Dragon Bridge: A Symbol of Da Nang’s Enchantment

History and design

Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)

The Dragon Bridge project commenced on July 19, 2009, and was inaugurated on March 29, 2013. It stands as the sixth bridge spanning the Han River. Preparations for this landmark included a design competition in late 2005, engaging 8 consulting firms from Vietnam, Japan, Germany, and the USA. From 17 proposals, the city leaders selected one depicting a dragon flying over the Han River towards the sea.

Before designing the Dragon Bridge, Vietnamese architects had to find the perfect dragon model. Dragons in each Vietnamese feudal dynasty had unique characteristics. After careful evaluation and analysis, they chose the dragon from the Lý Dynasty as the bridge’s inspiration. They believed the Lý Dynasty dragon exuded strength while maintaining a gentle and graceful form.

Construction and engineering feats

The Dragon Bridge is an impressive structure, stretching 666 meters long and 37.5 meters wide, with 6 lanes for traffic and 2 lanes for pedestrians. Its distinctive steel structure forms a dragon, stretching 568 meters and weighing almost 9,000 tons, showcasing remarkable engineering prowess.

The entire structure is coated with 5 layers of paint to prevent corrosion. At night, the bridge dazzles with over 2,500 intelligent LED lights, capable of adjusting to suit the themes of different events and festivals.

Don’t miss the nearby spots after visiting the Dragon Bridge

Cham Museum

Located about 0.3 km from the Dragon Bridge, The Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang is Vietnam’s largest museum showcasing Cham artifacts. It was originally constructed by the French in 1915 and opened to the public in 1919. The museum is home to a rich collection of religious sculptures from the 5th to the 14th-15th centuries, representing the artistic heritage of the Cham civilization.

APEC Park

Located approximately half a kilometer from the Dragon Bridge, APEC Park is a complex that features greenery, lawns, walking paths, promenades, and fountains. Its standout feature is a Kite-shaped canopy made of nearly 200 tons of steel.

Han Market

Han Market is situated in the heart of Da Nang city, about 1.4 kilometers from the Dragon Bridge. Established at the beginning of the 20th century, the market has now become the busiest trading hub in Da Nang. It’s considered a paradise for both fashion and food enthusiasts, offering a wide range of shopping and culinary experiences for tourists.

Da Nang Cathedral (The Pink Church)

Built between February 1923 and March 1924 by the French, Da Nang Cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture. Its eye-catching pink facade is a standout. The Cathedral draws in locals and tourists all year round, especially during the festive season.

The Han River Bridge

The Han River Bridge is the only swing bridge in Vietnam, built over two years from 1998 to 2000. Around 11 p.m., its central section rotates 90 degrees on its axis, aligning with the flow of the river, allowing large boats to pass through. Afterward, the bridge rotates back to its original position. At night, the Han River Bridge is illuminated with changing colors every few minutes, making it vibrant and beautiful.

My Khe Beach

Just 3 kilometers east of the Dragon Bridge is Da Nang’s most renowned beach, My Khe Beach. With its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, it offers an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure. My Khe Beach is also a perfect spot for catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

The Sun Wheel

Located in Asia Park, about 5.5 kilometers south of the Dragon Bridge, the Sun Wheel is a gigantic Ferris wheel standing at 115 meters tall. It boasts a total of 64 cabins, each capable of holding up to 6 people. As the wheel rotates, you’ll be treated to a stunning 15-minute panoramic view of Da Nang.

Helio Night Market

Not far from the Sun Wheel is the Helio Night Market, open daily from 5 pm to 10:30 pm with free entry. Here, you can explore a variety of food stalls offering a delicious taste of Da Nang’s street cuisine. Live music performances sometimes take place outdoors on certain days of the week, while indoor games add to the lively atmosphere, keeping everyone entertained.