The Han River Bridge (Cầu Sông Hàn) is the first and most iconic of Da Nang‘s modern bridges, standing as a powerful symbol of the city’s dynamism and progress. As Vietnam’s first and only swing bridge, its primary attraction is the unique engineering spectacle that occurs nightly when it rotates on its axis to allow maritime traffic to pass. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of this famous landmark, including the best ways to experience its nightly swing, its cultural significance, and practical tips for visitors.
It is more than just a way to cross the river; it is a symbol of our city’s dreams and a wonderful sight to see. So, let’s be your guide and show you the best way to experience the magic of our “swinging bridge.”
What makes the Han River Bridge so special?
The Han River Bridge was a very proud moment for the people of Da Nang. It was the first bridge of its kind in Vietnam, and it was built with the contributions of our own citizens.
Construction of the bridge started on September 2nd, 1998. The Han River Bridge was the very first of our modern bridges, and it was a huge moment for Da Nang when it opened in the year 2000. It stands in a prime location, connecting two of our city’s main streets, and for us, it has always been a powerful symbol of our city’s journey into the future.
At nearly 500 meters long, it’s an impressive sight, but its real magic, as you know, is that it swings open to let the big boats pass through. This beautiful ‘dance’ it does every night has made it not just a useful piece of engineering, but the true, beloved heart of our city’s sparkling riverfront.
This means that every night, the entire middle section of the bridge actually rotates 90 degrees on its axis.
- Why does it swing? It swings to create a wide, open channel in the river, allowing the big tourist boats and other tall ships to pass through.
- The spectacle: It’s a slow, graceful, and almost silent movement. Watching this huge structure of steel and lights slowly turn is a fascinating and unique piece of engineering art.
READ MORE: Must-visit bridges in Vietnam
The most important question: What time does it swing?
This is the most crucial piece of information for your visit!
- On weekends (Saturday and Sunday): The bridge swings at 11:00 PM (23:00).
- On weekdays (Monday to Friday): The bridge swings at 1:00 AM (01:00).
Honest advice for you: Please, plan to see this on a Saturday or Sunday night. The 11:00 PM time is perfect for an evening out. The 1:00 AM weekday time is very late and is mainly for industrial shipping, not for tourists. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes. The bridge will swing open, the boats will pass through, and then it will slowly swing back into place.
The best ways to watch the bridge swing
You have a few fantastic options to see this unique show.
Take a Han River Cruise
This is, without a doubt, the best and most memorable way to experience not just the Han River Bridge, but all of Da Nang’s beautiful bridges.
- The experience: You will board a beautiful, brightly lit boat for a relaxing cruise along the Han River. You’ll get to see the city’s sparkling skyline from the water. The boat will cruise under the Dragon Bridge (you might even see it breathe fire if it’s a weekend!), the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and finally, it will position itself perfectly for the main event. You will have a front-row seat as the Han River Bridge begins its slow, graceful swing right in front of you.
- Who it’s for: Perfect for everyone! It’s a wonderfully romantic experience for couples, a fun and safe adventure for families, and a great, relaxing activity for groups of friends.
- Booking a Han River cruise: There are many boats to choose from. You can book your tickets easily at the boat pier on Bach Dang street. The cruises usually last for about 1.5 hours.
Find a spot on the riverbank
This is a great, free option that lets you soak in the local atmosphere.
- Where to go: The best place is the beautiful, wide promenade along Bach Dang Street. There are many benches and open spaces where you can sit.
- The vibe: You will be joined by many local families, young couples, and other tourists. It’s a lively, happy, and very safe atmosphere. You can grab a drink from a nearby cafe or a snack from a street vendor and enjoy the show.
Watch from a rooftop bar
For a more sophisticated and comfortable view, head up high!
- Where to go: There are several fantastic rooftop bars in the hotels along the riverfront, like the Sky36 bar at the Novotel.
- The experience: You can enjoy a delicious cocktail with a stunning, panoramic view of the entire city and all its glowing bridges. It’s a very glamorous way to watch the spectacle unfold below.
Fireworks display at the Han River Bridge
If you are lucky enough to visit Da Nang during the summer, you are in for a truly spectacular treat! The city hosts the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, where teams from all over the world come to compete, and the area around the Han River Bridge becomes the best seat in the house.
Imagine standing on the riverbank, looking up as the night sky explodes in breathtaking displays of colour and light. You can see the vibrant reflections of the fireworks dancing on the shimmering surface of the Han River-it is absolutely magical! The whole city comes alive with a wonderful, festive energy. You’ll be surrounded by happy local families, the sound of music, and a feeling of pure celebration. It is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting times to be in Da Nang, and an experience you will never forget.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Ba Na Hills in Da Nang.
A perfect Da Nang evening itinerary
To make the most of your night, here is a perfect plan for a Saturday or Sunday:
- 7:00 PM: Have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
- 8:30 PM: Take a slow, relaxing walk along the beautiful Bach Dang riverfront.
- 9:00 PM: Watch the magnificent Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water!
- 9:30 PM: Board your Han River Cruise.
- 11:00 PM: Enjoy the grand finale as your cruise boat gives you a perfect view of the Han River Bridge swinging open.
Other bridges cross the Han river in Da Nang
As you look at the beautiful city of Da Nang, you’ll see that our life revolves around the majestic Han River, and we have six beautiful, unique bridges that act like strings on a guitar, each playing its own special note. Let me introduce you to our family of bridges!
- First, there is the Han River Bridge, the true, beloved heart of our city. It was our first modern bridge and the only one in Vietnam that swings open at night—a symbol of our city’s pride.
- Then, you have the magnificent Dragon Bridge, our most famous icon that everyone comes to see! It looks like a giant, golden dragon flying towards the sea, and on weekends, it puts on a spectacular show, breathing real fire and water.
- Further down, where the river meets the sea, you’ll see the elegant Thuan Phuoc Bridge. It’s the longest suspension bridge in Vietnam, and its graceful, modern shape makes it a favorite spot for beautiful photos.
- If you look closely, you’ll see a bridge that looks different from the others. That is the Tran Thi Ly Bridge. With its unique, tilted pillar and fan of cables, it’s designed to look like a beautiful white sail catching the wind—a true work of architectural art.
- We also have the historic Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. It’s an older bridge that we’ve lovingly preserved. Now, it’s a peaceful pedestrian-only bridge, perfect for a slow walk and a quiet moment to admire the river.
- And finally, the practical Tien Son Bridge, which works hard every day to help with traffic and keep our beautiful city moving smoothly.
Each one has its own personality, and together, they create the stunning, modern, and dynamic skyline that makes Da Nang so special.
Conclusion
In the end, the Han River Bridge is more than just a piece of clever engineering; it is a symbol of Da Nang’s identity. Its nightly swing is a proud declaration of the city’s constant movement, its connection to the sea, and its forward-looking spirit. Whether you watch it from the deck of a glittering cruise boat or from a simple bench on the riverbank, witnessing this graceful giant turn against the night sky is a unique and essential Da Nang experience that connects you to the very heart of this dynamic city.