Long Bien Bridge Cầu Long Biên
Steel bridge across the Red River
Walk the steel spans of Long Bien Bridge across the Red River, on the side path beside the railway. Come in the early morning or just before sunset, when the truss still reads against the sky. Skip it when the side paths are closed for repairs.
●●●○○ Editor rating for this attraction
The steel spans and the side path
Photo: Michael Coghlan · CC BY-SA 2.0
Walk the side path of Long Bien Bridge, the steel cantilever across the Red River beside the Old Quarter. Daydé & Pillé built it, and it was finished in 1902. The railway runs down the middle. Motorbikes, bicycles, and people on foot use the side paths in both directions, between the Hoan Kiem end and Bo De.
Photo: Sketyl · CC BY 2.0
The steel structure is 1,682 m, and the river crossing is also 2,290 m, with an 896 m approach on the city side. It has 19 spans. Work began in September 1898, and in 1899. A plate on the bridge reads 1899–1902. The first official Hanoi–Haiphong train crossed on 8 April 1902. It was the Doumer Bridge, people also called it Cau Song Cai, and the name Long Bien dates from 1945.
Come in the early morning or just before sunset. If the ends are closed for repairs, use Chuong Duong, which took the traffic during the 2026 closure. Stay on the side path.
Getting there and around
The Hoan Kiem end sits beside the Old Quarter. Walk from the lanes north of Hoan Kiem to that end, then take the side path toward Bo De.
If the night is in Hanoi, search Old Quarter hotels.
From Hoan Kiem
Walk from the lanes north of the lake to the Hoan Kiem end, then take the side path.
From Bo De
The side path also runs from Bo De back toward Hoan Kiem.
Hours and fees
- Hours
Check on arrival.
- Closed
Check on arrival. The side paths were shut for repairs from 26 March 2026 and reopened at 00:00 on 28 May 2026.
- Admission
Check on arrival.
Also in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh
Join the morning line at 17 Ngoc Ha for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the columned hall at the head of Ba Dinh…
Hoa Lo Prison Nhà tù Hỏa Lò
Walk the remaining cells and yard of Hoa Lo, the prison whose gate still reads Maison Centrale, at 1 Hoa Lo…
Hoan Kiem Lake Hồ Hoàn Kiếm
Start here.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Hoàng thành Thăng Long
Give the citadel a morning of its own.
Ngoc Son Temple Đền Ngọc Sơn
Cross the red The Huc bridge from the Hoan Kiem path to the small temple on the island, renovated in 1864 a…
Temple of Literature Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám
Walk through the Khue Van gate into the courtyards of Hanoi's Confucian temple, founded in 1070, and the un…
Stay and tickets in Hanoi
-
Hanoi Hotels Compare rooms near this sight. We may earn a commission.
Search stays - Long Bien Bridge Tickets and tours
Search a booked ticket, transfer, or day tour for this stop.
Search tours and attractions
Compare rooms and rates for your dates. We may earn a commission.
