Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge is the first steel bridge of Hanoi, also one of the first bridges built by the French in Vietnam. The more than one hundred year old bridge was built between 1899 and 1902 with the idea and construction of the Paris architects Daydé & Pillé. At first, it was named after the French Governor General in Indochina - Paul Doumer. Until 1954, when the Vietnamese army completely defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu, the bridge was renamed to Long Bien bridge.

At the time of construction, Long Bien Bridge was one of the four greatest bridges in the world. To build the bridge, more than 3000 Vietnamese workers as well as a team of about 40 French directors, engineers, experts and foreman were recruited to run the work for 3 years and 9 months. The bridge made an important contribution to the colonial exploitation policy of the French, helping them easily control North Vietnam.

During the resistance war against the US to save the country, especially in the period 1965 - 1972, Long Bien bridge was heavily bombarded by US aircraft because of its important position connecting the two largest cities in the North - Hanoi and Hai Phong. The war was so severe that the bridge was bombed fourteen times, destroying most of its span. The remaining beats today are reminiscent of the unforgettable past of our country in general and Hanoi in particular.

In peacetime, due to the sharp increase in vehicle traffic since the 1990s, Long Bien Bridge is only for trains, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge is not only for traffic purposes but also a famous historical attraction in Hanoi of locals and visitors.

With a length of 2290 meters, Long Bien Bridge crosses the Red River, connecting two districts of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem and Long Bien. From afar, visitors can admire Long Bien Bridge silhouetted against the blue sky. Standing on Long Bien Bridge, admire the beautiful panorama of Hanoi city. At the foot of the bridge, the Red River bends around the green alluvial grounds; on the river, boats up and down busy. Along both sides of the river are verdant banana plantations and alluvial cornfields stretching on all sides like a vast green carpet.

Long Bien Bridge is only about 1 km from the center of Hanoi, visitors can sit and sip a cup of lemon tea or egg coffee and then enjoy unique delicious street foods such as Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Banh Mi. On the way from Long Bien bridge to the old quarter, visitors can stop at Long Bien market to buy some vegetables, fresh fruit or fast food at an affordable price.