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05/11/2022
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Long Bien Bridge is likened to a lying Eiffel Tower in Vietnam (Source: Collected)
Hanoi travel has always been on top of tourists’ budget lists when they plan to travel to Vietnam. Long Bien Bridge is a favourite destination in the capital, which offers a special way to enjoy Hanoi’s landscape at different times of the day. The bridge has survived the wars and still stands firmly to connect the two banks of the Red River.
1. When was Long Bien Bridge built?
Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge built across the Red River. It is located in today’s Long Bien District and connects the district with Hoan Kiem District.
Long Bien Bridge history is over 100 years ago (Source: Collected)
Long Bien Bridge was built by the French between 1898 and 1902, under the rule of the Governor-General of French Indochina named Paul Doumer. Construction finished on September 12, 1898, with a budget of over 5.3 million Francs, which was the biggest construction work in Indochina then.
Long Bien Bridge was officially opened on February 28, 1902, which was expected to serve the French’s exploitation in Vietnam in particular and in Indochina in general. The bridge has witnessed the most significant milestones of Vietnamese people, including the wars against the French and the Americans.
In September 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence in Ba Dinh Square, this very bridge helped thousands of people living on the outskirts flocking to the site. It was not until 1954 when the Vietnamese totally defeated the French in Dien Bien Phu that the bridge was renamed Long Bien Bridge.
Long Bien Bridge Vietnam has witnessed the most important moments of the country’s history (Source: Collected)
2. What is unique about Long Bien Bridge architecture?
Long Bien Bridge was designed by Daydé & Pillé, a company based in Paris. It was a leading construction company which used the most modern technology at that time to bring an aesthetic look and safety to the bridge.
The whole bridge was made of steel, with a tight structure arranged in a harmonious and impressive layout. From far away, Long Bien Bridge looks like a huge dragon zigzagging vigorously and smoothly over the immense river.
The bridge was even likened to a lying Eiffel Tower. Stretching 2,290 metres in length, it has a railway running in the middle and two roadways for bikes and pedestrians. It used to be the second longest bridge in the world after the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
This famous bridge in Hanoi used to be the second longest bridge in the world (Source: @murilo_andes)
3. The top 5 not-to-be-missed experiences at Long Bien Bridge
There are various activities to do at Long Bien Bridge to enjoy the landscape and capture memorable moments in Hanoi.
3.1. Admire the splendor view of Hanoi from above
Long Bien Bridge Hanoi is the ideal place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle. The bridge stands firmly over an immense river, which brings along a beautiful space full of fresh air. From the bridge, you can get a splendid view of Hanoi, with lush gardens under the bridge and skyscrapers in the distance. The immense river flowing below will make people feel small amidst the great nature.
From Long Bien Bridge Eiffel, you can have a spectacular view of the city (Source: @thuongdinh97)
3.2. Enjoy Tran Nhat Duat Cafe on the 4th floor
While enjoying the cafe, you can have a good view of Long Bien Bridge (Source: @musta_c)
From the 4th floor of a cafe on Tran Nhat Duat street, you can enjoy the authentic Hanoi coffee while chatting with friends and contemplating the old bridge from above. From here, you can see a bustling market nearby. You can also take many beautiful photos with Long Bien Bridge in the background. There are many cafes with a good view of the bridge on the other bank as well.
3.3. Walk along and take photos with the old railways
The rustic appearance of the bridge matches very well with both traditional and modern wedding outfits. That is why many young couples choose the bridge to take their wedding photos to capture the most important moments in their life.
Here, youngsters like taking photos with the old railway. On the other hand, the elderly prefer walking along the bridge to remind themselves of the heroic past of the nation when they were young.
People of all ages can walk and take photos on this Hanoi tourist attraction (Source: Collected)
3.4. Contemplate the beautiful sunrise and sunset
With an immense open space, Long Bien Bridge is an ideal place to see the sunrise and sunset in Hanoi. At these times, the sun sheds its gorgeous light on the bridge and twinkles on the river below. It is such a magnificent and unique sight that you will not be able to find anywhere else in the capital.
At night, from Long Bien Bridge, you can see marvelous light of the city centre in the far distance. This is the time when you should stroll on the bridge to enjoy the gentle winds, which will be quite relaxing.
The magnificent and unique sunset on Long Bien Bridge Eiffel (Source: Collected)
3.5. Immerse yourself in flowers at the Red River Stone Garden nearby
There are many gardens and restaurants at the foot of Long Bien Bridge on both banks of the river, among which Red River Stone Garden is a popular destination for sightseeing and taking photos. The garden grows various kinds of seasonal flowers. In addition, it has lots of beautiful sights such as the pine trees, wooden houses, swings, cliffs, and grass for taking photos.
Red River Stone Garden offers many sights for contemplating and taking photos (@chang.thutran_)
4. Tips on exploring Long Bien Bridge Hanoi for your trip
- There are many means of transportation to reach the bridge: taxi, cyclo, bus, bicycle, or motorbike. There are many buses passing the bridge, including buses number 01, 04, 14, 15, 22, 24, 34, 47A, 47B, and 55.
- Refrain from buying snacks or drinks on Long Bien Bridge, which may be charged many times higher than their real value. Instead, bring along your own snacks.
- The roadways on the bridge are very narrow. Hence, if you want to park your vehicle, choose some wider parts of the road so as to clear the way for others.
- You should keep the environment clean on the bridge. Don’t throw rubbish or paint the rails of the bridge.
There are many ways to reach Long Bien Bridge (Source: @denys.avramenko)
In addition to Long Bien Bridge, there are many other tourist attractions in Hanoi that you should take your time to visit, such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and especially VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City if you travel with children.
At Vinpearl Aquarium, you will have the opportunity to explore the ocean world at one of the most modern aquarium systems in Vietnam. In a total area of nearly 4,000 square meters, the aquarium is home to more than 30,000 sea creatures from around the world. Also, it offers many attractive performances that you can watch through a glass pane.
Meanwhile, at VinKE, your family will have a chance to have fun and educate your children in the complex of 4,000 square metres. VinKE creates a “play and learn” space for children to experience their dream career, learn about their favorite field, and become more confident with the world around them. It focuses on many career-orientation games, such as Fire Department, Traffic Police, Fashion Star, Kid Chef, Auto Repair Workshop, etc.
Have fun at Vinpearl Aquarium & VinKE near Long Bien Bridge
Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium here
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has many architectural works that date back to the French colonial period, among which Long Bien Bridge is a significant example. The old bridge, which connects the two banks of the Red River, has been a historic heritage site. Visiting the bridge, tourists will have many things to do, from enjoying the landscape to capturing their memorable moments in Hanoi.
