Long Bien Bridge is the first steel bridge across Red River in Hanoi. It was built by the French from 1899 to 1902 and named after the Governor General of Indochina Paul Doumer. Still, Hanoians often called it Long Bien or Cai river bridge. At present, the bridge is still tagged the plate engraved with the words “ 1899-1902- Daydé & Pillé – Paris”.
At 1.68 kilometres in length, it was, at that time, one of the longest bridges in Asia. For the French colonial government, the construction was of strategic importance in securing control of northern Vietnam. From 1899 to 1902, more than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction.
Long Bien Bridge is a symbol of longevity, beauty and historical values; simultaneously, it is a cultural heritage in the development of Hanoi. Not only is it the witness throughout the history of the capital, Long Bien Bridge today is also the indispensable tourist spot in Hanoi tours in order that tourists have a chance to better understand about the ups and downs of Hanoi – a millennial cultural capital.
