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Long Bien Bridge: A must-go ideal place in Vietnam

Want to find an interesting place to visit and experience? The Long Bien Bridge is famous for a symbol of Hanoi's resilience during the Franco-Indochinese War and the subsequent American War . [caption id="attachment_2131" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Long Bien Bridge[/captio

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Vietnam Travelers

Published2023-02-12

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In this guideHanoi City Tour

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Want to find an interesting place to visit and experience?

Route flow, hotel placement and transfer timing are the three decisions that shape the whole trip.

Want to find an interesting place to visit and experience? The Long Bien Bridge is famous for a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience during the Franco-Indochinese War and the subsequent American War.

This place has become one of the most iconic structures in the world. In this blog post, Vietnamtravelers.com will delve into the Long Bien Bridge – a place worth visiting when you go to Vietnam, let’s get started!

History of Long Bien Bridge

Some information about Long Bien Bridge

Time to build

The Long Bien Bridge is a historic structure located in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was built by the French in 1899 and completed in 1902, designed by the renowned Parisian architects Daydé & Pillé. It has played an important role in the development of trade and transportation in the region. Particularly during World War II, it served as a strategic military target.

Location

The bridge spans the Red River, connecting two districts of the city: Hoan Kiem on the east bank and Long Bien on the west bank.

About names and their meanings

Before North Vietnam’s emergence as an independent nation in 1954, it was known. It is also known as the Paul-Doumer Bridge. It is a tribute to the Governor-General of French Indochina and later President of France, Paul Doumer.

The bridge was renamed Long Bien Bridge after Hanoi was freed on October 10, 1954, since it lies near the Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hanoi nowadays).

Size

The bridge is 2,290 meters long and 896 meters wide, with 19 steel beams that go over 20 pillars and a unique design. The Long Bien bridge was a massive engineering feat for Asia at the time.

The bridge in the war

For over 100 years, American planes bombed Long Bien Bridge, notably during Christmas in 1972. The reason is its strategic location, which is the sole bridge across the Red River between Hanoi and Haiphong. A large number of bridge spans were damaged or destroyed.

The bridge nowadays

Due to the rapid expansion in traffic, more contemporary and large bridges spanning the Red River were erected. They include Chuong Duong Bridge, Thanh Tri Bridge, and Thang Long Bridge,… As a result, this bridge is now accessible to trains, bicycles, and pedestrians alike.

Activities to try at Long Bien Bridge

Learn about Vietnam’s heroic past

This bridge is an iconic attraction in Hanoi and has been a part of the city’s cultural landscape for centuries. The bridge, which stretches over the Red River, offers visitors a unique look at Hanoi’s history and culture.

Watch the sunset and sunrise

The bridge is ideal for observing nature at sunrise and sunset. At Long Bien Bridge, visitors may enjoy fresh air and observe Hanoi’s largest and busiest fruit market at sunrise (Cho Dau Moi Long Bien). The tourist can observe a local market activity, the hustle and bustle of a typical Vietnamese morning of traders.

Visit Middle Island of Red River

This island is known as “Bãi giữa sông Hồng” in Vietnamese. This island is an emerald paradise, boasting flourishing banana fields and corn-covered plains. Families of all ages come here on weekends to bask in the sun and enjoy a pleasant picnic.

Take a breathtaking photos

This bridge is an ideal destination for photographers. Its unique architecture and the stunning views of the Red River create a perfect backdrop to capture captivating scenes. It is particularly popular to take photos during sunset when the bridge lights up in changing colors. This actually creates a magical atmosphere.

Leisurely strolls or bike rides

The bridge at night is an unforgettable experience! Tourists can feel the Red River wind and marvel in awe at Hanoi’s city center lights that sparkle up against starry skies.

Try the foods at local street vendors

Try to eat foods at local street vendors

While immersing yourself in this spectacle, don’t forget to savor a hot snack from local street vendors. Their scrumptious baked corn and sweet potatoes are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Visit Food Street

This street is known as “Chợ Ẩm Thực Ngọc Lâm” and it is full of delicious local Vietnamese food. Every single one of these eateries features a view of the river and bridge. Also, they have affordable prices, high-quality cuisine, and delicious drinks.

Means of transportation to Long Bien bridge

You may get to the Long Bien Bridge through public transportation via a number of different bus lines, including the 01, 14, 15, 22, 34, 47, and 55 buses. The bus will drop you off at Long Bien Railway Station or Long Bien Transshipment Spot.

You may either walk from the center of Hanoi to here or you could rent a motorbike and make sure you cross the bridge on the left side. It just more than 1 km from the Old Quarter to Long Bien bridge.

Helpful tips when visiting Long Bien Bridge

Ask for the price before you buy, so you don’t get overcharged when you buy anything.
If you are traveling across the bridge by bicycle or motorcycle, stay on the left side of the roadway. The riders on the Long Bien Bridge are required to travel on the left side of the bridge rather than the right side, as is customary on other bridges in Hanoi.
Because the roadway on the bridge is so congested and narrow, you should park your car in one of the more open areas of the roadway.
Put trash in the right place and don’t carve or paint on the railings of the bridge.

Conclusion

As one of the most iconic bridges in Vietnam, Long Bien Bridge has become a symbol of Hanoi itself. Besides, it is a beautiful and popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Today, the bridge is an important part of Hanoi’s history and culture and a must-see for any visitor to the city. Hopefully, this post is helpful for you! Thank you for reading!