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Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Japanese Bridge Hoi An: Explore the iconic symbol of the heritage land

24/03/2023 2576 views

Over 400 years of history, Japanese Bridge Hoi An has become a tourist symbol of the ancient town. Not only that, this historical work is also considered as the manifestation of the soul of Hoi An and its people.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An

The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An is a highlight of the ancient town (Source: Collected)

Japanese Bridge Hoi An, with its tranquil atmosphere, is a highlight of Hoi An tourism. This place has witnessed the change of history with countless events and turning points. Perhaps that is why this place has become an ideal stopover that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

1. Japanese Bridge Hoi An – The tourist symbol of the ancient town

Located in the center of the ancient town and crossing the romantic Hoai River, Japanese Bridge Hoi An is a familiar rendezvous for tourists when they come to Hoi An. It is likened to a connecting piece that can link the past, present and future.

  • Address: Between Tran Phu street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street (Hoi An city, Quang Nam province)
  • Opening hours: 9 a.m – 11 p.m; 3 p.m – 10 p.m
  • Entrance ticket price: Free

Japanese Bridge Hoi An is a beautiful historical work, a harmonization of the culture and architecture of Vietnam and Japan. It is also known as Japanese Covered Bridge, Lai Vien Kieu or Cau Pagoda.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An is a work of great historical and architectural value (Source: Collected)

2. The history and renovation of Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Around the 17th century, Japanese Bridge Hoi An was built by Japanese merchants. According to the legend, this work was like a sword that pierced the back of the monster Namazu, making this monster unable to wag its tail to cause an earthquake. After that, people built a pagoda by the railing of the bridge, therefore it is also called Cau Pagoda (Cau means Bridge in Vietnamese).

In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chau, while visiting Hoi An, gave the bridge the name Lai Vien Kieu (meaning: visitor-welcoming bridge). According to the dating of the roof beam and the epitaph at the bridge entrance, this work was rebuilt in 1817. The pagoda on it was probably also rebuilt at this time. Then, in 1817, 1865, 1915 and 1986 respectively, the pagoda was renovated and gradually lost its Japanese features, which were replaced with Vietnamese and Chinese-style architecture.

On December 17, 1990, the bridge was recognized as a National Historical – Cultural Relic of Vietnam.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An

The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An has a long history (Source: Collected)

>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Hoi An, Nam Hoi An to explore Hoi An old town to the fullest!

3. What makes Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An special?

Japanese Bridge Hoi An has become a familiar destination for many domestic and foreign tourists when they come to Hoi An thanks to its many unique features as follows:

3.1. It is the intersection of many cultures

There are not many places in the country where there is such a unique blend of cultures as in Hoi An. The ancient town was once a busy trading port where traders from all over the world met and did business. Japanese Bridge Hoi An is like a testament to a time of Japanese-Vietnamese-Chinese architectural exchange. The work possesses architectural features that show the quintessence of Vietnam and East Asian cultures, which are harmonious, unique and impressive.

3.2. Its architecture bears Japanese imprints

Japanese Bridge Hoi An is made of wood, stands on piers made of brick and stone and has a total length of about 18 meters. The roof of the pagoda is covered with yin and yang tiles. On the main door, there is a large sign embossed with 3 Chinese characters: Lai Vien Kieu. Both the pagoda and the bridge are made of wood and decorated with elaborate carvings. On two sides of the bridge, there are 2 wooden animal statues: one is a monkey statue, the other is a canine statue (the monkey god and the canine god are the two gods that seal the monster Namazu in Japanese legend).

Japanese Bridge Hoi An

This Hoi An bridge has clear Japanese imprints (Source: Collected)

3.3. Cau Pagoda does not worship Buddha

Japanese Bridge Hoi An is basically a pagoda, yet, it is not used to worship Buddha, but rather Tran Vu. This is the god who protects the land, controls storms and floods, brings joy and happiness to people. Therefore, every year, not only Hoi An people but also tourists from all over the world come to this place to enjoy the scenery and find peace for the soul.

3.4. Its image is printed on the VND 20,000 polymer bill

Japanese Bridge Hoi An is present on the back of the VND 20,000 bill made of polymer plastic paper. The bill was issued in 2006 and is still in use today. That shows the value of the bridge in both the spiritual life and real life of Hoi An people.

This Hoi An bridge is present on the back of a Vietnamese bill

This Hoi An bridge is present on the back of a Vietnamese bill (Source: Collected)

3.5. It provides a poetic background to take photos

As a bridge with hundreds of years of history and unique architecture, Japanese Bridge Hoi An has become a must-visit destination for tourists when they come to the ancient town. In order to take some mesmerizing photos at the bridge, you can either prepare an elegant outfit and strike a casual pose, or don a stylish costume and make a unique stance.

4. Other famous tourist attractions near Japanese Bridge

After visiting the bridge, there are many other attractive Hoi An tourist destinations for you to explore:

4.1. VinWonders Nam Hoi An

  • Address: Vo Chi Cong street, Binh Minh commune, Thang Binh district, Quang Nam province
Japanese Bridge Hoi An

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is your next go-to destination after visiting Japanese Bridge Hoi An

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is located 15 kilometers from the center of the ancient town. This is a unique amusement park that combines cultural, architectural and art experiences. With numerous entertainment activities in its 5 subdivisions, the park promises to bring enjoyment to all sorts of visitors:

  • Harbor Corner: A place that reproduces the atmosphere of a bustling trading port in the center of Hoi An in the 16th and 17th centuries
  • River Safari: The first and only riverside semi-wildlife conservation park in Vietnam, having more than 50 species and nearly 550 individuals of animals
  • Island of Folk Culture: A place that gathers the cultural quintessence of Vietnam’s three regions with its craft villages and traditional art forms
  • Water World: an entertaining playground with water slides and pools for children, families and friends as well as tons of exciting and thrilling games
  • Adventure Land: A place that can really test your bravery with extreme games which are not for the faint of heart
Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Have the time of your life at this fascinating amusement park

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An to have lots of fun at this wonderful park!

4.2. Thanh Ha Pottery Village

  • Address: Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is about 3 kilometers west of Hoi An city center. Not far from Japanese Bridge Hoi An, this is a tourist destination for those who love to experience the long-standing culture of Vietnam. Not only a craft village, this is also a “living museum” that holds unique precious documents about the traditional beauty of Hoi An and the pottery craft.

4.3. Hoi An Market

  • Address: Hoi An ancient town center

Not only famed for its diverse and rich cuisine, Hoi An Market is also a hot spot for people who like taking photos. The market has a wide variety of items: vegetables, spices, souvenirs, etc. Tourists can sightsee, enjoy the food on the spot and buy gifts for their friends and relatives.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Hoi An Market is the place to try the specialties of Hoi An old town (Source: Collected)

5. The best tips for your visit to Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Coming to Japanese Bridge Hoi An, visitors should note the following:

  • If you go in a large group, you should hire a tour guide so they can show you the special architectural features and tell you stories about the town
  • The bridge attracts a lot of visitors, so you should come at around 9 a.m or 2-3 p.m to avoid overcrowding
  • Because the bridge is a spiritual tourist destination, you should refrain from making noise or wearing revealing clothes

Don’t forget to enjoy Hoi An specialties near the bridge such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, chicken rice, Hoi An pancakes, Phuong bread, mixed sweet soup, etc.

Through hundreds of years of history with many upheavals, Japanese Bridge Hoi An still stands as a timeless proof of Vietnamese tradition. When you travel to Hoi An, don’t forget to visit this attraction to feel the peace and tranquility in your soul. Remember to book voucher, combo, tour to Hoi An, Nam Hoi An to discover this land of heritage and book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An and enjoy true relaxation at this top-rated amusement park!

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