooden structure. At noon, people come to sit under the bridge to cool off.
3.3. Phat Diem Covered Bridge (Ninh Binh)
About 30km from Ninh Binh city center, the Phat Diem Covered Bridge is still quietly reflecting on the An River. It is located in the center of Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam.
This bridge was built in 1902 and is classified as a group of relatively intact ancient covered bridges in Vietnam.
The beauty of Phat Diem Tile Bridge lies in its simple architecture, slightly curved shape, and lovely tile roof. Compared with the Thanh Toan Tile Bridge in Hue and the Japanese-covered Bridge in Hoi An, the Phat Diem Tile Bridge has softer, more elegant features.
3.4. Cho Thuong Covered Bridge (Nam Dinh)
Cho Thuong Covered Bridge is in Thuong Nong Village, Binh Minh Commune, Nam Truc District, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam. This bridge is ranked as a national historical and cultural relic.
Cho Thuong Tile Bridge was built in the 18th century, about 300 years ago, and has an overall length of 17.35 meters. It crosses the Ngoc River.
The abutments of the Cho Thuong Bridge are delicately designed and built of stone. Above the bridgehead, some horns look familiar but also exude majesty and power.
Although the bridge has simple motifs, it shows harmony in ancient architecture. From afar, this bridge looks like a dragon swooping.
3.5. Luong Pagoda Covered Bridge (Nam Dinh)
The Luong Pagoda Covered Bridge is in Hai Anh Commune, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam. It crosses a small river near the Luong Pagoda, called the Luong Pagoda-covered Bridge.
The bridge was built in the 17th century. In 1922, it underwent a significant restoration, but it still retains its original beauty and ancient architecture.
Overall, the covered bridge of Luong Pagoda is similar to the Tile Bridge in Cho Thuong and also has the image of a dragon wanting to fly. In particular, next to the bridge, there is a flamboyant tree; every summer, when the flowers bloom, they add red colors to beautify the hundreds-year-old bridge.
There are hundreds of bridges in Vietnam, each with its own beauty and specific architecture. More modern bridges have been built to improve traffic to different regions.
Vietnamdrive hopes you find this article useful in planning your journey to explore Vietnam and its bridges.
