Da Nang is renowned as the “City of Bridges,” and among its architectural marvels is the Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Its European-inspired design, resembling a sail set for the sea, is a unique and striking feature of this landmark.
Introduction to Tran Thi Ly Bridge.
Where is Tran Thi Ly Bridge?
Tran Thi Ly Bridge is located in the heart of Da Nang City. It spans the Han River upstream, approximately 2 km from Dragon Bridge and the Love Bridge. As tourism in Da Nang has flourished, this trio of bridges has attracted a large number of visitors for check-ins and photo opportunities. It is also a prime location to fully appreciate the beauty of the romantic Han River and the sparkling cityscape as night falls.
History of Tran Thi Ly Bridge’s Construction
The site of Tran Thi Ly Bridge was originally home to an old railway bridge constructed in 1951. This was the first bridge built in Da Nang to span the Han River. The bridge was part of a railway system extending from Tien Sa Port to Da Nang Station. At that time, it was named De Lattre De Tassigny, but locals often referred to it as Da Lat or De Lach Bridge. In 1955, when the French forces withdrew from Vietnam, the bridge was renamed Trinh Minh The. After 1975, the bridge was renamed a second time to Tran Thi Ly, which is the name it bears today.
In 2009, the Da Nang authorities initiated the reconstruction of Tran Thi Ly Bridge at its original site, running parallel to Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. By 2013, the construction was completed, with the bridge stretching approximately 700 meters in length. It now serves as a crucial transportation route connecting Hai Chau District with Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son Districts. Thanks to its unique architecture and modern LED lighting system, the bridge has become a popular tourist attraction in addition to its importance in transportation.
Scale and Design of Tran Thi Ly Bridge
Tran Thi Ly Bridge is designed with a distinctly European architectural style that is both modern and vibrant. It is the first cable-stayed bridge constructed in Vietnam, featuring a three-dimensional cable-stay system with slanted cable towers and a main tower inclined 12 degrees westward, reaching a height of up to 145 meters.
Thanks to its unique cable-stayed design, the bridge resembles a wind-filled sail heading out to sea when viewed from afar. At the time of its inauguration in 2013, Tran Thi Ly Bridge held the world record for having the largest tower, as well as the largest cable-stayed plane in Southeast Asia.
The bridge spans 34.5 meters in width and is divided into six lanes for vehicles and two lanes for pedestrians. It is engineered to support a maximum load of up to 25,000 tons. Due to its large-scale design, meticulous planning, and accommodation for both pedestrians and tourists who come to check-in, Tran Thi Ly Bridge is a must-visit attraction that DanangPrivateCar.com recommends during your trip to Da Nang.
Exciting Experiences at Tran Thi Ly Bridge
Watching a Stunning Sunset
Besides Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. Standing on the bridge, you can take in the peaceful flow of the Han River, with the water reflecting the shimmering colors of the twilight. Just by standing on the bridge, you can capture panoramic views of the city and snap many Instagram-worthy photos.
Admiring the Bridge’s Vibrant Night Lights
When night falls, the bridge is illuminated by a dazzling LED lighting system. The bright lights shining down on the river create a sparkling, mesmerizing view. Whether viewed from afar or while standing on the bridge, the scenery is sure to captivate you. The cool river breeze adds to the charm of the night, making it a popular spot for groups of friends to gather, enjoy snacks, and even sing together. However, please remember to stay in the pedestrian and bicycle lanes to ensure safety and avoid any accidents.
Admiring the Vast Beauty of the Han River
In the evening, the banks of the Han River come alive with the glow of street lights and the dazzling illumination from high-rise buildings, restaurants, and neon signs. Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in this vibrant light display.
You’ll be thrilled by the lively, modern nighttime scene along the Han River, with bustling eateries, people exercising, dancing, and the energetic street music performances.
Enjoying Street Food at the Foot of Tran Thi Ly Bridge
At the foot of Tran Thi Ly Bridge, you’ll find many food stalls offering a variety of delicious snacks at very affordable prices. You can savor tasty and budget-friendly treats like:
- Salted yogurt
- Sucking snails (ốc hút)
- Mixed jackfruit salad (mít trộn)
- Spring rolls with mustard greens (ram cuốn cải)
- Grilled sandwiches (bánh kẹp)
- Quang-style noodles (Mì Quảng)
- Mixed rice paper (bánh tráng trộn)
- Milk tea
Most of these stalls are open from the afternoon until late at night. If you’re looking for a late-night snack spot, the area around Tran Thi Ly Bridge offers plenty of choices.
Checking Out the Underpass at Tran Thi Ly Bridge
Another intriguing experience that DanangPrivateCar.com recommends is exploring the underpass of Tran Thi Ly Bridge. This structure is referred to as the “skywell” in the heart of Da Nang, and it has quickly become a popular new check-in spot for the youth.
The underpass is located on the west side of Tran Thi Ly Bridge and was built with a total investment of over 723 billion VND. It was officially opened on March 29, 2022, to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the liberation of Da Nang City. The underpass is 900 meters long, extending from Duy Tan Street to the foot of Tran Thi Ly Bridge.
What makes this underpass special is its unique “skywell” design with open-air square cutouts, allowing natural light to flood in. This creates a bright and visually stunning setting, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. However, since the underpass is a busy roadway without a designated pedestrian lane, be sure to stay close to the roadside for safety if you plan to stop and take pictures.
Organizing a Picnic at the Foot of the Bridge
Near the foot of Tran Thi Ly Bridge, there’s a large, lush green lawn, making it an ideal spot for an outdoor picnic or camping by the Han River. The cool river breeze, combined with the picturesque views of the sunrise and sunset, adds to the charm of this location. On weekends, local residents often gather here to fly kites, ride bikes, and enjoy various activities. If you have time, be sure to visit this grassy area near the bridge for some fun and relaxation.
Tips for Visiting Tran Thi Ly Bridge
Here are some tips from DanangPrivateCar.com to ensure a smooth and safe visit to Tran Thi Ly Bridge:
- Ideal Time to Visit: The best times to visit and take photos at Tran Thi Ly Bridge are early in the morning or in the late afternoon and evening. It’s advisable to avoid peak hours when traffic is heavy, as it can be dangerous to stop for photos or leisure activities.
- River Cruise Option: To fully appreciate the beauty of the Han River and the three famous bridges in the area, consider purchasing a ticket for a river cruise. Experiencing the serene flow of the river while viewing Tran Thi Ly Bridge from a distance and up close is sure to be a memorable experience.
Conclusion
The information provided above highlights the stunning Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang. DanangPrivateCar.com hopes you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful city, known as the most livable in Vietnam. Don’t forget to use our private car services with a driver in Da Nang. As the leading provider of travel car services in Da Nang, we prioritize speed, safety, comfort, and privacy for all our clients.