Tran Thi Ly Bridge: The Sailboat Architectural Icon and Best Check-in Tips

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is not only a modern bridge but also carries a historical journey of over 70 years, closely linked to the historical events of the Vietnamese nation. Originally, in 1950, the French constructed a railway bridge at this location named De Lattre de Tassigny to serve the North–South railway line. In 1955, after the French withdrew, the bridge was renamed Trinh Minh The, after a heroic Viet Minh general. Later, during the war period, it was named Nguyen Van Troi to commemorate the hero who sacrificed his life for the fatherland.

In 2013, the two old bridges (Nguyen Van Troi and the old Tran Thi Ly) were replaced by a modern new structure – the modern Tran Thi Ly Bridge, inaugurated on March 29, 2013. The bridge was named after heroine Tran Thi Ly, a revolutionary fighter from Quang Nam – Da Nang famous for her indomitable spirit. She is a symbol of resilient Vietnamese women, who participated in secret anti-French activities and heroically sacrificed her life at the age of 31. Naming the bridge after her not only honors history but also sparks national pride, making Tran Thi Ly Bridge a destination of deep cultural value.

Today, the bridge is part of Da Nang's "four famous bridges" (along with Dragon Bridge, Han River Swing Bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge), contributing to shaping the identity of a dynamic coastal city. 

What makes Tran Thi Ly Bridge stand out is its creative design, inspired by the image of a sailboat catching the wind heading out to sea, featuring a unique 3D cable-stayed system that creates a perfect balance between aesthetics and engineering.

Some impressive technical parameters:

• Overall length: 731m, with a main span of 320m.
• Main pylon: 145m high above the Han River water surface, inclined 12 degrees downstream to enhance aesthetics and reduce wind load.
• Cable-stayed system: Over 136 cables, arranged in an inverted Y-shape, symbolizing sails stretching out to welcome the wind.
• Lighting system: Modern LED system that can change colors according to event themes, creating a magical shimmering look at night.

The architecture blends classic European touches with modernity, featuring slender pylons and smoothly curving bridge decks. From above, the bridge looks like a ship riding the waves, harmonizing with the blue waters of the Han River and the distant Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son). It is no exaggeration to say that Tran Thi Ly Bridge is a masterpiece by Vietnamese engineers, highly praised by international experts for its harmony of function and art.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge spans the Han River, connecting An Hai Tay Ward (Son Tra District) and Thac Gian Ward (Thanh Khe District), located about 1km upstream from Dragon Bridge and about 2km from Han River Bridge. This strategic location makes it an ideal "bridge link" between the city center and coastal tourist areas like My Khe or Non Nuoc.

Easy ways to get there:

• From Da Nang Airport: About 5km, taking 10-15 minutes by taxi (around 100,000-150,000 VND) or Grab.
• From the city center: Walk along the banks of the Han River or take bus route No. 1 (stop at Dragon Bridge station).
• From Hoi An: About 30km, traveling by motorbike or taxi via Nguyen Tat Thanh Road, taking 45-60 minutes.
• Note: The bridge allows motorbikes and cars to pass, while featuring a spacious dedicated walkway for pedestrians and visitors.

To combine sightseeing, you can visit the nearby Dragon Bridge or My Khe Beach for a complete journey.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is a check-in holy land for youth in Da Nang, featuring a series of camera angles worth "a million likes" thanks to its iconic design and mesmerizing river views. Below is a detailed check-in guide for Tran Thi Ly Bridge to help you get professional shots while staying safe.

Ideal time for check-in

• At night (18:00 - 22:00): This is the "golden hour" when the LED lights turn on and the bridge brilliantly changes colors (blue, purple, red depending on the season).
• Sunrise (5:00 - 7:00) or Sunset (16:00 - 18:00): Soft sunlight creates a "golden sail" effect, combined with the Han River mist for romantic photos. Avoid peak traffic hours (7:00 - 9:00 AM, 17:00 - 19:00 PM) to avoid crowds.
• Ideal season: April to August (summer) for sunny weather; December to February (winter) for cool air and fewer tourists.

Best photography spots

• On the bridge deck (pedestrian walkway): Stand at the main span to capture a panoramic view of the tower pylon and stays.
• Under the bridge (Han River bank): Shooting from below looking up creates depth, especially with the "skylight" underpass.
• From Thuan Phuoc Lighthouse: 2km away, take a panoramic shot covering the bridge and the sea, combined with Dragon Bridge.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is not only a vital transport work but also an architectural symbol carrying the modern mark of Da Nang. With the image of sails reaching out to the vast sea, the bridge expresses the aspiration for development and the spirit of continuous innovation of this vibrant young city. Under the sunset or when night falls, Tran Thi Ly Bridge always delivers emotional frames, serving as an ideal destination for travelers wanting to capture beautiful moments on their journey exploring Da Nang. If you are impressed by the beauty of Tran Thi Ly Bridge, you can continue your journey to explore other iconic bridges of the city such as Dragon Bridge with its unique fire-breathing performance, Han River Bridge – the first swing bridge in Vietnam, or the romantic Love Lock Bridge by the Han River bank. Each bridge has its own story and unique charm, contributing to the title "city of bridges" that Da Nang is always proud of.