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The steel spans of Long Bien Bridge over the Red River

Long Bien Bridge

A century-old steel bridge over the Red River

Long Bien Bridge crosses the Red River on the northern edge of the Old Quarter. Built by the French and opened in the early 20th century — named at the time after the governor-general Paul Doumer — it was for decades the only crossing and was bombed repeatedly during the war; some spans are visibly repaired.

Today cars use newer bridges, but trains, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians still cross the rusting steel girders. Walking out along the pedestrian path gives views of the wide brown river, the city skyline and the banana plantations on the sandbanks below.

What to see and do: Long Bien Bridge

Walk the bridge at sunset

Start from the Old Quarter end near Long Bien station and walk as far as you like, then back.

Cycle to Banana Island

Some bike tours cross towards the farmland on the river islands.

Photograph the trains

Trains cross at intervals; the pedestrian path is separated from the track, so stay on it.

The steel spans of Long Bien BridgeRails and girders on the deck of Long Bien Bridge

How to get to Long Bien Bridge

  • On foot: 15–20 minutes north-east from Hoan Kiem Lake, via Dong Xuan Market.
  • By Grab: ask for “Cầu Long Biên”.

Insider tips

  • The walkway is narrow and uneven in places — watch your step.
  • Motorbikes use the outer lanes; keep to the walkway.
  • There is no shade; avoid midday in summer.

Best tours & tickets for Long Bien Bridge

These GetYourGuide experiences include Long Bien Bridge or pair well with it:

Live availability: tours around Long Bien Bridge

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Eat in the alleys, ride a Vespa, sail among the karsts

Taste pho, bun cha and egg coffee with a local guide, watch the water puppets, cross the city on the back of a Vespa — then spend a day among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay or the rice fields of Ninh Binh. Compare the tours and book in a couple of taps.

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Good to know

Long Bien Bridge FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk across Long Bien Bridge?

Yes, there is a pedestrian path along the bridge. It is free.

Sights

Shophouses, signs and motorbikes on a street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Old Quarter

The 36 streets — Hanoi at its busiest and most delicious
The Turtle Tower on its islet in Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

The Lake of the Returned Sword, the heart of the city
Cafés and houses lining the railway track on Hanoi’s Train Street

Train Street

Where the railway runs a hand’s width from the front doors