The Long Bien Bridge, known locally as Cầu Long Biên, is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Stretching across the Red River, this historic bridge has witnessed over 100 years of Vietnamese history. When it was first built by the French in 1899-1902, it was hailed as a landmark engineering achievement and an example of French colonial might. The bridge’s distinctive green steel structure and Art Deco styling also make it one of the finest remaining examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam.
In this essay, we explore the history of Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge and examine its significance as a French colonial monument in Vietnam. We discuss its construction, innovative design, wartime damage and repair, and modern-day importance as both a transportation artery and architectural treasure.

The Long Bien Bridge was constructed between 1899-1902 during the early years of French colonial rule in Vietnam, then known as French Indochina. Designed by the Eiffel Company, which also created Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower, the bridge was intended to facilitate trade, transport, and control across northern Vietnam. Its construction showcased France’s engineering prowess and was meant to highlight its colonial dominance over Vietnam.

At 1,860 feet (570 meters), Long Bien Bridge was one of the longest bridges in Asia when it first opened. Its construction utilized over 3,500 tons of metal, which was imported from France. Innovative methods were used during construction, such as building huge concrete pillars and foundations in the middle of the river without obstructing the waterway.
The bridge’s design also incorporated new technologies, like an adjustable rail track that could be moved to accommodate both road and railway transport. When completed, Long Bien Bridge provided a vital link between Hanoi and the northern port city of Haiphong, enabling the transport of people, goods, and resources critical for France’s colonial trade ambitions.

Long Bien Bridge’s green steel framing and decorative ironwork make it one of Vietnam’s standout examples of French colonial architecture. Its style reflects the Beaux-Arts preferences popular in France when Hanoi was established as the capital of colonial Indochina.
The bridge features Art Deco design elements, like its ornate latticework railings, sleek lines, and embellished light posts. This elegant styling aimed to create a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that would showcase French creativity and design savvy. It provides a striking contrast to the more traditional Vietnamese and Asian architecture found elsewhere in Hanoi.

Looking at old photographs of Early 20th century Hanoi, you can see how Long Bien Bridge’s imposing steel structure towered over the city’s low-rise buildings. It remains the most visually prominent French colonial landmark in Hanoi, making it a popular tourist attraction and photography subject. The bridge is pictured on everything from postcards to currency to street art around Vietnam.

Long Bien Bridge withstood decades of turmoil, damage, and repair—testament to its solid French engineering and construction. It first saw action during World War II when it was repeatedly bombed by both Allied and Japanese forces as they fought to control northern Vietnam. Remarkably, the bridge remained largely intact after suffering over 4,000 bomb explosions.
During Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the subsequent Vietnam War, the bridge endured even more destruction. US forces heavily bombed and partially destroyed Long Bien Bridge to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines. However, due to the bridge’s heavily reinforced concrete foundations, its main central spans remained standing.
Long Bien Bridge underwent major reconstruction twice—first in 1947 and later between 1964-1965. Both French and Vietnamese engineers have painstakingly fixed and upgraded the bridge over the last century, including anti-corrosion treatments to preserve its distinctive green steel skeleton. Recent inspection and repairs took place in 2019 to keep Long Bien Bridge structurally sound and open for traffic.

These days Long Bien Bridge still functions as a crucial transport artery. Despite its age, the historic bridge handles thousands of vehicles like motorbikes, bicycles each day. Which traversed between Hanoi’s two sides. Plans are underway to limit vehicle traffic to preserve Long Bien Bridge’s longevity as a critical river crossing.
Additionally, its daily transportation role, Long Bien stands as an architectural treasure of Vietnam’s history. It remains one of Hanoi’s most popular and photogenic landmarks. Tourists flock to Long Bien Bridge for its sweeping views and historic importance. It also attracts locals who come to sightsee, take graduation photos, enjoy the breezes to visitors.

Few colonial structures from 19th century French rule remain in modern Vietnam. This makes Hanoi Long Bien Bridge an especially valuable architectural legacy. The bridge is historically significant as Vietnam’s longest steel bridge built entirely by the French. Thanks to careful preservation and restoration, Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge will continue teaching future generations about French colonial engineering, Vietnam’s tumultuous past, and the bridge’s evolving role in the growth of Hanoi. If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.