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Long Bien Bridge is known as the 'historical witness' of our nation. Despite the ups and downs of time and historical events, the bridge still stands tall and has become one of Hanoi's symbols. Let's explore this famous bridge through the following article with Vntrip.vn!
Long Bien Bridge - a symbol of ancient Hanoi (Photo: ST)
Insights into Long Bien Bridge
Hanoi boasts the Long Bien Bridge
Stretching wide and long over the Red River
Vehicles and trains move freely
People bustling, carrying loads back and forth
(folk song)
The Long Bien Bridge is the first steel bridge spanning the Red River, connecting the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts of Hanoi. Built by the French from 1898 to 1902 during the colonial period, it was designed by the Governor-General of French Indochina, Paul Doumer. The bridge measures 2290m across the river, with a 896m approach span, consisting of 19 steel girder spans supported by 20 piers with a unique architectural style. It was designed with a single railway track in the middle and two lanes on either side for bicycles and pedestrians.
One little-known fact about the bridge is that it was once the second-longest bridge in the world (only after the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River in the United States), often referred to as Hanoi's horizontal Eiffel Tower.
Long Bien Bridge was once the second-longest bridge in the world (Photo: ST)
Historical Events Associated with Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge has witnessed the most significant milestones of our nation's two greatest resistance wars: the struggle against French colonialism and subsequently against American imperialism.
In 1945, when Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, the bridge became the conduit bringing thousands of suburban residents to Uncle Ho. The people were joyful and proud, and every moment was recorded by the bridge.
Long Bien Bridge in 1940 (Photo: ST)
In October 1954, Hanoi was adorned with a sea of celebratory banners marking the liberation of the capital. Amidst this jubilation stood the iconic Long Bien Bridge, witnessing the nation's elation. Twenty-one years later, the bridge once again witnessed the joy of national independence and reunification as the South was liberated. Over a century of history, the bridge ceased to be a mere inert structure; it became a steadfast companion to every citizen and the nation as a whole.
The bridge has witnessed the highs and lows of the capital city. (Photo: ST)
Engaging Activities around Long Bien Bridge
Admire Hanoi from above
Long Bien Bridge is undoubtedly a bridge intertwined with memories, a place where young people often ride out to stop and enjoy the breeze, or on some days, feel the need for a spacious space to breathe. It's also where students often gather to sit and sing, reminiscing about our youth.
The bustling and vibrant surroundings (Photo: ST)
Tran Nhat Duat Cafe
Tran Nhat Duat Cafe, located on the 4th floor with an open space where you can see the distant Long Bien Bridge. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, chat, and gaze out at the ancient bridge, the rocky bank of the Red River, the bustling market area, and a vast expanse of space. This place will give you a different perspective of Long Bien Bridge, a bird's eye view instead of the usual straight or 'upside-down' view from below the rocky bank of the Red River.
Capturing angles that make us dreamily nostalgic about old Hanoi (Photo: ST)
Grilled corn and sweet potatoes in winter
When winter comes, Long Bien Bridge truly becomes the ideal place to sit and enjoy grilled corn and sweet potatoes, savoring the chilly air whispering in your ears and reaching out for warmth from the fire, relishing the warmth of the hot sweet potatoes.
Warming hands by the winter fire at the corn and sweet potato grill (Photo: ST)
Explore the rocky banks of the Red River for photography
The rocky banks of the Red River are no longer unfamiliar to young people, as this is a familiar photography spot for many. The vast, lush green scenery will surely give you beautiful photos reminiscent of being in some wide prairie. From Long Bien Bridge, head down to the area beneath the bridge, venture into the streets shaded by trees below, and ask the locals here for directions to the famous Red River rocky banks.
The vivid green Red River rocky banks right at the foot of Long Bien Bridge (Photo: ST)
We hope that with the interesting information about Long Bien Bridge above, you will grow to love the bridge even more, as it is intertwined with the glorious and illustrious years of our ancestors.
