Long Bien Bridge: Hanoi’s Iconic Landmark and Living History

Among Hanoi’s most iconic architectural symbols, few embody the French colonial era as strongly as the Long Bien Bridge. Built in 1899, this more-than-120-year-old iron bridge was once nicknamed the “horizontal Eiffel Tower” of Hanoi. Far beyond its function of linking the two banks of the Red River, Long Bien stands as a living gateway to the memory and history of the Vietnamese capital.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)Updated on 03-09-2025

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Paul Doumer: The Visionary Behind Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge

For more than 120 years, Long Bien Bridge has endured sun, rain, and even the American bombings of 1972. Though damaged at times, it has always been repaired and restored. Today, it still stretches proudly across the Red River, an enduring witness to Hanoi’s history and a lasting symbol of the capital’s resilience.

Paul Doumer, appointed governor-general of Indochina in 1897, was a visionary administrator who saw the need to modernize the colony with an efficient land, river, and sea transport network. To overcome the region’s logistical and economic challenges, he decided to construct a bridge over the Red River that would permanently connect Hanoi with surrounding provinces and expand trade.

The plan faced skepticism. Many local authorities and engineers believed it was impossible to span the wide, flood-prone river with its shifting depths. But Doumer pressed ahead. Drawing on French railway techniques, he approved an innovative cantilever design and oversaw a massive construction project involving several thousand Vietnamese workers under French supervision.

Inaugurated in 1902 in the presence of King Thanh Thái, Long Bien Bridge became both a showcase of French engineering and a symbol of Doumer’s determination. While the French colonial period left a complex and often painful legacy, some of its infrastructures, such as bridges, railways, and public buildings, still shape Vietnam today and continue to serve as functional reminders of history and resilience.

Witness to Hanoi’s Wars and Resilience

The Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi was the first steel bridge to cross the Red River. Built by the French between 1898 and 1902, it was once considered among the longest metal bridges in the world and remains one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Originally designed to serve rail traffic and transport fuel during the colonial era, the bridge also carried military convoys from the Old Quarter to Gia Lâm airfield on their way to the Điện Biên Phủ front.

During the Vietnam War, Long Bien Bridge became a strategic target and was heavily bombed in the Rolling Thunder and Linebacker campaigns. Several spans collapsed but were later repaired with T66 steel, leaving the bridge with its distinctive patched appearance that visitors can still see today.

The bridge also played a role in defining moments of Vietnamese history. In 1945, thousands crossed it to reach Ba Đình Square and hear President Ho Chi Minh declare independence. In 1954, it echoed with joy as Hanoians celebrated liberation.

Today, visiting Long Bien Bridge is more than just crossing from one bank to another. For travelers, it is one of the most authentic experiences in Hanoi, a chance to walk above the Red River, take in views of daily life, and feel the spirit of a resilient city that has endured wars and history.

Architectural and Cultural Heritage of Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi

For many locals, Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi is both a work of French engineering and a symbol of the Vietnamese spirit. If the Eiffel Tower embodies modernity and Parisian romance, Long Bien reflects the perseverance, sensitivity, and vitality of the capital.

Like Turtle Tower, the One Pillar Pagoda, or Ngoc Son Temple, Long Bien Bridge is one of Hanoi’s must-see cultural and historical landmarks. For more than a century, it has witnessed the transformations of the city, from a quiet riverside town during the war years to the vibrant metropolis that visitors see today.

But Long Bien is not a static monument. It is living heritage that still resonates with daily life: the footsteps of pedestrians, the hum of motorbikes, the passing trains, and the breeze off the Red River. For travelers, walking across Long Bien Bridge Hanoi is more than just crossing from one bank to another. It is stepping into history and experiencing the very heart of the capital’s past and present.

Long Bien Bridge Seen by a Hanoian

• The Breath of the Red River

On a summer evening, when the sun sets, stepping onto Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi is one of the most authentic things to do in the city. The breeze from the Red River carries scents of wild banana flowers, dried corn on the sandbanks, and the fertile alluvial soil. Together, these create a sensory mix that reflects the soul of the capital.

• Daily Life on the Bridge

This historic Hanoi bridge is never still. Motorcycles rush past in the narrow lanes while pedestrians and vendors move slowly with bicycles and baskets. The contrast creates a rhythm that feels both chaotic and harmonious, a scene that fascinates travelers looking for real-life Hanoi beyond the Old Quarter. Crossing Long Bien Bridge feels like watching a live documentary where tradition and modernity meet.

• The Beauty of Twilight

For visitors, sunset is the most magical time to see Long Bien. The golden light reflects on the rusty steel beams, turning the bridge into a scene that is both ancient and romantic. Beneath the deck, boats glide silently on the Red River, while above, birds return to their nests. Many consider this one of the best places in Hanoi for photography, especially for those who want to capture the charm of twilight.

• The Traces of Time

Long Bien also carries the marks of history. As trains cross, the railings tremble, and some wooden boards are worn or missing. Pedestrians must watch their step, but these imperfections add to its charm. Like a weathered book, every scar tells a story of Hanoi’s resilience. For travelers exploring Hanoi attractions, the bridge is more than an open-air museum. It is living heritage, still part of the everyday life of the city.

Visiting Long Bien Bridge: What You Need to Know?

For a smooth visit to Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Best Time to Visit: The bridge is most enjoyable in the early morning or late afternoon. The air is cooler, the light is perfect for photography, and there are fewer crowds. Sunset in particular is one of the best moments to experience the Red River views.
• Safety on the Bridge: Long Bien is narrow and some railings are damaged. Walk carefully, avoid stopping when the train passes, and stay alert on uneven boards. Comfortable shoes are recommended for those who plan to cross on foot.
• Photography Tips:  Long Bien is a favorite spot for wedding shoots and artistic photos. Many foreign visitors enjoy watching couples capture their love in this historic setting, while photographers come here for some of the most authentic city shots in Hanoi.

Conclusion

The Long Bien Bridge is not only a way to cross the Red River. It is a thread of memory that connects past and present, a symbol of the resilience of Hanoians and their love for their city. More than a hundred years have passed, and despite the marks of time, Long Bien still stands strong and silent. For locals, it is a source of pride. For visitors, it is a unique experience: seeing the landscape while feeling the echoes of history.

If you visit Hanoi, do not miss the chance to walk on Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi. Here you will find another side of the city, old but alive, worn but full of energy. It is a travel experience that cannot be replaced and one of the most authentic things to do in Hanoi.

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