Explore Han River Bridge – The First Swing Bridge and the Pride of Da Nang

Han River Bridge is located in the center of Da Nang City, spanning the Han River and connecting Hai Chau District (West bank) with Son Tra District (East bank). The bridge connects two major thoroughfares, Le Duan and Pham Van Dong, with a total length of 487.7 meters and a width of 12.9 meters. This is the only operating swing bridge in Vietnam today. The 90-degree rotation mechanism of the middle span allows large ships to navigate smoothly along the Han River while creating a unique spectacle of light and movement at night. Featuring a modern LED lighting system, the Han River Bridge glimmers and reflects onto the water, contributing to the romantic nightscape of the "city of bridges".

More than just a means of transportation, the Han River Bridge is a cultural tourism destination attracting millions of visitors each year thanks to a perfect combination of modern engineering and symbolic value.

Construction of the Han River Bridge began on September 2, 1998, shortly after Da Nang officially became a centrally governed city. It was the third bridge across the Han River, following Nguyen Van Troi Bridge and Thuan Phuoc Bridge, with a total investment of 95 billion VND—a massive sum in the late 1990s. Most admirably, around 30% of the funds (equivalent to 7 billion VND) came from voluntary contributions by local residents, demonstrating a shared spirit and desire to build a prosperous new city.

The idea for this unique swing bridge originated from the Standing Committee of the Da Nang City Party Committee and was entrusted by the Ministry of Transport to Vietnamese engineers for design and construction. Without the involvement of foreign experts, the Han River Bridge is considered a truly "purely Vietnamese project" from blueprints and technical designs to the hands of the workers. After nearly two years of construction, the bridge was officially inaugurated on March 29, 2000, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Da Nang, becoming a symbol of self-reliance and a turning point in the development of the young city.

Today, at the foot of the bridge stands a stele inscribed with the names of individuals and collectives who contributed to the project as a token of gratitude, recalling that behind the shimmering silhouette of the bridge each night is a story of faith, solidarity, and the pride of Da Nang's people.

The Han River Bridge goes far beyond a simple transportation role; it is a symbol of resilience and the aspiration for integration. By connecting Hai Chau District (West bank) with Son Tra District (East bank), the bridge "awakened" the economic potential of the riverside land, boosting tourism and commerce. Before the bridge existed, traveling between the two banks was difficult and hindered development; today, it serves as a main driving axis, helping transform Da Nang into one of Vietnam's top "most livable cities".

For local residents, the Han River Bridge is a source of national pride, highlighting the self-reliance of Vietnamese engineers. It is associated with major events such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) in June and July every year, where visitors can watch brilliant fireworks displays from the bridge for free (the stage is about 1 km from the foot of the bridge). Furthermore, the bridge is a cultural inspiration, frequently appearing in poetry, photography, and travel tours, affirming Da Nang's position on the global tourism map. 

The Han River Bridge has a total length of 487.7 meters and a width of 12.9 meters, consisting of 11 main spans (33 meters each) and 2 cable-stayed spans with a combined length of 122.7 meters. The main structure utilizes prestressed reinforced concrete combined with high-strength steel, ensuring exceptional durability and load-bearing capacity.

The most unique highlight is the swing bridge mechanism: The middle span of the bridge can rotate 90 degrees parallel to the Han River's flow to allow large ships to pass. This is the first and only operating swing bridge in Vietnam today. This design serves not only river navigation but also creates a dynamic, modern aesthetic in the heart of the city. At night, the modern LED lighting system with color-changing capabilities makes the bridge shimmer and reflect on the river surface, transforming the Han River Bridge into a vibrant artwork—a symbol of the harmonious blend between tradition and modernity.

According to the latest schedule for 2026 (based on updated information from the Da Nang Department of Transport), the bridge swings daily, but the timings differ to serve tourism and traffic needs.

• Monday to Friday: Traffic stops at 0:45 AM, the bridge rotates at 1:00 AM, and closes at 2:00 AM (may extend until 4:00 AM if there are many ships).
• Saturday and Sunday: Traffic stops at 10:45 PM, rotates at 11:00 PM, and closes at 12:00 AM midnight, making it convenient for tourists to watch.

The schedule may change due to weather or special events (such as Lunar New Year), so it is recommended to check via the Department of Transport website or the Da Nang travel app. During Lunar New Year 2026, the bridge rotates additionally on nights starting from 9:00 PM to serve tourists. 

To make your exploration of the Han River Bridge complete and memorable, keep in mind these useful tips:

Ideal Time to Visit

• Evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): An ideal time to admire the vibrant LED lighting system reflecting on the Han River.
• Weekends (around 11:00 PM): The time when the bridge rotates impressively to clear the path for ships to pass.
• Avoid the rainy season (October – December): Weather can be wet and affect your experience.
• Best time to visit: From March to September, when the weather is dry and cool, convenient for strolling and photo taking.

Transportation and Parking

• Location: Located right in the center of Da Nang, connecting Le Duan and Pham Van Dong streets, making travel very convenient.
• Suggested transport:
  • Grab or taxi – fast and convenient.
  • Motorbike rental (around 100,000 VND/day) to easily explore nearby attractions.
• Parking: There is no parking lot right at the foot of the bridge, so you can park nearby and walk about 5–10 minutes to the bridge.

Highlight Activities at Han River Bridge

• Strolling and taking check-in photos: Enjoy the cool atmosphere and admire the shimmering Han River at night.
• Han River cruise experience: Ticket price 150,000 VND/adult, 100,000 VND/child – a great opportunity to get a panoramic view of Da Nang's famous "four iconic bridges".
• Enjoy coffee with a great view:
  • Cong Caphe – 98 Bach Dang
  • Corner Coffee – 99A Tran Phu
  • Me coffee Roastery – Lot A1-08 Han Market, Bach Dang

Safety Precautions

• Walk only on dedicated pedestrian lanes.
• Bring sunscreen, hat, or cap when visiting during the day.
• Avoid peak traffic hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) to ensure safety and comfort.

The Han River Bridge is not only a unique architectural symbol but also the pride of Da Nang's people, testifying to the creative spirit, dynamism, and aspirations of this young city on the Central coast. Visiting here, tourists can not only admire Vietnam's only operating swing bridge but also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Han River, breathe in fresh air, and immerse themselves in the vibrant lifestyle of "Vietnam's most livable city". If you want a more comprehensive experience, consider an all-inclusive Han River Bridge tour – a program combining visits to iconic bridges, a Han River cruise, specialty food tasting, and panoramic night views of Da Nang. This will surely be a memorable journey, bringing impressive moments with family and friends.