January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Long Bien Bridge
A long iron bridge from 1903 over the Red River, still used by trains, bikes and motorbikes.
- Location
- Hanoi
- Time needed
- 30 – 60 min
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
Overview
Long Bien Bridge crosses the Red River from the Old Quarter to Long Bien district. It opened in 1903 under French rule and is about 1.7 km long. The iron structure was damaged by bombing during the war and repaired, and it still carries a single railway line, bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians.
The bridge is best at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the river is calm. The walkways are narrow and shared with motorbikes, so keep your wits about you. Many visitors walk onto the bridge for a short stretch and then return, while others cross to the far bank to see the market and the fields.
Highlights
- Walk onto the iron bridge
- Watch a train pass the river
- Photograph the sunrise or sunset
- See the riverbank gardens and market on the far side
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Open all day; best at sunrise or sunset |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 30 – 60 min |
| Best time of day | Sunrise or sunset |
| Good for | Photographers, history lovers, early risers |
| Accessibility | Narrow shared paths on the bridge; watch for motorbikes |
| Facilities | None on the bridge |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
25°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.3°C ~ 85°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.5°C ~ 82°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
14 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22°C ~ 72°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
18°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Hanoi centre
At the northeast edge of the Old Quarter. Walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake in about 20 minutes, or a short taxi ride.
- Long Bien Bridge
Tips before you go
- Go at sunrise or sunset
- Watch for motorbikes and keep to the side
- Do not step onto the railway tracks
- Hold on to children
Location
Hoan Kiem and Long Bien, Hanoi
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
How long is Long Bien Bridge?
About 1.7 km.
Is it open to walk on?
Yes, but the paths are narrow and shared with motorbikes.
When is the best time?
Sunrise or sunset.
Destination guideHanoi travel guideNorth Vietnam · 24 attractions