Han River Bridge

Angcr · CC BY 3.0

The first swing bridge designed and built by Vietnamese engineers, still turning sideways in the small hours.

Before 2000, crossing to the east bank of the Han River meant taking a ferry. This bridge ended that, and it carries a meaning no other crossing in the city does: part of the money came from residents' own contributions, and both the design and the construction were Vietnamese. What makes visitors linger is the mechanism — around midnight the central span rotates ninety degrees to lie along the river so large vessels can pass, then closes again by morning. A whole bridge turning quietly in the middle of the night is not something many cities can show you.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Han River Bridge?

Evening, around the time the span turns

How long do you need at Han River Bridge?

45 minutes

What are the opening hours of Han River Bridge?

All day

Did you know

Opened on 29 March 2000, the first swing bridge designed and built by Vietnamese engineers.
The central span rotates 90 degrees to let large boats through, usually around midnight.
Part of the construction cost came from contributions by the city's own residents.
It replaced the ferry that had been the only way to reach the east bank.

Travel tips

The turning time shifts with shipping schedules and season — ask your hotel on the day.
Walk the west bank along Bach Dang street for the view; it is airier and has less traffic.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BA%A7u_S%C3%B4ng_H%C3%A0n

Updated: 2026-08-16