For the people of Hanoi, Long Bien Bridge went into the subconsciousness, engraved in the memory of many generations. These days, it is not just a place for people to go, it is also an interesting destination for many tourists who want to admire the night in Hanoi.
Built in the early 20th century, Long Bien Bridge became a historical symbol witnessing many changes in the capital Hanoi. The French built the Long Bien Bridge in the first colony of economic exploitation (1897-1914), with the aim of creating the railway from the port city Hai Phong crossing the Red River connected with Lao Cai, to Yunnan (China). The bridge was built entirely of steel, then had become the largest bridge of Indochina at that time, and, the French praised it as “the bridge connecting the two centuries”. At first, the bridge was called by the name of General Governor of Indochina, Paul Doumer. The bridge has railway for trains in the middle and two sides for motorized vehicles and pedestrians. Pedestrian walkway on two sides of the bridge is the most beautiful sightseeing of the Red River in Hanoi. The bridge has not just the task of helping people across the river, but also a solid dependence for delegations of food and weapons trucks serving for war. Therefore, in the war against France and against America, the bridge was bombed more than 10 times that destroying bridges and huge pillars. Later, the bridge was repaired and continued in operation.
As the sun slowly goes down, the bridge becomes bustling and busy with passers-by, including those who are in a hurry to go home, also people on the bridge for sightseeing and hawkers starting their working day. Looking down from the bridge, visitors will see the Red River rippling, and far away will see Chuong Duong Bridge crowded with moving people. Sunset is the best time to go sightseeing on the bridge. At that time, the sun will make everything brilliant pink-tinted, and along with sparkling street lights, the landscape becomes magical. The best location to sightsee is in the middle of the bridge, from there, you can overlook the capital Hanoi with pink clouds at the top, rows of trees, the Red River below the tree lines murmuring flowing, sparkling electric lights like stars shining in the capital. Nightfall, you will find that noisy Hanoi gradually becomes quiet. Walking along the bridge, you will see many young couples chatting or sightseeing together, street stalls selling grilled corn, baked potatoes as well as middle-aged uncles are walking, exercising on the bridge. Somewhere on the bridge will rest the “relics” of those who have come here such as the white lines of words, the lock of couples. It seems that this is not just a place for people to transport, this also brings spiritual joy for everyone. The summer night is when people appear on the bridge to enjoy the cool breezes blowing from the Red River dispelling the heat.
Have close-knit with Hanoi capital more than 100 years, the Long Bien bridge in Hanoi which saw changes from the resistance war for national independence to the construction of socialism and the beginning process of integration to the world is a meaningful historical witness of the capital. Not only that, this is a place for all to admire Hanoi, relax the soul, and review the best memories of life together. Go to the Long Bien bridge, visitors can enjoy cool breezes during hot summers, as well as a casual look at the lives of the people of Hanoi at night. Enjoying the view of shimmering Hanoi on a historic bridge will be a pleasant experience. Join a biking tour in Hanoi and visit Long Bien Bridge will make your trip more meaningful.
