Is it safe to walk across the Long Bien Bridge?

Yes, it is generally safe as there is a dedicated pedestrian path separated by a railing from the motorbike lane. However, the path is narrow and the metal plates can be uneven, so watch your step and be mindful of your belongings.

What is the best time for photography on the bridge?

Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography, as the light hits the rusted ironwork beautifully. Sunrise also allows you to see the Long Bien Market at its most active.

Can I see a train crossing the bridge?

Yes, but trains are infrequent. They usually run early in the morning or late in the evening. You can check the current schedule at Long Bien Station, but don't count on a train passing during a midday walk.

Who designed the Long Bien Bridge?

The bridge was designed by the French firm Daydé & Pillé. While many people believe Gustave Eiffel designed it, his firm only participated in the initial bidding process; the contract was awarded to Daydé & Pillé.

Is there an entrance fee for the bridge?

No, the Long Bien Bridge is a public thoroughfare and is completely free for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbikes to use at any time.

Can wheelchairs or strollers access the bridge?

Unfortunately, no. The pedestrian walkways are too narrow for wheelchairs or wide strollers, and the approach involves stairs and uneven surfaces.

Why does the traffic drive on the left side of the bridge?

This is a historical quirk from the French colonial era. While Vietnam now drives on the right, the bridge's narrow design and original railway integration meant that changing the traffic flow would have been difficult, so the original left-hand pattern remains.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising above the Red River like a rusted dragon, the Long Bien Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is the resilient soul of Hanoi. Originally named the Paul Doumer Bridge, this cantilever structure was completed in 1902 by the French firm Daydé & Pillé. While local legend often incorrectly attributes its design to Gustave Eiffel, its industrial elegance certainly shares that iconic French DNA. This self-guided walk invites you to traverse a century of history, from the bridge's colonial origins to its role as a strategic target and symbol of defiance during the Vietnam War. This walking route takes you across the narrow metal spans where motorbikes buzz and trains rumble, offering a perspective of Hanoi that few visitors truly experience. You will begin at the charmingly weathered Long Bien Railway Station, a relic of the early 20th century that still serves as a gateway for travelers heading north. As you follow this neighborhood stroll, you will witness the stark contrast between the bustling energy of the city's wholesale markets and the tranquil, green mudflats of the Red River island below. This audio walk is designed for those who appreciate industrial heritage, gritty urban landscapes, and the layers of history that define modern Vietnam. Exploring independently allows you to stop and photograph the intricate lattice of ironwork or watch the sunset cast a golden glow over the river. The bridge has been bombed multiple times and repaired with mismatched spans, creating a visual timeline of the city's survival. Beyond the history, this route offers a sensory deep-dive into Hanoi life: the smell of fresh produce from the market, the rhythmic clanging of the tracks, and the panoramic views of the growing skyline. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure provides the context needed to understand why this bridge remains the most beloved landmark for Hanoians today.

Highlights

Long Bien Railway Station's French colonial architecture

Panoramic photography spots overlooking the Red River

The bustling morning energy of Long Bien Wholesale Market

Walking the historic 'wrong-way' motorbike lanes

Viewing the war-era repair spans and original French ironwork

The quiet, local atmosphere of Gia Lam Railway Station

Tour Stops (6)

Long Bien Railway Station

Welcome to the starting point of your exploration. Built in 1902, this station is a quintessential example of French colonial architecture. Notice the yellow-ochre walls and the vintage signage that feels frozen in time. Unlike the grand Hanoi Central Station, Long Bien has a more intimate, gritty charm. It was designed as the starting point for the railway line connecting Hanoi to the port of Haiphong and the northern border. Today, it remains fully operational. If you stand on the platform, you can see how the tracks immediately lead onto the bridge, creating a seamless transition from the city streets to the iron spans over the river.

Serein Cafe & Lounge

While you are here, look up at the colonial-style building housing Serein Cafe. This is widely considered the best vantage point for photographers in the city. From its terrace, the scale of the Long Bien Bridge becomes clear. You can see the rhythmic pattern of the iron trusses stretching nearly two kilometers across the water. It is from this height that you can truly appreciate the 'dragon' metaphor—the bridge appears to undulate across the landscape. It is a perfect spot to observe the flow of traffic below, where thousands of motorbikes navigate the narrow lanes in a choreographed chaos that is uniquely Vietnamese.

Chợ Long Biên

Just beneath the bridge ramp lies the Long Bien Wholesale Market. If you visit in the very early hours of the morning, this is the most chaotic and vibrant place in Hanoi. Even during the day, the area hums with the energy of traders and transporters. The market is the city's stomach, where produce from the surrounding provinces arrives before dawn. The bridge serves as a literal roof for parts of this commerce. As you begin your walk onto the bridge itself, the sounds of the market will fade, replaced by the metallic hum of the structure as motorbikes and the occasional train pass by.

Lucky Budda Inn Villa Hanoi

As you continue across the bridge toward the Long Bien district side, you will notice the traffic patterns. Uniquely, traffic on this bridge stays to the left, a remnant of its original design. Look closely at the iron beams; you will see the name 'Daydé & Pillé' etched into the metal. This section of the walk takes you over the 'Middle Island,' a lush green oasis of banana and vegetable plantations that feels worlds away from the city center. The bridge was heavily targeted during the 1960s and 70s, and if you look at the different sections, you can see where modern repairs meet the original 19th-century lattice.

Gia Lam Railway Station

You have now crossed the Red River and arrived at Gia Lam Station. This station serves as the terminus for many regional trains and even the international train to Nanning, China. The atmosphere here is significantly quieter than in the Old Quarter. It offers a glimpse into a more residential, industrial side of Hanoi. The architecture here is more functional, reflecting the post-colonial and socialist era of the city's development. Take a moment to rest here and observe the local commuters who use the bridge daily as a vital lifeline between the two sides of the river.

Long Biên District Riverside

Concluding your walk in the Long Bien district, you can look back across the water toward the Hanoi skyline. From this distance, the bridge looks delicate, almost fragile, yet it has survived over a century of floods, heavy traffic, and intense aerial bombardment. This area is rapidly developing, with modern bridges like the Chuong Duong and Vinh Tuy visible in the distance, but none carry the symbolic weight of the Long Bien. It remains a testament to Vietnamese endurance and a bridge between the city's colonial past and its bustling, modern future.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bridge itself is approximately 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) long. Including the stops at the stations on either end, the total walking distance is about 2.5 kilometers, which typically takes 60 to 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.