Home › Destinations › Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Long Bien Bridge stands as one of Hanoi's most iconic landmarks, a testament to French colonial engineering and Vietnamese resilience. Built between 1899-1902 by the Easttimor company that constructed the Eiffel Tower, this historic cantilever bridge spans the Red River and has witnessed over a century of the city's tumultuous history, surviving bombing raids during the Vietnam War and serving as a vital transportation link. Today, the bridge serves as both a functional railway crossing and a beloved symbol of Hanoi's enduring spirit. Visitors are drawn to its industrial beauty, impressive river views, and the unique experience of watching trains cross while pedestrians and motorbikes share the walkways. The area around Long Bien Bridge has become a popular spot for photography, sunset viewing, and experiencing authentic local life away from the bustling Old Quarter.

Top Long Bien Bridge

Walk Across Long Bien Bridge at Sunset

Experience the magic of crossing this historic bridge on foot during golden hour, when the Red River below glows and the city skyline creates a impressive backdrop. The walk offers incredible photo opportunities and a unique perspective of Hanoi's landscape. Be prepared to share the bridge with trains, motorbikes, and locals going about their daily routines.

Booking Tip: No booking required - it's free to walk across. Best time is 1-2 hours before sunset (around 5-6 PM). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Watch for train schedules and step aside when trains pass.

Photography Tour of the Bridge Structure

Capture the intricate ironwork and industrial architecture of this French colonial masterpiece from various angles. The bridge's steel framework creates dramatic geometric patterns, especially beautiful during blue hour. Professional and amateur photographers alike find endless compositions in the bridge's weathered beauty and historical character.

Booking Tip: Join a photography tour for $25-40 per person, or explore independently. Early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon offer the best lighting. Look for tours that include both sides of the river for different perspectives.

Long Bien Market and Surrounding Villages

Discover the authentic local life around the bridge by visiting nearby Long Bien Market and traditional villages. This area offers a glimpse into everyday Hanoi away from tourist crowds, with fresh produce markets, local eateries, and traditional architecture. The contrast between the historic bridge and rural village life creates a unique cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Best visited early morning (6-9 AM) when markets are most active. No entrance fees required. Consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to navigate and translate. Bring small bills for market purchases.

Red River Cycling Adventure

Cycle along the Red River banks with Long Bien Bridge as your starting point, exploring riverside paths and rural areas on the outskirts of Hanoi. The route offers peaceful scenery, traditional farming areas, and multiple viewpoints of the historic bridge. This activity combines exercise with sightseeing and cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for $3-5 per day from local shops near the bridge, or join guided cycling tours for $20-35 per person. Morning rides (7-10 AM) avoid heat and traffic. Choose tours that provide helmets and insurance coverage.

Historical Bridge and War Remnants Tour

Learn about Long Bien Bridge's fascinating history, from its French colonial construction to its strategic importance during the Vietnam War. Guides share stories of how the bridge survived bombing campaigns and its role in the city's development. The tour includes examination of war damage still visible on the structure and its significance in Vietnamese resistance.

Booking Tip: Book historical tours for $30-50 per person through reputable operators. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and include Old Quarter pickup. Look for guides with historical expertise and good English reviews.

Getting There

Long Bien Bridge is easily accessible from Hanoi's Old Quarter, located just 3 kilometers northeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. Take a taxi or Grab ride for about $2-4, or rent a motorbike for more flexibility. Public bus routes 03 and 47 stop near the bridge entrance. Many visitors combine the bridge visit with other nearby attractions, making it part of a wider Hanoi exploration. The bridge is well-signposted and visible from various points in the city.

Getting Around

The bridge area is best explored on foot, though motorbikes are allowed on designated sections. Local xe om (motorbike taxis) are available for short trips to nearby attractions for $1-2. Bicycles can be rented from shops near the bridge entrance and provide excellent mobility for exploring the riverside areas. Walking is safe during daylight hours, but be cautious of train schedules and stay in designated pedestrian areas. The surrounding neighborhoods are easily navigable with basic Vietnamese phrases or translation apps.

Where to Stay

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem District
Long Bien District
Dong Da District
Ba Dinh District
Tay Ho District

Food & Dining

The Long Bien Bridge area offers authentic local dining experiences away from tourist-oriented restaurants. Nearby Long Bien Market features numerous food stalls serving traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh tropical fruits at incredibly affordable prices ($1-3 per meal). Small family-run restaurants around the bridge serve regional specialties including bun cha, nem ran, and fresh Red River fish dishes. For a unique experience, try the floating restaurants along the riverbank that specialize in grilled fish and local beer. The area is particularly famous for its early morning food scene, with many vendors starting service at dawn to cater to commuters and market workers.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Hanoi

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1

4.9 /5
(25104 reviews) 2

Hoang's Restaurant - Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan Food

4.9 /5
(24317 reviews) 2

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 3

4.9 /5
(21525 reviews) 2

MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2

4.9 /5
(21197 reviews) 2

Hong Hoai's Restaurant

4.9 /5
(18719 reviews)

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Met 4

4.9 /5
(14991 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Long Bien Bridge is during Hanoi's dry season from October to April, when weather is cooler and rainfall is minimal. Within each day, early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful lighting for photography. Sunset visits are particularly popular, typically occurring between 5:30-6:30 PM during peak season. Avoid midday visits during summer months (May-September) due to intense heat and humidity. The bridge is accessible year-round, but monsoon season can bring heavy rains that affect visibility and walking conditions.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings to experience the bridge with commuting locals and avoid weekend crowds
Bring cash in small denominations for market purchases and local transport - most vendors don't accept cards
Learn the train schedule to safely time your bridge crossing and potentially photograph trains passing through the historic structure

Activities in Long Bien Bridge