One of Vietnam’s oldest bridges, Long Bien Bridge is a great destination for travelers to discover and honor the country’s valiant past. Despite enduring immense destruction, the monument remains over the Red River, Long Bien bridge has served as a priceless emblem of Hanoi’s traumatic past. Don’t miss this website if travel and tourism in Indochina tour packages are of interest to you.
Long Bien Bridge History
One of the first bridges built in Vietnam by French colonists, the Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge in Hanoi. It connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien, two neighborhoods of Hanoi, by crossing the Red River.
The French built the Long Bien Bridge between 1899 and 1902. It was formerly called Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of French Indochina at the time. Given that the bridge saw numerous intense fights between the French and Americans throughout the two Indochina Wars, this work has been compared to a witness to Hanoi’s history.
This very bridge allowed thousands of people from the surrounding areas to swarm to Ba Dinh Square in September 1945, just before President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence there. The bridge was not christened Long Bien until 1954, the year the Vietnamese overthrew the French at Dien Bien Phu. After being severely destroyed by American bombing between 1965 and 1968, it was restored in 1973.
The iconic French-built bridge continues to be vital to the city’s citizens’ everyday existence. Only trains, motorcycles, bicycles, and walkers have used this bridge since the 1990s due to a sharp increase in the number of automobiles. For both residents and tourists, the bridge has grown to be a well-known historical landmark in Hanoi. Additionally, both young people and newlyweds like taking pictures at Long Bien Bridge.
Long Bien Bridge Architecture
The Paris-based firm Daydé & Pillé was responsible for designing the Long Bien Bridge. It was constructed at the time using cutting-edge building techniques, guaranteeing both contemporary and artistic features. The bridge has a precise structure and was built completely of steel.
The steel bridge is 1,682 meters long and has rusty rails and tiny roads on both sides. It is now heavily weathered. Before the US Brooklyn Bridge, this unique structure was the second-longest bridge in the world.
Best Things to Do & See in Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi
Walk along Long Bien Bridge
Standing atop Vietnam’s Long Bien Bridge at night, you could take in the grandeur of the city center from a distance. If you don’t take a stroll on the bridge to take in the gentle breeze as you wait for the night train to pass by, it will be a waste. This bridge offers an amazing view, making it the perfect place for people to spend some precious downtime away from the bustling city.
Capture the beauty of the old railway on Long Bien Bridge
When visiting Vietnam’s Long Bien Bridge, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the amazing view. The bridge’s rustic style goes well with both contemporary and traditional attire. For this reason, a lot of young people visit this location to snap pictures and remember their childhood in the energetic capital city. In the meantime, old people frequently visit the bridge to remember the brave past of their country.
Admire the amazing sunrise & sunset on Long Bien Bridge
One of the greatest spots in Hanoi to see the sun rise and set is thought to be Long Bien Bridge. During those moments, the sun twinkles on the river below and casts a dazzling light on the bridge. You won’t be able to discover a more stunning and singular sight anyplace else in the capital city.
Enjoy Coffee near Long Bien Bridge
You may sip real Hanoi coffee on the fourth floor of a cafe on Tran Nhat Duat Street, savoring conversation with friends and taking in views of the historic bridge. The Red River Flower Garden and a neighboring market are also visible from this location. With Long Bien Bridge in the backdrop, this is the perfect location for tourists to capture lots of stunning pictures.
Visit gardens near Long Bien Bridge
Many people have taken countless wonderful photos at the Red River Flower Garden because of its expansive greenery. You can descend to the foot and enter the routes that are obscured by the woods from the Long Bien Bridge. They will point you in the direction of the garden if you ask for instructions.
How to Get to Long Bien Bridge
About one kilometer to the east of Hanoi’s city center is where you’ll find Long Bien Bridge. You can walk, ride your bike, or motorbike to the bridge because it’s not a very long distance. You can take a bus and get out at Long Bien Bus Stop if you’re farther away. The following buses pass by the stop: 01, 14, 15, 18, 22, 34, 41, 47, 50, 55B, and 36CT.
The Long Bien Bridge, a representation of the brave capital city, continues to be an integral part of Hanoians’ daily lives. You can find a spot to relax outside beneath the sky, even in the middle of the fast-paced urban environment. With any luck, the information provided will come in handy when you visit this precious bridge.
