A rusty steel structure, passing trains and the wide Red River stretching out below you. Long Bien is one of Hanoi’s most distinctive landmarks and can easily be included in a walk through the northern part of the Old Quarter.

The bridge is still used for everyday transport. A railway line runs down the centre, motorbikes whizz past on either side, and there are narrow footpaths for pedestrians along the outer edges.

It is precisely this combination of the old structure and everyday city traffic that creates its distinctive atmosphere.

Would you like the bridge and the Old Quarter to be within walking distance? The more straightforward Hanoi Little Town Hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the western entrance to the bridge. For greater convenience, consider La Siesta Classic Ma May, about a 15-minute walk away. I compare other areas and hotels in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

A stroll across the bridge

You can set off on foot to the bridge directly from the Old Quarter. Once you’re above the river, a view of the water, the green river islands and the surrounding city opens up.

For a shorter visit, simply walk across a few spans of the bridge and return the same way. Allow about 20–45 minutes for such a walk, including time for taking photos. If you want to cross to the other side and back again, allow about an hour, allowing time for stops along the way.

The footpath is narrow, uneven in places, and motorbikes ride right alongside it. Expect noise and, when passing other people, you may occasionally have to wait. Motorbikes on the bridge keep to the left.

When to go and where to take photos of the bridge?

Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times for a walk, when it’s not so hot and the steel structure is bathed in a more pleasant light. There’s little shade on the bridge at midday.

The Serein Cafe & Lounge, in the building next to Long Bien station, also offers views of the western part of the bridge and the railway approach. From the upper floors and the terrace, you can see the structure from a distance.

Why is the bridge so famous?

Long Bien dates back to the period of French colonial rule in Vietnam. It was built by the firm Daydé & Pillé and officially opened in 1902, originally under the name Paul Doumer.

It was the first steel bridge across the Red River. During the Vietnam War, it was repeatedly damaged by bombing and repaired. The current structure therefore combines original parts with later replacements.

Admission and opening hours

• 💰 Admission: free.
• 🕒 Opening hours: all day; I recommend visiting during daylight hours.

In the event of any repairs, please respect road closures and follow the current signage.

How to get to the bridge?

From the Old Quarter, head towards the western entrance near Long Bien railway station, close to Hang Dau and Tran Nhat Duat streets. From there, follow the path to the bridge onto the outer footpath.

If travelling by Grab, enter ‘Ga Long Biên’ to arrive on the side near the historic centre. You cannot drive across the bridge itself.

Approximate walking times to the bridge entrance:

• Dong Xuan Market – about 10 minutes.
• Quan Chuong Gate – about 10 minutes.
• Hoan Kiem Lake – about 20–25 minutes.

From the Temple of Literature area, you can take bus 34 from Nguyen Thai Hoc Street towards Gia Lam. Get off at the 80 Trần Nhật Duật stop and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the bridge. You can find further practical information in the section on Transport in Hanoi.

Did you visit the bridge in the morning or at sunset? Share your tips in the comments.

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