Buzz
During the resistance against the US imperialists, Ham Rong Bridge became a strategic military hotspot. In 1972, the United States used laser-guided smart bombs to obliterate the bridge, almost completely destroying it and disrupting transportation lines.
A time when Ham Rong Bridge was nearly obliterated (Photo: ST)
This bridge boasts a rich and illustrious history. Construction on Ham Rong Bridge began in 1904 by the French, featuring a steel arched structure. Its design bears resemblance to the Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, with railway tracks in the middle for trains to pass through, and lanes on either side for automobiles and pedestrians.
In the middle are railway tracks, while both sides are designated for bicycles and pedestrians (Photo: ST)
In 2000, the Hoang Long Bridge was constructed right next to Ham Rong Bridge, alleviating traffic congestion over the Ma River. Currently, the old bridge serves primarily for railway transportation.
Hoang Long Bridge adjacent to Ham Rong Bridge (Photo: ST)
Since the new bridge was built, Ham Rong Bridge has seen fewer passersby, yet it remains an ideal rendezvous for many couples and a gathering spot for groups of white-shirted school friends.
The bridge spans across the Ma River (Photo: ST)
A gathering spot for locals to enjoy the breeze (Photo: ST)
One of the hangout spots for young people (Photo: ST)
Ham Rong Bridge crossing the Ma River stands as a historical witness, a famous tourist destination of Thanh Hoa City. School and college groups often organize trips, outings combined with visiting Ham Rong Bridge to educate national spirit.
A historical witness (Photo: ST)
Looking down from the bridge, the Ma River flows quietly, its gentle flow carrying the red alluvium to enrich the heroic land.
A section of the Ma River (Photo: ST)
In the evening, many people often stand on the bridge to watch the sunset slowly descend. Each time a train passes by, the bridge deck vibrates into rhythm, as if one could feel each nail, each bolt tightening to avoid loosening. Each train passing by obscures the golden afternoon sun, sometimes hidden, sometimes visible along the railway track rhythm.
Railway for trains across the bridge (Photo: ST)
The sunset viewed from the bridge reveals every detail, the scenery tinted dark in the fading sunlight.
Twilight on the Ham Rong Bridge (Photo: ST)
During the war, Ham Rong Bridge held a crucial position, helping the Vietnamese army achieve many victories, ensuring the military transportation route. Vietnamese forces here shot down many aircraft, protecting the bridge for a long time.
Ham Rong Bridge holds a vital transportation position (Photo: ST)
More than a scenic spot, Ham Rong Bridge is renowned for its historical significance as a magnificent monument that has endured years of war, standing guard over the vital North-South artery. During the war years, the enemy identified Ham Rong Bridge as an 'ideal choke point' and relentlessly bombed it with heavy ordnance. The sky over Ham Rong was stained with black smoke, the roar of jet engines shattered the peaceful Thanh land. Returning soldiers at the hot spot of Ham Rong cannot help but be moved, as if everything had just happened. Standing on the bridge, thoughts drift to a distant place, the sound of bombs and jet engines still ringing in their ears.
Returning to reminisce about a time of smoke and fire (Photo: ST)
The victories, the sacrifices at Ham Rong Bridge were among the direct causes that helped the successful national reunification, rallying the fighting spirit of the entire nation.
On the other side of the bridge lies Dragon Head Mountain, embracing the rhythm of the bridge crossing. A French architect once remarked that the steepness of the mountain and the geological structure of the riverbed made it very difficult to build the pillars of Ham Rong Bridge. For the French bridge builders, road construction was a necessary requirement for the exploitation and extraction of resources to proceed smoothly. Therefore, Ham Rong Bridge was constructed by the collaboration of many experts, engineers from France, Italy, and Germany.
Past sacrifices bring future achievements (Photo: ST)
Extraordinary beauty when the bridge lights up (Photo: ST)
The bridge sparkles at night (Photo: ST)
After visiting Ham Rong Bridge, you can hike up to Long Quang Cave. This place has welcomed the footsteps of many famous figures such as Nguyen Trai, Le Thanh Tong, and many other writers. Every rock wall, every path is covered with lush greenery.
Greenery covering the mountain (Photo: ST)
Opposite Dragon Head Mountain on the northern bank of the Ma River is Ngoc Mountain. From the air, it resembles a dragon's head exhaling pearls. Nature's masterpiece has created an extremely poetic and unique scenery here. The bridge has welcomed countless footsteps over the years, each journey across Ham Rong Bridge holding onto the traveler's memories.
Ham Rong Bridge is located in Thanh Hoa City and is only about 7 km from the city center. When visiting Ham Rong Bridge, you can also explore some nearby attractions such as Ben En National Park, Sam Son Beach, Trong Mai Islet, Lam Kinh Historical Site, and more.
You may explore some other tourist destinations:
Ben En National Park (Photo: ST)
Rock resembling a pair of drums, Sam Son (Photo: ST)
Lam Kinh Historical Site (Photo: ST)
Explore more: Handy travel tips for Thanh Hoa from A to Z
