By aussiematesvietnam G’Day and Welcome to Da Nang’s Iconic Nguyen Van Troi Bridge
After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I have explored just about every nook and cranny of this beautiful country. But there’s something special about Da Nang that keeps pulling us back. And one of the city’s standout attractions that I reckon every Aussie visitor should experience is a leisurely stroll across the Nguyen Van Troi Walking Bridge.
This isn’t just any bridge, mates. It’s a cracker of an experience that gives you breathtaking views of the Han River, the city skyline, and the magnificent Dragon Bridge nearby. Whether you’re visiting in the morning when the city is coming to life or in the evening when it’s all lit up like a Christmas tree, this walking bridge offers a unique perspective of Da Nang that you simply can’t miss.
[IMAGE:nguyen-van-troi-bridge-panorama]
So grab your hat and sunnies (or perhaps an umbrella during the wet season), and let me, Aussie Mates, be your guide to this iconic landmark that’s become a must-do on any Da Nang itinerary.
A Bit of History: From War Relic to Modern Icon
The Nguyen Van Troi Bridge has a fascinating backstory that many tourists aren’t aware of. Originally built by the French in the 1950s, it was once the only bridge connecting the two sides of Da Nang across the Han River. Back then, it was known as the Tournon Bridge, named after a French general.
During the Vietnam War (or the American War as locals call it), the bridge was renamed after Nguyen Van Troi, a Vietnamese revolutionary who was executed in 1964 for attempting to assassinate the U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. It’s a stark reminder of the city’s turbulent past.
The bridge’s strategic importance made it a target during the war, and it was partially destroyed by Viet Cong forces in 1966 to prevent American troops from crossing. After the war, it was rebuilt but eventually became too small for the growing traffic of Da Nang.
[IMAGE:original-bridge-historical]
When Tracy and I first visited Da Nang back in the early 2000s, this bridge was still serving as a vehicle bridge. But as the city developed and larger bridges were built, the authorities had the brilliant idea to transform it into a pedestrian-only bridge in 2013. It was a smart move that’s added another gem to Da Nang’s crown of attractions.
Where to Find It and When to Visit
The Nguyen Van Troi Walking Bridge spans the Han River, connecting Tran Hung Dao Street on the west bank with Bach Dang Street on the east bank. It’s smack-bang in the heart of Da Nang, making it dead easy to find.
If you’re staying in Da Nang (which I highly recommend for at least a few nights), you can easily reach the bridge on foot from most central hotels. If you’re coming from Hoi An or further afield, any taxi driver will know where it is – just ask for “Cầu đi bộ Nguyễn Văn Trỗi” (pronounced roughly as “Cow dee boh Nwin Van Choy”).
As for timing, I reckon there are three prime times to visit:
- Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM): This is when locals do their exercises along the riverbank and the lighting is perfect for photography. Plus, it’s not too hot yet.
- Sunset (around 5:30-6:30 PM depending on the season): Watch the city transition from day to night with spectacular colors reflecting on the river.
- Evening (7:00-9:00 PM): When all the city lights are on and the Dragon Bridge and other bridges light up in colorful displays.
Tracy and I prefer the evening visit, especially on weekends when there’s more action. The temperature’s more comfortable, and there’s nothing quite like watching the city lights reflect on the Han River while enjoying a cool evening breeze.
[IMAGE:sunset-bridge-view]
What to Expect During Your Stroll
The Nguyen Van Troi Bridge isn’t a massive structure – it’s about 400 meters long, which makes for a leisurely 10-15 minute stroll if you’re taking your time. But don’t rush it, cobber! The whole point is to soak in the atmosphere and views.
The bridge itself is painted white with decorative lighting that changes colors at night. It has wide pathways and plenty of spots to stop and take photos. There are even a few benches if you fancy sitting for a bit to watch the world go by.
What makes this bridge special is the unobstructed views it offers. From the middle of the bridge, you can see:
- The magnificent Dragon Bridge downstream, which breathes actual fire on weekend nights
- The Han River Bridge, which famously rotates to allow large ships to pass
- The sleek Tran Thi Ly Bridge with its sail-shaped pylon
- The modern Da Nang skyline with its growing collection of high-rises
- Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) in the distance
Last year, Tracy and I were lucky enough to witness a traditional boat race on the Han River from this very bridge. It was an absolute corker of an experience – all those colorful boats racing beneath us while locals cheered from both banks. You never know what you might see!
[IMAGE:dragon-bridge-view]
Local Life Along the Riverbanks
One of the things I love most about the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is how it connects you with local life in Da Nang. The riverbanks on both sides have been developed into beautiful public spaces where locals gather throughout the day.
On the west side (closer to the city center), you’ll find a lovely promenade with gardens, exercise equipment, and often street performers in the evenings. There’s also a collection of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a Vietnamese coffee or a cold beer.
The east bank (Bach Dang Street) is even more happening, with a wider promenade, more restaurants, and some of the city’s best hotels. This is where many of the river cruise boats dock, and you’ll see vendors selling everything from souvenirs to street food.
During our last visit, Tracy and I spent a good hour just people-watching from the bridge. We saw elderly locals practicing tai chi, young couples taking wedding photos, families out for evening walks, and fishermen trying their luck in the river below. It’s a microcosm of Vietnamese life that gives you a genuine feel for the city.
[IMAGE:local-life-riverbank]
Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot
If you’re anything like me and love snapping a few pics for the family album (or Instagram if you’re more tech-savvy than this old bloke), the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge offers some ripper photo opportunities.
Here are my top tips for getting that perfect shot:
- Sunset is the golden hour for photos, with the sun setting behind the mountains creating stunning silhouettes.
- Night photos of the illuminated bridges require a steady hand or, ideally, a tripod for those long exposure shots.
- Try capturing the reflection of the city lights in the Han River – it makes for a beautiful symmetrical image.
- Include some locals in your photos to add scale and life to the scene.
- The Dragon Bridge is best photographed from about midway along the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge.
Tracy’s always been better than me with the camera, but even my shaky hands have managed to capture some beauty from this bridge. Just remember to be considerate of others walking across while you’re lining up your shots.
Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
The beauty of the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is its central location, which makes it a perfect starting point for exploring other Da Nang attractions. After your bridge stroll, consider checking out:
- Con Market: A busy local market about a 15-minute walk from the west end of the bridge. Great for souvenirs and local snacks.
- Dragon Bridge: Don’t just view it from afar – walk across it too! On Saturday and Sunday nights at 9 PM, it breathes fire and water.
- Museum of Cham Sculpture: A fascinating collection of artifacts from the ancient Champa civilization, about a 10-minute walk from the bridge.
- Han Market: Another bustling market near the west end of the bridge where you can buy everything from fresh produce to tailored clothes.
- My Khe Beach: One of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches is just a short taxi ride away from the east end of the bridge.
Tracy and I usually make a day of it – starting with a morning stroll across the bridge, followed by some market exploration, lunch at a riverside restaurant, and then back to the bridge area in the evening to see it all lit up.
[IMAGE:dragon-bridge-fire]
Where to Grab a Feed Nearby
Nothing works up an appetite like a good walk, and luckily, there are plenty of top-notch eating options near the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. Whether you’re after local Vietnamese tucker or something more familiar, you’re spoiled for choice.
On the Bach Dang Street side (east bank), you’ll find a row of riverside restaurants offering everything from seafood to international cuisine. Some of our favorites include:
- Waterfront Restaurant & Bar: Great for Vietnamese seafood with a view of the river.
- Bamboo 2 Bar: A casual spot with good Western and Vietnamese options.
- Madame Lan Restaurant: Serves excellent traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a lovely setting.
For a more budget-friendly option, check out the street food vendors along the riverbank promenade. They set up in the evenings and offer local specialties like bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes), bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), and fresh sugarcane juice.
Tracy and I have a little tradition of grabbing a Vietnamese coffee at one of the riverside cafes after our bridge walk. There’s nothing quite like sipping on that strong, sweet caffeine hit while watching the boats go by.
[IMAGE:riverside-dining]
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth Your Time
In a city with so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to ancient temples, you might wonder if a simple bridge walk is worth your precious holiday time. As someone who’s been living in Vietnam for nearly two decades and has crossed this bridge countless times, I can tell you with confidence – absolutely, it is!
The Nguyen Van Troi Walking Bridge gives you a unique vantage point of Da Nang that combines city views, river scenery, and local culture in one easy experience. It’s free, it’s accessible, and it gives you a genuine feel for the heart and soul of this rapidly developing coastal city.
Whether you’re in Da Nang for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, I recommend making this bridge walk one of your first activities. It’ll orient you to the city layout and give you a taste of what makes Da Nang so special.
Tracy and I have brought many of our visiting mates from back home to this bridge over the years, and not one has been disappointed. In fact, several have told us it was one of the highlights of their Vietnam trip.
So there you have it, cobbers – the Nguyen Van Tr