Home » Travel Guider » Exploring the Han River Bridge: Da Nang’s Iconic Swing Bridge
Exploring the Han River Bridge: Da Nang’s Iconic Swing Bridge
Han River Bridge is one of the famous landmarks in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is the first one in Vietnam, the only current model, which underlines the quick development and modernity of the city. It does not only connect vital transport links, but it also decorates the urban views in the city, drawing tens of thousands of tourists on various Danang Tours. It has become a cultural and technological wonder in Vietnam, being that the bridge can swing open to allow river traffic.
History of The Han River Bridge
The Han River Bridge
The Han River Bridge was constructed in the post-liberation period of Vietnam. After the country achieved independence, there was a need to build another bridge in order to take off some transportation demand from the then-only bridge: the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. Building the Han River Bridge started in February 1998, and it was completed in March 2000. A bridge built by Vietnamese architects and made by Vietnamese hands stands there to prove what an indomitable will and industrial spirit can be.
The history of the Han River Bridge is too much interesting and full of the facts of development and tenacity. It was 487.7 meters long and 13 meters wide, consisting of 11 spans of 33 meters. The bridge became one of the necessities in the infrastructure for both local and tourist traffic in and around Da Nang. Its feature of flapping open for river traffic is an aid in transportation; it goes on to connote the dynamicness of Da Nang.
Location and Accessibility
Han River Bridge seen from above
The geographical location of the Han River Bridge is the city of Da Nang, Son Tra District, An Hai Bac Precinct. Literally, it connects the main streets, Le Duan and Pham Van Dong, and therefore can be accessed without much hustle from whatever part of the city. This, plus the fact that the Han River Bridge is close to other major landmarks like the Han River and the Dragon Bridge, gives it a strategic value.
A taxi, motor taxi, or bus can, therefore, access the Han River Bridge. The distance from the central bus station in the city requires one to use Ton Duc Thang Street and later close to the central Le Duan Intersection that provides access to the bridge. For those who may be coming from the Da Nang airport, it takes approximately 15-30 minutes to navigate through Of Nguyen Van Linh Street along Tran Phu Street, and with approximately 1-2 kilometers, you get to the Le Duan Intersection with the Han River Bridge at a closer vicinity. Therefore, due to such convenience, it attracts a significant number of tourists daily.
Structure and Design
The Han River Bridge is one such illustration of a masterwork in engineering and design. At 487.7 meters across and 13 meters in width, it has been built in 11 spans, with an introduction of a swinging mechanism. This central span is allowed to rotate up to 90 degrees, creating an opening for tall ships to be able to travel through it. That in essence is the feature that defines creativity in design and the functional elegance of the bridge.
Moreover, the architectural design of the Han River Bridge is also very aesthetic, not only functional. It is the structure of the bridge in combination with its lighting system that constitutes a spectacle, especially at nighttime. By its typical architectural icon, the design shows the modernity and dynamic spirit of Da Nang.
The Swinging Mechanism
The bridge rotates at night
Of all its features, swinging has to be quite likely the most observed concerning Han River Bridge. Every night, the central span of the bridge rotates 90 degrees for the passage of river traffic. This occurs on weekdays between the hours 1 and about 4 o’clock in the morning. During weekends, the bridge swings from 11 pm to midnight, hence giving an option for early exposure to the process for visitors.
But the swing of Han River Bridge is not just an activity of operation; it is the process of sightseeing. The bridge rotation process is performed splendidly enough to present the level of technology in the city. The forms of the revolution are engineering masterpieces incorporating the very latest technology but workable with functionality, thus meeting the requirements of river traffic, yet at the same time making the bridgework attractive.
Nighttime Beauty
Han river bridge at night
The Han River Bridge can be at its most beautiful appearance during the night when all the different lights are hit. The lights of the bridge, shimmering and dazzling the local people or tourists, are reflected in the water. Some of the best places in which the bridge can be viewed at night include the several riverside cafes, different hotels, and tall buildings that hold panoramic views of the lights obtained from the bridge.
Other popular activities at nighttime around Han River Bridge would be taking a river cruise, dining at restaurants around, and the nightlife. The night-light show and the swing mechanism of the bridge, make it a center of attraction for many, thus being at the heart of most attractions within Da Nang.
Comparing Han River Bridge and Dragon Bridge
Da Nang has very many great bridges. The most fascinatingly interesting are the Han River Bridge and Dragon Bridge. Though each of them has had its range of unique architectural styles, the most popular is Han River Bridge due to its swing, and the second one is the Dragon for its dragon shape and show of breathing fire at the weekends.
Nature will dictate a choice between either Han River Bridge or the Dragon Bridge. Han River Bridge cradles the amazingly unique fusion of engineering and arts, while the Dragon Bridge cradles the pyrotechnic display. The two are among the most iconic structures in Da Nang and should feature in comprehensive city tours.
Tips for Visiting Han River Bridge
Poetic Han River Bridge
To get the most out of an outing to Han River Bridge, it would be prudent to plan. The most suitable times to visit would be at the break of dawn, or past midnight when the bridge remains less inhabited and the swinging view would be enjoyable. Safety, however, should never be compromised, so at any glance onto the bridge, the individuals should be cautious when transversing the bridge to avoid cases of accidents with the traffic.
Han River Bridge: More travel Info Wear the most comfortable walking shoes you have, a camera to take photos of the amazing view, and visit other nearby attractions such as the Love Bridge, Dragon Carp Statue, and Da Nang Museum, which brings a deep cultural experience along with the Han River Bridge.
Nearby Attractions
A few attractions lie close to the Han River Bridge. It acts as a good place to begin a day of exploration while in Da Nang. Love Bridge. Das Nang is a romantic bridge with heart-shaped embellishments. It makes it a perfect spot for lovers. The Dragon Carp Statue is one cultural symbol that lies next to it for an instant memory.
The Da Nang Museum provides information on the rich history and culture of the city. It also has contemporary visual-auditory presentations, and it holds important artifacts. This place boasts the total experience of being in Han River bridged area and is, therefore, very recommendable for everybody who walks in Da Nang through different Danang Tours.
Conclusion
In a word, the Han River Bridge is one place that cannot be missed once in Da Nang. It is on top of tourists’ lists due to the innovation, cultural value, and artistic beauty it carries. The experience here is a must when taking a Danang tour or traveling independently. Therefore, it isn’t an experience ever to be missed. Keep up with our regular updates on the Fanpage and Website for interesting information on visiting Danang and booking Danang tours at the best price.Don’t forget to regularly follow our Fanpageand Websitefor more interesting information about traveling to Danang and to book Danang tours at the best prices.
This tour takes in all of these for central of Vietnam just with 5 days, the perfect way to experience central Vietnam at its best. Impress Travel Team will welcome you in Danang international airport, then transferring to Hoi An for sightseeing of city by visiting Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and take experience of lantern making workshop, transferring to Hue crossing Danang city, visiting marble mountain, Lang Co beach. The next destination of this trip is Hue imperial city, we will get stared to visit Thien Mu pagoda by the impression of cruising dragon boat then keeping on discovering Hue city by sightseeing in the Old Imperial City and Tu Duc Tomb. The last day of this tour return Danang city for shopping and Danang airport to home or next destinations.
Tours Itinerary
Day 01
DA NANG ARRIVAL & HOI AN HALF DAY SIGHT SEEING (L)
Upon arrival Danang international airport, greeting by Impress Travel’s guide & transfer to the Hoi An(approximately 35 minutes drive). Check in hotel and enjoy lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon we will visit Hoi An, Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang City. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot.
First visit Japanese Covered Bridge: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
Lantern making workshop: Visit one of the lantern workshops in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern.
What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, lunch, hotel in Hoi An, entrance fee
Day 02
HOI AN – DA NANG – HUE (B, L)
Breakfast and morning free at leisure.
Depart at 13.00 PM to Hue. Journey from Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. We will visit Marble Mountains, it is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son ward, south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co beach, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and East Sea.
What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hue
Day 03
PERFUME RIVER BOAT TRIP - HUE CITY SIGHT SEEING (B,L)
Enjoy breakfast in hotel, depart at 8 am, embark on a local boat and cruise down the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue’s most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a center of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc.
Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City, this former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
Then Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, The final resting-place of this Nguyen Dynasty emperor and scholar was built before his death. A lake, pavilion and theatre still exist on the grounds
What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, boat trip in Hue, hotel in Hue
Day 04
HUE - DA NANG (B, L)
After breakfast, return to Da Nang City.
Visit Marble Mountain – Marble Mountains is a natural masterpiece bestowed to the land of Da Nang, Vietnam. With the harmonious beauty of the ecological area and the spiritual and cultural life, this destination attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world.
Visit Cham museum. It’s home to several cultural artifacts in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam, preserving the spirit of the ancient Champa Kingdom
All day free at leisure or shopping at Han Market. This is a paradise for shopaholics. Not only can you find Da Nang specialties here, it is also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs.
Overnight in Danang.
What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, breakfast, lunch, hotel in Da Nang
Day 05
DA NANG DEPART (B)
Breakfast in hotel before leaving to airport for flight return home or excursion to the other part.
Finish a memorable trip of Central Vietnam. We wish you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again!
What is included today: Transfer, breakfast
What’s included in this trip
Private car as tour program indicated.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
English- speaking guide
Entrance fees.
Boat Trip to visit Tra Que village, ticket for activities in Farm
Bicycle
Cooking class in Hoi An
Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast; ( AC room).
What’s excluded in this trip
Airport taxes
Personal insurance
Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc
Visa to Vietnam
Homestays in Hue
Hotels in Hue
Homestay in Hoi An
Hotels in Hoi An
Resorts in Danang
Hotels in Danang
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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Central Vietnam Tours offers a great way to discover Central Vietnam ( Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Ngai) where is famous for the most beautiful landscapes in the world & the friendly people they are. Visit a country with ancient villages, peaceful countryside, and vibrant cities, admire dazzling white beaches, natural wonders, cultural heritages, natural heritages, and emerald-green paddy fields. Impress Vietnam Travel Team to work as a friendly, helpful local operator in Vietnam & Asia. We guarantee to provide you with the new experiences relating to the new lands & hidden charm that needing to be discovered. Why not, give us a chance to serve you then a great Vietnam Holiday is waiting for you. Email: info@impresstravel.com & call to Mr. Alex Impress Travel Manager at his cell phone (+84) 9123 79 189
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