Long Bien Bridge: The Historical Witness Of Hanoi

Long Bien Bridge is a witness to the resilience of Hanoi in two wars as well as the dramatic changes of this city in the new epoch. The bridge, the symbol of courageous capital in wars, is still living and sharing the daily life with Hanoi – the heart of Vietnam.

I. History and Development

Long Bien Bridge is the first steel bridge in Hanoi, also one of the first bridges built by the French in Vietnam. The more than one-hundred-year-old bridge was constructed from 1899 to 1902 with the idea and construction of the architects Daydé & Pillé of Paris.

At first, it was named after the Governor-General of French in Indochina – Paul Doumer. It was not until 1954 when the Vietnamese totally defeated the French in Dien Bien Phu that the bridge was renamed Long Bien.

At the time it was built, 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 within the time of three years 9 months. So, the bridge played an important part in the colonial exploitation policy of the French, which allowed them to easily control North Vietnam.

During the resistance war against the United States, especially the period from 1965 to 1972, Long Bien Bridge was heavily bombarded by the US aircraft. Because it owned crucial position connecting the two biggest cities in North Vietnam – Hanoi and Hai Phong.

At war, the bridge was bombed fourteen times, destroying most of its spans. The remaining spans nowadays remind us about the unforgettable past of our country in general and Hanoi in particular.

In the peacetime, due to the drastic increase of vehicles since the 1990s, the bridge has been used only for trains, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Not only is the bridge aim at transportation purpose but it is also an famous historical attraction in Hanoi the local residents and visitors.

II. Highlights of Long Bien Bridge

With the length of 2290 meters, Long Bien Bridge crosses the Red River, connects two districts of Hanoi – Hoan Kiem and Long Bien. The cantilevered steel bridge has gone through the ups and downs of the history and tinted by time with rusty rails.

From afar, you could contemplate the bridge silhouetting against the blue sky. Seeing Long Bien Bridge also means that you set foot in Hanoi. On Long Bien Bridge, you cannot help but astounded at the stunning beauty of the city. Under the bridge, the Red River curves around the lush alluvial grounds; on the river, boats sail up and down busily.

Along the riverbanks are verdant banana fields and corn alluvial plains stretching out towards every direction as an enormous green carpet. Visiting Long Bien Bridge, you for sure would be amazed at the spectacular beauty of Hanoi, which could be only imagined in a fairy tale.

III. Ultimate Guide for Visiting Long Bien Bridge

Here’s a ultimate guide from local people for you to have a special experience in Long Bien.

1. What Do at Long Bien?

Things to do at Long Bien Bridge:

• Escape from the crowded city
• Take photos with the old railways
• Review herotic past of Vietnam
• Contemplate beautiful sunrise and sunset
• Admire splendor light of Hanoi city center
• Walk along the bridge to enjoy light wind

The breathtaking view of Long Bien Bridge makes it an ideal destination for those who want to escape from the crowded city for a while to enjoy the rare moments of relaxation.

Many teenagers and youngsters have gone to the bridge to take photos in order to memorize their youth in the luxurious capital city. The old have come to this bridge to review the heroic past of the nation when they lived, fought and fell in love with this city.

Tourists from other places visit Long Bien Bridge as a splendid landscape not to be missed in Hanoi. At night, you could admire the splendor light of Hanoi city center from afar as the magnificent stars from the sky. It is a flaw if you do not have a walk on the bridge to enjoy the light wind..

2. What to Eat?

For a long time, Hanoi are famous because of its traditional cuisine with mouthwatering specialties that leave a long-lasting impression on people trying those dishes.

Long Bien Bridge is near Old Quarter, where you could sit down to drink a cup of ice lemon tea or egg coffee then enjoy the unique delicious street foods. On the way from Long Bien Bridge to the Old Quarter, you could stop at Long Bien Market to buy some fast food with a pocket-friendly price.

3. How to Get To Long Bien?

It is about one kilometer to the east of Hanoi city center. The short distance allows you to walk or drive a bike or motorbike to the bridge. The public transportation system in Hanoi is quite convenient for your movement with a variety of bus routes that take you to Long Bien Bridge including No. 01, 03, 14, 15, 34, 40.

4. Tips on Visiting Long Bien Bridge

There are some more tips to make your trip to Long Bien Bridge perfect:

• Do not buy any food or drink if you do not want to pay 200.000 VND just for a cup of lemon tea. You should buy them at the grocery stores then bring your own trip.

• If you go by bike or motorbike, go on the left hand side of the bridge. The thing that makes Long Bien Bridge different from the other bridges in Hanoi is that the riders have to go on the left hand side instead of the right hand side as normal.

• The road for vehicles on the bridge is very narrow. So you should park in some wider parts of the road on the bridge. Don’t let your vehicle interrupt the movement of other people.

• You should protect the environment on the bridge. Don’t throw your rubbish or carve and paint on the rails of the bridge.

We hope that the above information would be of some help to your visit to Long Bien Bridge. If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, remember to visit this wonderful destination!