Top 10 Unique Bridges in the Youthful City of Da Nang

The first bridge crossing the Han River was the De Lattre Bridge, now known as the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, constructed by the French in the early 1950s. In 2009, the city of Da Nang decided to rebuild the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, which stands about 1km upstream from the Dragon Bridge. The new bridge, completed in 2013, features a unique design with a cable-stayed system resembling a sail catching the wind, stretching out towards the sea. It has become a new landmark and a popular spot for tourists to take photos. This is the first cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam with a single-plane design, complete with a tilted Y-shaped tower.

Measuring 680.5 meters in length and 30.5 meters in width, the bridge's standout feature is its towering central column, 149 meters above the river. It also boasts Vietnam’s first observation deck, where visitors can take an elevator up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang Bay. The sail design of the bridge symbolizes strength and the desire to reach the sea, embodying the spirit of Da Nang, a dynamic and vibrant city. In the evening, the bridge shines brightly, creating a stunning spectacle that attracts both locals and visitors alike, especially young people who enjoy strolling across it.

Located between the Tran Thi Ly Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is the oldest of them all. Often referred to as the ‘Cinderella’ of the Han River, this bridge holds a special place in the memories of Da Nang’s people. The Nguyen Van Troi Bridge features 14 steel Pony truss spans, stretching over 500 meters, with a width of 10.5 meters. It lacks pedestrian walkways and has undergone repairs in 1978 and 1996. Today, the bridge is preserved as a historical relic, primarily serving as a pedestrian walkway for tourists. It's also becoming a popular photography spot for local photography clubs and art groups. From here, you can capture stunning views of the surrounding bridges (Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge) and even the Sun Wheel.

While the newer, grander bridges across the Han River may steal the spotlight, the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is often likened to Da Nang’s ‘Cinderella’. Preserved as a piece of Han River history, it now serves as a pedestrian bridge and has become a favorite hangout for young locals looking for a new vantage point to admire the city and take photos.

Because of its historical significance, the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is no longer used by vehicles, only pedestrians. At night, the bridge offers a refreshing breeze and a beautiful view of Da Nang city lights. So if you’re visiting Da Nang, be sure to stop by and enjoy the sights!

The Love Bridge over the Han River in Da Nang, inaugurated in 2015, quickly became a popular romantic spot for locals and tourists alike. The bridge, shaped in a graceful arch, spans 68 meters in length and 6 meters in width, facing the center of the river with ample space to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Han River banks. In the evening, hundreds of red heart-shaped lanterns light up, casting a warm glow over the water. The Love Bridge is where many couples come to ‘lock’ their love by attaching padlocks to the bridge’s railing, symbolizing eternal and faithful love.

Next to the Love Bridge stands the iconic Carp Turning into a Dragon Statue, which spouts water in accordance with the ancient legend of the carp transforming into a dragon to bring rain and save the people. Weighing nearly 200 tons and standing 7.5 meters tall, the statue is carved from five blocks of high-quality white marble, with beautiful veins. The dragon’s head is inspired by the Ly Dynasty’s dragon, one of Vietnam's most prosperous periods. The carp’s body is intricately designed with tough, scaly textures, while its tail is sculpted to represent two symmetrical hands, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and unity. Thirty skilled artisans from the Non Nuoc stone carving village worked tirelessly for three months to create this masterpiece. The statue, placed along the Han River, is not only a work of art but also a symbol of resilience and transformation, representing the legendary journey of the carp becoming a dragon.

More than two decades after the war, the people living along the Cam Le River have witnessed the destruction of the old bridge, shattered by wartime bombings. Farmers once struggled to cross it with their hand-drawn carts, facing daily hardships. In 2001, the Cam Le Bridge was rebuilt to replace the old, war-damaged structure. At 399 meters long and 14.5 meters wide, the new bridge was constructed using advanced cantilever technology, a modern method still rare in Vietnam. The new Cam Le Bridge not only repaired the scars of war but also illuminated the southern part of Da Nang.

The Cam Le Bridge was the first cantilever bridge in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, built to connect National Route 1A with National Route 14B. Construction began in 2001, bringing a cutting-edge bridge-building technique to the region that had yet to be widely used in Vietnam.

The Han River flows from south to north, and the first bridge across this section of the river is the Tien Son Bridge, completed in 2014. This bridge holds great significance for both the region and the city of Da Nang.

The Tien Son Bridge marks the final point of the East–West Economic Corridor, linking the city to the Tiên Sa Port on the Son Tra Peninsula. It also connects the eastern and western parts of Da Nang, facilitating the flow of goods and contributing to the city's growth and development.

Originally a French-era railway bridge, it was completely rebuilt and opened in 2013. The new bridge features unique architectural design, considered one of the most distinctive in Vietnam. With its elegant slanted towers standing at 145 meters and multi-plane cable stays, the bridge resembles the image of a sail catching the wind, symbolizing Da Nang's modernity and ambitious spirit as it reaches toward the East Sea.

Recently, a stunning new bridge has captured the attention of travelers near and far - the Golden Bridge. Located at an altitude of around 1400 meters above sea level, the bridge stretches nearly 150 meters long and consists of 8 spans. The Golden Bridge is situated in the Heavenly Garden at Sun World Ba Na Hills, and it has quickly become one of Da Nang's top tourist destinations that no visitor can afford to miss.

From the bridge, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the entire city of Da Nang, its crystal-clear beaches, and the endless stretches of white sand. Standing atop the Golden Bridge, one feels a sense of wonder as the beauty of the landscape unfolds, offering an experience that blends the earth and sky in a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The largest overpass in Vietnam was opened in time for the 40th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation. This significant structure has played a crucial role in easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents where National Route 1A intersects with the North-South railway.

Not only is the Hue Intersection Overpass vital for transportation, but it also serves as a notable landmark in terms of tourism and commerce, featuring a design that rivals those found in developed nations.

With three levels and a width of 17 meters, the overpass accommodates four lanes, allowing vehicles to travel at speeds up to 60 km/h. The structure brings a fresh development perspective to Da Nang. From above, the Hue Intersection Overpass stands out not only for its size but also as an architectural symbol of the city’s aspirations toward modernity and the unity of Da Nang’s people.

Visiting the Han River Bridge offers an opportunity to admire the beautiful city skyline and the tranquil flow of the Han River. In the evening, when the lights turn on, the scene becomes magical and enchanting, with the bridge's reflection shimmering on the river. Tourists in Da Nang can also enjoy a coffee at one of the famous nearby cafes, listen to soothing music, and immerse themselves in the fresh and pleasant atmosphere.

The Han River Bridge, completed in 2000, features a unique, modern design that allows it to rotate. The rotation mechanism, located in the center of the bridge, allows it to split in two to let large ships pass through. The bridge typically rotates at 1 AM. Spanning 487.7 meters in length and 12.9 meters in width, the Han River Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Da Nang, yet one of the most modern.

Every year on April 29th and 30th, Da Nang hosts the International Fireworks Festival on the picturesque Han River. During the festival, the city is illuminated by bright bursts of fireworks, creating a magnificent spectacle that draws tourists. Other activities, such as traditional boat races, flower boat displays, art exhibitions, and lantern displays on the river, further enhance the experience. If you're visiting Da Nang, missing out on the fireworks show would be a regret.

The Dragon Bridge, completed in 2013, spans 666 meters in length and 37.5 meters in width, with six traffic lanes. Its unique dragon shape, inspired by the dragon of the Ly Dynasty, earned it the name Dragon Bridge. The bridge’s body extends toward My Khe Beach in Da Nang, resembling a powerful dragon in flight.

Construction began in July 2009, extending Nguyen Van Linh Street from Da Nang International Airport to Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Road. The Dragon Bridge is a stunning example of engineering, combining steel beams, arches, and concrete spans to form the dragon’s body that appears to soar across the Han River and out toward the sea. This bridge is a one-of-a-kind design, notable for its structural strength and innovative combination of materials.

What makes the Dragon Bridge truly legendary is its ability to breathe fire and spray water, a spectacle that draws visitors from all over. The fire and water show takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM, as well as on major holidays. The dragon's shimmering appearance is enhanced by LED lights that line its entire length, making it an even more enchanting sight. Come to Da Nang and witness the legendary dragon come to life!

The Thuan Phuoc Bridge is a source of pride for Da Nang as it holds the title of Vietnam's longest suspension bridge. Opened in 2009, it sits at a strategic location where the Han River meets the sea at Da Nang Bay. The bridge connects the coastal roads of Nguyen Tat Thanh and Hoang Sa – Truong Sa, forming a continuous coastal transportation route that stretches from the Hai Van Tunnel to the Son Tra Peninsula, passing by the Mân Quang Bridge, and linking with the popular tourist route between Son Tra and Hoi An.

Often compared to a silk ribbon, the Thuan Phuoc Bridge gently connects the two banks of the Han River. Unlike other bridges in Da Nang, Thuan Phuoc exudes a delicate elegance, enhancing the charm of this vibrant, youthful city.

Today, the bridge is recognized as Vietnam’s longest suspension bridge, located at the mouth of the Han River, with a design inspired by the winds reaching out to the vast sea. The bridge serves to facilitate travel for visitors from the Hai Van Pass to the Son Tra Peninsula, improving connectivity for both locals and tourists alike.