What time does the Han River Bridge swing? Discover Da Nang's symbol of movement

One of the things that makes Han River Bridge the “star” of Da Nang tourism is the moment the bridge swings in the middle of the night, as reflecting lights on the water create a rare magical scene. According to the Da Nang Department of Transport (2026), the bridge swing schedule is flexibly adjusted to ensure traffic flow while catering to tourists' sightseeing needs.

• From Monday to Friday (weekdays): Traffic pauses at 0:45 AM. The bridge starts swinging at exactly 1:00 AM. The swing process takes about 15-20 minutes. After all vessels have passed, the bridge returns to its original position around 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM (depending on vessel density).
• Saturday and Sunday (weekends): To serve tourism, the bridge stops vehicle traffic at 10:45 PM and swings at 11:00 PM. Around 12:00 AM (midnight), the bridge returns to normal. This is the ideal time slot for tourists as it is not too late at night.

Note: The swing schedule may change slightly during major holidays (such as Lunar New Year) for extra service. You should check the latest information on the Da Nang tourism fanpage or map applications before visiting.

Han River Bridge is 487.7m long, 12.9m wide, consisting of 11 main spans. The special feature lies in the 5th span (the middle part) – this is where the bridge can split in two and rotate 90 degrees around its central axis.

Detailed operation process (takes only about 30 minutes for a full swing cycle):

• Preparation: Around midnight, the automatic barrier system rises, halting all vehicles crossing the bridge to ensure safety.
• Startup: The electrical system activates a powerful electric motor.
• Opening swing: The two steel girder sections at the middle span separate and rotate horizontally 90 degrees (along the direction of the Han River flow). This process takes about 15 minutes. At this point, the bridge creates two large “waterways” for large ships to navigate easily.
• Return swing: After all ships have passed, the steel girders rotate back to their original position in 15 minutes, the barriers lower, and normal traffic resumes.

The entire mechanism utilizes modern technology but was entirely designed by Vietnamese engineers – an engineering feat when the bridge was inaugurated. At night, a system of over 10,000 multi-colored LED lights creates a magical scenery, shimmering brightly on the river's surface. This is why Han River Bridge is not only a means of transportation but also a vibrant tourism symbol of Da Nang.

If you want to fully admire the Han River Bridge swinging, choosing the right viewing location is very important. Here are the best “bridge-swing hunting” coordinates in Da Nang, where you can enjoy the scenery while capturing memorable photos in the shimmering space along the Han River.

• East bank embankment (near Dragon Bridge): An ideal location for a panoramic view of the bridge. You should arrive early as this area is often crowded with tourists on weekends.
• West bank embankment (near Han Market): A quiet and spacious atmosphere, suitable for families or couples wanting to watch the bridge in a gentle setting.
• Cong Caphe – 100 Bach Dang: A famous cafe with a 180-degree view directly facing the bridge. With just a cup of coffee for around 50,000 VND, you can get a super chill photo spot.
• Sky36 – Novotel Hotel Rooftop: From a height of 36 floors, a full view of the Han River shimmering with lights unfolds before you. This is an ideal choice for couples or tourists who enjoy a luxurious setting.
• Han River Cruise: A premium experience as you watch the bridge swing amid cool breezes and melodious live music. A perfect way to end your evening in Da Nang.

No matter which angle you stand from, the moment the Han River Bridge swings open in the middle of the river remains a very special experience that anyone visiting Da Nang should watch at least once.

To fully enjoy the moment when the Han River Bridge swings – one of the unique nighttime experiences in Da Nang – tourists should prepare a few small tips in advance to make the visit more convenient and enjoyable.

• Transportation: You can take a taxi or Grab to save time, or use central bus routes. If staying in the My Khe Beach area, travel time is only about 10–15 minutes.
• Preparation: Bring a fully charged camera or phone to capture the bridge swinging moment. If taking nighttime photos, a small tripod will help stabilize your images. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a light jacket because the breeze from the Han River can be quite cool at night.
• Combining experiences: Before waiting for the bridge to swing, you can have dinner at riverside restaurants, stroll along Bach Dang Street, or check in at the Carp-Turning-into-Dragon Statue – famous nearby attractions.
• Sightseeing cost: Watching the bridge swing is completely free. Visitors only pay if using dining or cafe services along the river.
• Ideal time: Around 10:30 PM – 12:30 AM on weekends is a suitable time to stroll, take photos, and wait for the bridge swinging moment.

With a little preparation, you can easily experience the complete moving beauty of the Han River Bridge while enjoying the vibrant night atmosphere of Da Nang.

Han River Bridge is not only an important transportation structure, but also a symbol of Da Nang's dynamism, preserving the creative spirit and pride of the city's residents. Every weekend night, as the bridge slowly rotates amid the shimmering lights of the Han River, that scenery becomes a signature moment that any visitor would want to witness at least once. To fully enjoy this beauty, tourists can choose the Han River Bridge tour – a journey combining watching the Han River Bridge swing, the Dragon Bridge breathing fire, and Love Lock Bridge all in one night. From the boat cabin, you will admire the panoramic view of the city lit up, enjoy live music, and experience Da Nang's vibrant nightlife from a completely unique perspective.