Da Nang's Famous Bridges: Six River Crossings That Made a City's Name

Da Nang – The City of Legendary Bridges

There’s a peculiar thing that few people notice: when you ask people what they remember about Da Nang, the answer is often not My Khe Beach or the Marble Mountains – but the bridges. The bridges spanning the Han River are like golden threads connecting the two banks, each with its own soul, its own story, and an unmistakable beauty.

I was born and raised in Da Nang. As a child, I used to cycle across Nguyen Van Troi Bridge every morning to school, hearing the wind whistle through the old iron bars, completely unaware that I was crossing a historical relic. Then, when Dragon Bridge appeared, the whole city seemed to awaken – we were so proud that everyone had to come out and watch the dragon breathe fire at least once on the weekend. That’s a feeling no Instagram photo can fully convey.

This article is not a dry list. This is a true journey through 6 famous bridges that define Da Nang’s brand – from the perspective of someone who has crossed each of these bridges thousands of times, knows the best time of day, the best angle for photos, and the most delicious food at either end of the bridge.

Overview: Why is Da Nang Famous for Its Bridges?

The Han River flows through the center of Da Nang like a natural dividing line between the old urban area to the west and the east bank – home to My Khe Beach and Son Tra Peninsula. For decades, people on both banks relied on slow ferries. But after the year 2000, Da Nang began an unprecedented “bridge revolution” in Vietnamese urban history.

Each bridge is not just a transportation work – they are cultural symbols, architectural statements, lovers’ meeting points, and light shows at night. It’s no exaggeration to say that if you haven’t stood on the banks of the Han River at sunset to admire the shimmering bridges, you haven’t truly visited Da Nang.

[!NOTE] The Han River is about 7km long, flowing through the city center. Currently, there are 6 main bridges spanning the Han River, each about 1–2km apart. You can easily walk or rent an electric bike to “tour” all the bridges in a day.

Dragon Bridge – The Pinnacle Symbol of Modern Da Nang

Architecture and Origin Story

If you could only choose one bridge to represent Da Nang, it would undoubtedly be Dragon Bridge. Inaugurated on March 29, 2013 – exactly on the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation – this bridge is the most daring architectural project the city has ever undertaken.

The dragon is 666 meters long and 37.5 meters wide, designed by Louis Berger Group (USA). The entire body of the bridge curves in the shape of a flying dragon, with its head facing the sea as if advancing towards the Pacific Ocean. An interesting fact that many tourists don’t know: the dragon in Da Nang’s culture is not a Chinese dragon – this is a Vietnamese dragon, a symbol of strength and aspiration.

The entire bridge is covered with 15,000 LED lights capable of changing colors according to themes. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM, the dragon’s head will breathe fire and water – a completely free show that draws thousands of tourists to the riverbanks to watch.

The Best Check-in Spot at Dragon Bridge

After hundreds of times standing here taking photos (and for tourists), I’ve gathered a few tips:

• Angle from the West Bank (Trần Hưng Đạo Street side): This is the classic angle- Best view: Capture the entire dragon body with the Love Bridge in the distance. Stand in the Han River park area with a wide-angle lens.
• View from the East bank (Vo Nguyen Giap street side): Few people know this but it’s an incredibly impressive angle for the dragon’s head, especially when it breathes fire – you can capture the moment the flames rise against the night sky.
• View from the bridge looking down at the river: Standing in the middle of the bridge at sunset, the golden sunlight reflecting on the Han River creates a mesmerizingly beautiful picture.

[!TIP] Arrive before 8:30 PM to find a good spot. Saturday and Sunday nights are incredibly crowded – potentially up to several thousand people. If you want to take photos without strangers in them, come on Wednesday or Thursday evenings – the bridge is still beautifully lit but much less crowded.

Han River Swing Bridge – The Elder of Da Nang

The Most Special Bridge in Southeast Asia

Inaugurated in 2000, the Han River Swing Bridge is a special source of pride for Da Nang residents – not because it’s the most beautiful or grandest, but because it’s the first swing bridge designed and built entirely by Vietnamese people. In a city that had just gone through a difficult period after the war, this was a declaration of self-reliance and self-strength.

The bridge is 487.7 meters long, with a 65-meter section that can rotate 90 degrees to allow ships to pass. Every weekend from 1 AM to 4 AM, the bridge swings – and this is an experience that anyone visiting Da Nang should witness at least once.

I still remember when I was young, my grandfather used to tell me about the slow ferry rides across the river before this bridge existed. When the bridge was inaugurated, the entire city came out to celebrate as if it were a festival. That is the collective memory of an entire generation of Da Nang residents.

Experiencing the Bridge Swing at Midnight

It might sound crazy to stay up until 1 AM to watch the bridge swing, but it’s truly one of the most unique experiences in Da Nang. The areas at both ends of the bridge will be cordoned off, with traffic controllers present. The bridge slowly rotates for about 45 minutes – so slowly that you almost don’t realize it’s moving, until you look again and see that the entire span has rotated to a completely different angle.

[!WARNING] The bridge’s swing schedule may change depending on weather conditions and ship traffic. Please check information from the Da Nang Department of Transport or ask local residents before planning a late night.

Love Bridge (Nguyen Van Troi Bridge) – Witness to History and Love

From a War Bridge to a Romantic Symbol

This is the bridge I have the deepest personal connection with. Nguyen Van Troi Bridge was built during the French colonial period (1904) and was once the only railway bridge connecting both sides of the Han River. During the war, the bridge was bombed many times and repaired repeatedly – historical scars are still visible on every rusty steel bar.

After the new Tran Thi Ly Bridge was built, this old bridge was renovated into a pedestrian bridge exclusively for residents and tourists. People started hanging love locks on the railings – a trend imported from Europe but which has become a characteristic feature of Da Nang. Thousands of locks of all colors and shapes, each carrying a vow from a couple.

Walking on the Love Bridge – An Unmissable Experience

What I love most about the Love Bridge is its rhythm. There are no cars, no honking horns – just the river breeze, the soft murmur of conversations, and the feeling of walking on history.history. From the bridge, you can see the majestic Dragon Bridge to the south and the graceful Tran Thi Ly Bridge to the north – a stunning panoramic view.

Early morning from 6 AM–7 AM: Elderly people exercise, fishermen cast their lines, and the dawn light shines golden on the river – this is the most beautiful and quiet time for photography.

Evening from 7 PM–9 PM: Warm yellow lights illuminate the entire bridge, couples stroll hand in hand, and music drifts from riverside cafes – unbelievably romantic.

[!TIP] If you are with your loved one, bring a small padlock and a pen to write your names on it. They are sold at souvenir shops near the bridge, costing around 20,000–60.000đ (≈$2). This is a more meaningful souvenir than any other.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge – The Muse of Contemporary Architecture

Beauty Like Sails on the River

Inaugurated in 2013, Tran Thi Ly Bridge is the most beautiful cable-stayed bridge in Da Nang’s bridge system in my opinion – though less talked about than Dragon Bridge. The design is inspired by the image of a helmsman, with a pylon leaning 12 degrees from the vertical like a sail catching the wind.

The bridge tower is 145 meters high, making it one of the tallest cable-stayed bridge towers in Vietnam. The cable-stay system radiates from the top of the tower like giant spiderwebs, creating an extremely impressive visual effect when viewed from afar.

What few people know: at night, Tran Thi Ly Bridge’s LED lighting system can change colors according to events. On major holidays like Tet Nguyen Dan, National Day, or international events in Da Nang, the bridge will be illuminated with special theme colors – red, yellow, blue, purple – creating incredibly impressive photos.

A Little-Known Photo Spot

Most tourists photograph Tran Thi Ly Bridge from the west bank, but the most beautiful angle is actually on the east bank, near APEC Park. From here, you can capture the leaning tower with the Dragon Bridge and the city skyline as the backdrop – a photo any photographer would love.

Thuan Phuoc Bridge – The Gateway to the Great Sea

Vietnam’s Longest Suspension Bridge

Located at the mouth of the Han River, where the river meets the East Sea, Thuan Phuoc Bridge has a unique geographical position that no other bridge possesses. Inaugurated in 2009, it is Vietnam’s longest suspension bridge with a total length of 1,856 meters.

From Thuan Phuoc Bridge, you can see the entire Son Tra Peninsula with its lush green mountains and forests, the long stretch of My Khe beach, and in the distance, fishing boats heading out to sea. This is a perspective that no other point in the city can offer.

Locals often call it the “fishermen’s bridge” – not because fishermen built it, but because every early morning, hundreds of fishermen from Man Thai and Tho Quang fishing villages cross this bridge to go to sea. Standing on the bridge at 5 AM, watching the small coracles navigate beneath the bridge in the fiery red dawn light – that is a moment you will remember for a lifetime.

[!NOTE] Thuan Phuoc Bridge is quite far from the city center (about 5km to the north). Many tourists miss this bridge because they don’t know how to get there. If you rent a motorbike or travel with a local driver, don’t miss this stop – especially in the early morning or at sunset.

Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridge – Humble Beauty in the Heart of the City

The Bridge of Da Nang People

If the other bridges are “models” – beautiful, grand, and photographed extensively – then Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridgen Tri Phuong** is a “friendly neighbor” – simple, practical, but the place where locals feel most connected in their daily lives.

The bridge was completely rebuilt in 2009, spanning approximately 660 meters. Its modern design features a transparent glass railing, offering a direct view of the river below. This bridge directly connects the Hai Chau residential area to the new Son Tra urban area, resulting in very heavy traffic.

What I love about the Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridge is the area at both ends – especially the East end, where the Son Tra Night Market and numerous sidewalk eateries are located. Standing here in the evening, looking west at the fiery Dragon Bridge, and south at the shimmering Tran Thi Ly Bridge – you are at the center of a magnificent panoramic view.

Travel Guide: The Best Way to Explore All 6 Bridges

Why Not Use Grab or Taxi Yourself?

This is the question I get asked most often by tourists. The short answer is: you can, but you’ll miss a lot.

When you use a regular Grab or taxi, you simply travel from point A to point B. The driver doesn’t know (and has no obligation to tell you) the best angle to photograph the Dragon Bridge, or that the best banh trang cuon thit heo (rolled rice paper with pork) in the city is located right at the beginning of Nguyen Van Troi Bridge.

Instead, I strongly recommend using Faifo Express’s all-inclusive shuttle service – a tourism transport company founded by Da Nang locals, with a team of drivers who have a deep understanding of every street corner, every bridge, and every delicious eatery.

Practical Benefits of Using Faifo Express

1. Local Drivers = True Guides

Faifo Express drivers don’t just know the way – they know the stories behind each bridge, the golden hours for the best photos, and which eateries are delicious at either end of the bridge. This is the kind of information you won’t find on Google or TripAdvisor.

2. Safety and Transparency

Da Nang has had cases of tourists being overpriced or taken on long detours by taxis, especially at night when watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire. Faifo Express has clear, listed prices, vehicles with recognizable logos, and the entire journey is tracked through a system.

3. Flexibility to Suit Your Needs

Want to stop for 30 minutes at one bridge, and an hour at another? No problem. Want to visit a riverside cafe mid-journey? The driver will wait. This is the flexibility that taxis or Grab cannot offer.

[!TIP] If you are planning a trip from the airport to the city, book Faifo Express’s Da Nang airport transfer service immediately – it’s more economical than airport taxis, and you can even ask the driver to stop at a few check-in spots on the way to your hotel.

Suggested Itinerary: Conquer All 6 Bridges in One Day

Morning (6 AM – 9 AM):

• Start at Thuan Phuoc Bridge at sunrise – watch fishermen go out to sea and capture the reverse sunset.
• Travel south to Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridge – have breakfast with Da Nang’s famous banh mi in the eastern end of the bridge area.

Midday (10 AM – 2 PM):

• Tran Thi Ly Bridge – visit the nearby APEC Park.
• Love Bridge (Nguyen Van Troi) – walk across the bridge, hang a love lock.

Afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM):

• Dragon Bridge (Song Han Quay) – take photos in the golden afternoon sun.
• Stroll along the riverbank, enjoy coffee overlooking the Han River.

Evening (8:30 PM – 9:30 PM):*

• Dragon Bridge – watch the fire/water show (Saturday, Sunday)

What to Eat When Checking In at the Bridges? “Secret” Delicious Restaurants at Both Ends of the Bridge

Dragon Bridge Area – A Culinary Paradise