Long Bien Bridge in the past and present

For over 100 years, witnessing a lot of changes from the wartime to the peacetime, Long Bien Bridge has become a symbol of the glorious history of Vietnam.

Long Bien Bridge in the past

Long Bien Bridge was constructed from 1899 to 1902 during the French’s occupation in Vietnam. With the length of about 2,290 meters, it was the longest bridge in Indochina at that time.

Although the bridge was designed by the French, it was directly built by Vietnamese workers with domestic materials like woods from Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Thanh Hoa province, cement from Hai Phong, Long Tho lime from Hue.

Formerly, it was named Paul Doumer Bridge by the French, but the Vietnamese have called it Long Bien Bridge for a long time. At the time it was built, Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge across Red river and one of the four greatest bridges in the world.

The bridge has a single-track railway in the middle, cars and pedestrian lanes on both sides. Especially, all riders have to go on the left-hand side.

Long Bien Bridge at present

Nowadays, Long Bien Bridge is not only a traffic construction, a nice French architecture but also a historical relic. It attracts a lot of people of all ages looking for peace, tranquility, and fresh air. Standing on the bridge, people are expected to have poetic and romantic views of Hanoi capital, some fishing villages, Chuong Duong Bridge, and especially the majestic Red River.
Long Bien Bridge is simply beautiful under the sunlight.
 
The ideal time to visit Long Bien Bridge is probably at sunrise or sunset when it’s most peaceful and romantic. Many couples and youngsters go to Long Bien Bridge for dating or simply to take beautiful photos with the classic bridge. Especially, in wedding season, Long Bien Bridge is busier and more sparkling with beautiful brides in white and their grooms.
Travelers can also ride a bike or take a walk on the bridge, enjoying the daily life of the local people, and the peaceful moments at present.

How to get there
Long Bien Bridge is about one kilometer from Hanoi Old Quarter, and over two kilometers from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the Lake, tourists can go straight Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Dong Xuan street to get Long Bien Bridge.