Long Bien Bridge: Hanoi's Historic Iron Dragon & Travel Guide | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide
(bridge_map, train_station_map, Serein_Cafe_map, reviews)
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideOpening Hours: Open 24/7 (best visited at sunrise or sunset)
Admission: Free
Access: Pedestrians and motorbikes share a lane; no cars allowed
Suggested Visit Duration: 45–60 minutes (or longer for photo walks)
Overview of Long Bien Bridge
Long Biên Bridge (Cầu Long Biên) is a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience, history, and character. Stretching across the Red River, this aged iron structure was once known as the ‘horizontal Eiffel Tower’ of Indochina. Built in the early 20th century by the French and once bombed by American forces, Long Biên Bridge has witnessed colonialism, war, and peace, earning a revered place in Vietnam’s collective memory.
Today, it stands as a living museum, still in use, bustling with motorbikes, pedestrians, and vendors. It offers dramatic views of the river, countryside, and city — making it an essential stop for history buffs, photographers, and curious travelers.
For us, Long Bien Bridge was one of the highlights of Hanoi.
Here are some photos that we took:
Historical Background of Long Bien Bridge
Colonial Conception and Engineering Feat (1898–1902)
Long Biên Bridge (originally named Pont Doumer) was a flagship infrastructure project of the French colonial regime, named after Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of Indochina who later became President of France.
Construction began in 1898 and was completed in 1902, undertaken by the Daydé & Pillé Company of Paris, a firm linked to Gustave Eiffel’s school of iron engineering.
It was designed as a cantilever bridge, stretching 1.68 kilometers across the Red River, with 19 steel spans and 20 massive stone piers.
The bridge was built to link Hanoi to the port city of Haiphong and beyond, providing a key route for transporting rice, coal, and minerals from northern Vietnam to the coast — and back to France.
At the time of its completion, it was considered one of the longest bridges in Asia, and a marvel of modern engineering in the colonial world.
However, the grandeur was also symbolic of imperial dominance. It was funded and built primarily to serve French economic and strategic interests, not those of local Vietnamese communities.
Cultural and Urban Impact
Long Biên Bridge was more than a utility project — it changed Hanoi forever:
It helped define the modern industrial geography of the city, creating a direct rail link between central Hanoi and other northern provinces.
The land beneath and around the bridge became the site of markets, train stations, and working-class settlements.
The Vietnamese came to view it with both awe and ambivalence: a marvel of engineering, yes — but also a symbol of foreign rule.
Wartime Symbolism and Destruction (1940s–1970s)
The bridge would go on to become a key target in multiple wars, taking on new layers of meaning during Vietnam’s 20th-century struggles for independence.
First Indochina War (1946–1954)
Used by both French and Việt Minh forces, it played a role in transporting troops and supplies.
After the French defeat at Điện Biên Phủ, it became a symbol of national victory and pride for North Vietnam.
Vietnam War / American War (1965–1972)
The bridge was repeatedly bombed by U.S. forces, who saw it as a critical logistics node for the Ho Chi Minh Trail and supply routes into Hanoi.
It was first attacked in August 1967, and again in 1972 during the Linebacker campaigns.
Despite heavy damage, Vietnamese workers repeatedly rebuilt it, often by hand and under great danger.
Its survival became a national rallying point, and in propaganda posters, it was dubbed the ‘Iron Dragon of the Red River’ — a symbol of the people’s endurance.
Post-War Legacy and Preservation
In the post-war years, newer bridges (like Chương Dương and Vĩnh Tuy) were constructed to accommodate modern traffic. Long Biên Bridge was no longer the main artery, but:
It remained functional for trains, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians.
It became a beloved historical relic — romanticized in literature, film, and poetry.
In the 1990s and 2000s, discussions began about either demolishing or modernizing it — but strong public opposition led to preservation and adaptive use instead.
Architectural Notes of Long Bien Bridge
Style: Cantilever bridge with 19 steel spans, supported by 20 stone piers sunk deep into the riverbed.
Materials:: Imported French steel, with much of the framework riveted by hand.
What to See and Do at Long Bien Bridge
Walk or Ride Across the Bridge
The central train tracks are separated one either side by a path for motorcycles and one, little elevated foot path. In some areas, the footpath is obstructed and pedestrians need to use the motorcycle path.
Enjoy sweeping views of the Red River, banana plantations, and floating fishing villages. We loved the scenic walk on the bridge.
Photography Heaven
The rusted iron girders, aging rail tracks, and open sky make this a favorite spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Capture portraits of train crossings, vendors, and street life, or shoot wide-angle views of the river delta below.
The most instagrammable spot (map) can be accessed from the Long Bien Railway Station (map). But please be careful, you will need to walk a short distance on the tracks to get to the most iconic photo spot, and if a train comes, then you have nowhere to go. So, plan ahead and make sure that there is no train in sight.
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Watch the Train
Long Biên Bridge still carries a single active railway line down its center.
Trains pass a few times per day — it is an unforgettable moment to watch (and feel) the bridge tremble as it rolls by.
Morning and late afternoon trains are especially photogenic.
Explore the Red River Island
Descend mid-bridge using the ramp and stairs to access the banana plantations and vegetable gardens on Banana Island / Red River Island / Bãi Giữa. We strongly recommend exploring the island, and if it is only for 15min. Besides the banana trees, you will see goats, and people working in the fields, etc.
This area offers a rural escape in the heart of Hanoi, where farmers tend plots and children play in the fields.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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