See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Long Bien Bridge
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A historic cantilever bridge designed by the Eiffel company, which survived heavy bombing during the war.
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- Free; walk along the pedestrian path at sunset for dramatic views of the Red River banana plantations.
Reviews from Google
I recently visited this place during my stay in Hanoi. However at the time of visit entrance was closed , however with support of a local I was able to walk through the bridge. If is under construction now and walking paths are heavy damaged or in the process of repair. You can walk about 2 km along this bridge. The view is really nice above the river. However not much recommended until it is reopened to public.
Long Bien Bridge, a historic landmark in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a must-visit for any traveler interested in experiencing the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Built in 1898-1902 by the French, Long Bien Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Hanoi. The bridge's design, with its intricate latticework and towering steel arches, is a testament to 19th-century engineering. The bridge's unique blend of history, architecture, and daily life makes it a favorite spot for photographers.
Good views and vibes
My favorite bridge.
HISTORICAL WITNESSES 1. History and Construction Initiation: In 1897, Governor-General of French Indochina Paul Doumer decided to build a massive steel bridge across the Red River to facilitate colonial exploitation. Contemporaries initially dismissed the idea as "insane" due to the river's immense width and torrential currents. Construction: Built by the French contractor Daydé & Pillé, construction began on September 12, 1898, and the bridge opened on February 28, 1902. Originally named the Paul Doumer Bridge, it was one of the world's largest steel bridges at the time, constructed by thousands of skilled Vietnamese laborers. Following the August Revolution, it was renamed Long Bien Bridge. 2. The French Defeat and Final Withdrawal Collapse of Colonial Rule: The disastrous defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 forced France to sign the Geneva Accords and withdraw all military forces from Northern Vietnam. Consequently, Long Bien Bridge shifted from a symbol of French colonial dominance to a witness of their ultimate defeat. The Historic Withdrawal: Under the evacuation terms, French forces were given 80 days to leave Hanoi. At precisely 4:00 PM on October 9, 1954, the last French soldiers marched across Long Bien Bridge toward Hai Phong, officially ending over 70 years of French rule in the capital. As soon as the French troops cleared the far end of the bridge, the Vietnam People's Army moved in to secure the structure, clearing the way for the liberation of Hanoi on October 10, 1954. Long Bien Bridge stands today as a historic monument to Vietnamese victory.