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Long Bien Bridge
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Long Bien Bridge - Witness of History @shutterstock
1. Introduction to Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge
The historic bridge bears the marks of time @shutterstock
Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi
2. Long Bien Bridge's Length
At that time, Long Bien Bridge was considered a monumental architectural achievement in Southeast Asia and the world. The bridge's design features 19 steel truss spans supported by 20 towering piers, stretching nearly 2,300 meters (specifically 2,290 meters) in length. Additionally, on the western side of Long Bien Bridge, there is an additional 896 meters of stone embankment leading up to the bridge. Upon completion, Long Bien Bridge was recognized as the second-longest bridge in the world (the world's longest belonged to the Brooklyn Bridge, spanning the East River in the United States). Some even playfully likened Long Bien Bridge to Hanoi's horizontal Eiffel Tower.
Moreover, Long Bien Bridge's width measures approximately 4.75 meters and is divided into 3 main lanes. The 2.6-meter-wide lane on each side is designated for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. The outermost 9.4 meters are allocated for pedestrians. Finally, the central lane accommodates railway traffic.
3. Transportation and Getting to Long Bien Bridge
To visit this historic bridge, you can choose various modes of transportation such as motorcycles, cars, taxis, or ride-hailing services. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk from Hoan Kiem Lake to admire the ancient beauty of the bridge.
You can walk from Hoan Kiem Lake to the bridge to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Source: Manh Tien Khoi
If you prefer to take the bus, catch routes with stops nearby, such as routes 03, 30A, 36, 41, 58, and 86.
4. Design and Construction of the Bridge
Long Bien Bridge
The bridge was designed and constructed by the renowned contractor Daydé & Pillé. Source: Shutterstock
The entire bridge structure is a tightly stacked steel framework, with a harmonious and impressive design. From a distance, the bridge resembles a giant dragon meandering across the vast Red River.
5. Unique Architecture of Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi
During its construction, Long Bien was considered the largest bridge in the region and the world. The bridge structure consists of 19 steel beam spans, supported by 20 large pillars with a total length of up to 2,290 meters. On the western side of the bridge lies a 896-meter stone-paved road leading up to the bridge.
The magnificent and impressive steel structure of the bridge. Source: Shutterstock
With a width of 4.75 meters, the bridge is divided into 3 main lanes. Specifically, each side has 2.6 meters for cars, motorcycles, and other light vehicles, with an additional 0.4 meters on the outer edge for pedestrians. In the middle is the dedicated railway track for train operations.
Unlike other bridges in Vietnam, the traffic flow on Long Bien Bridge is directed to the left. This design is common in European countries, notably France. Many people liken this bridge to the Tolbiac Bridge connecting the city of Orléans to Paris, France.
The design ensures both the technical and artistic aspects of Long Bien Bridge. Source: Shutterstock
Long Bien Bridge
6. Accommodation Options near Long Bien Bridge
To facilitate the exploration of the famous historical bridge and other tourist attractions in Hanoi, visitors should stay at guesthouses or hotels in Long Bien or Hoan Kiem districts. There are quite a few accommodation options in this area with varying price ranges. Depending on your actual needs, you can choose a suitable place to stay.
Travelers can find accommodation around Long Bien and Hoan Kiem districts. Source: Shutterstock
You can access the Mytour travel app to search for hotels near Long Bien Bridge. Mytour always updates quality and affordable accommodation options at your destination, providing price comparisons, quick booking, and easy payment.
List of hotels in Long Bien district and Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi for your reference:
Location: 32, Alley 97, Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien.
Price: from 408,414 VND per night.
Lucky Budda Inn Villa is a quality accommodation option in the price range under 1,000,000 VND in Long Bien district. The hotel impresses guests with its classic and luxurious design. The rooms are spacious and airy, with a swimming pool in the hotel's premises.
Location: 17 Nguyen Van Cu, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien.
Price: from 983,910 VND per night.
New Era Hotel & Villa is a hotel designed in a contemporary Asian-European style, offering a variety of room types from Standard Twin to Suite Double. The rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities and offer stunning views. Additionally, the hotel features a restaurant area serving customized meals.
Location: 94 Tran Nhat Duat, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem.
Price: 437,009 VND per night.
Long Bien Bridge
Location: 32A Dao Duy Tu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem.
Price: from 2,446,258 VND per night.
Atrium Hotel is the ideal place to unwind after a long day exploring the capital. Situated in a central location, Atrium boasts luxurious and modern accommodations with all necessary amenities. The ground floor of the hotel features a restaurant and bar area, serving guests 24/7.
7. Suggested itinerary for sightseeing
Explore Long Bien Bridge
To truly grasp the passage of time, you must walk slowly along the bridge. From here, you'll witness the sagging spans, the steel frame fading from the sun, rain, and winds. Not only proud of its historical marvel, this bridge will also impress you with its resilience against rain, bombs, and stray bullets.
Long Bien Bridge is a favorite check-in spot for many young people.
Standing at both ends of the bridge gives you a clear view of the overall structure. Moreover, from this vantage point, you can gaze far to admire the lush green riverbanks, the quaint rooftops on the other side of the river – a gentle and nostalgic corner of Hanoi.
8. Exciting Activities at Long Bien Bridge
As one of the most popular destinations in Hanoi, this historical bridge is not short of interesting things waiting for you to explore.
8.1 Stroll and Admire the Sunset on the Bridge
Long Bien Bridge is perhaps the most popular spot for young people to wander in Hanoi. Cruising around on a motorbike on the bridge, you'll feel a very peaceful and romantic Hanoi. Moreover, this is also the ultimate check-in background during the April blossoms season.
Witness the most beautiful moment of the day on the centuries-old bridge @shutterstock
For dreamers, sunset on the bridge is the moment you can't miss. As the evening descends, the surroundings become even more enchanting. It's also the weak rays of the setting sun, the gentle breeze, cool but irresistible to the beauty of nature.
8.2 Enjoy Coffee at Tran Nhat Duat
Long Bien Bridge
Sipping coffee while admiring the Long Bien Bridge view is super awesome. Source: @duccuongbg
Here, you can choose your favorite drink and spend hours enjoying the view, chatting with friends. Especially, this Hanoi cafe is also the birthplace of million-view check-in photos.
8.3 Try Grilled Corn and Baked Sweet Potatoes on the Bridge
Grilled corn and baked sweet potatoes are known as specialties of Hanoi's winter. In the chilly weather, people flock to the bridge, sitting around the charcoal stove to enjoy these delicacies. Amidst the serene atmosphere, occasionally interrupted by car horns, train whistles, mixed with lively laughter and chatter, it's an incredible experience.
8.4 Capture Check-In Photos at the Red River Rock Beach
The Long Bien Bridge
The Red River Rock Beach serves as a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts' check-ins. Source: @bee9249
8.5 Artistic Photography
The Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi
The Long Bien Bridge is a place for photographers to work freely. @shutterstock
9. Tourist Attractions Near Long Bien Bridge
To enhance the travel experience, tourists should combine visiting the bridge with nearby historical sites such as:
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is an iconic landmark of Hanoi, an irresistible tourist destination. The 'heart of Hanoi' is famous for its ancient beauty and familiar landmarks such as The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, surrounded by the clear blue water.
The One Pillar Pagoda is an ideal stop for those who admire traditional architectural beauty and want to explore Buddhist culture. Visiting this pagoda, you will marvel at a centuries-old structure, preserving historical and mystical stories. If you're looking for hotels near the One Pillar Pagoda, don't miss Mytour's list of hotels.
The One Pillar Pagoda is a must-visit spot on your journey to explore the Long Bien Bridge.
Long Bien Bridge
10. Things to keep in mind when visiting Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge
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