The Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark spanning the Red River in bustling Hanoi, Vietnam, exemplifies resilience and national pride. Known locally as Cầu Long Biên, the historic cantilever bridge continues standing tall despite enduring extensive bombing during the intense Vietnam War. As a strategic transportation structure that symbolized Vietnamese independence, the Long Bien endured over 3,000 assaults yet persevered against the odds, making it a tangible national monument representing fortitude. Even today, the bridge epitomizes continuity by remaining integral to locals’ daily traversals despite necessary repairs and renovations for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians alike.

Initially, they designed and constructed in the era of French Colonialism starting 1899. Long Bien Bridge garnered the attention of American forces; viewed as both a convenient transportation. Which links for Northern Vietnamese soldiers and supplies along with a prideful community icon. That deliberate airstrikes commenced in 1965 targeting the resilient span. Over the next years until 1972, the bridge withstands over 3,000 bombardments ranging from napalm explosives to 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs, astonishing engineers and military strategists globally. Despite the relentless shelling, including brave villagers rallying to conduct crucial repairs amidst attacks, the Long Bien withstood the batterings with only partial destruction along its central spans. The resolute bridge and Hanoians alike refused defeat from attacking forces.

As a prominent landmark that endured years of explosive assaults during wartime, the Long Bien Bridge emerges as a National Monument; it undergoes necessary restorations starting in 1994 to preserve its legacy. Both remaining original French-era steel sections along with mid-1960s rebuilt segments stand today as reminders of Vietnamese perseverance through war. As years pass, upgrades facilitate continued vehicle transportation across the historic Red River, including two modern concrete-paved lanes paralleling the old Long Bien.
 




 
The bridge sees thousands of motorbikes and cars passing daily despite weight limits. Locals and tourists alike traverse between bustling city districts, appreciating glimpses of Hanoi’s iconic structures standing sturdy testaments surviving war. The Long Bien persists serving crucial transportation functions across the winding Red River, connecting past perseverance to present-day national pride.

As a tangible reminder of Vietnam’s hard-fought victory in 1972, the iconic Long Bien Bridge remains steadfast over the bustling Red River traffic in Hanoi. Known affectionately as Cầu Long Biên to locals, the historic cantilever bridge exemplifies national pride and resilience after enduring years of targeted bombings. Even with necessary repairs and renovations, the bridge continues exemplifying Vietnam’s success by persisting as an integral transportation passageway.

The bridge was designed under French Colonial rule in 1899. Viewed by American forces as both a logistical asset for Northern troops and a symbolic community landmark, relentless airstrikes commenced in 1965 to demolish the resilient structure. Over 3,000 bombs exploded around and upon the Long Bien by 1972, astonishing global military experts with the bridge’s survival. From napalm explosives to massive 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs. The structure persevered against the odds, even as whole central spans collapsed.

Local villagers rallied amidst attacks to enact repairs, refusing to allow the bridge’s defeat and displaying nationwide resolution. After years of air raids, the Long Bien Bridge still stands today as a reminder of Vietnam’s victory in the war. Explore this beauty through the local lens of our professional free tour guide with One trip!





 

As one of Vietnam’s proudest National Monuments, the Bridge has undergone carefully-planned restorations in 1994. Vietnamese people embrace it to honor its legacy of endurance. Both original French-era steel sections and mid-1960s rebuilt segments stand in testament to Vietnamese spirit through years of war. As time passes, necessary upgrades have enabled continued vehicle transportation across the historic Red River. Two modern concrete-paved lanes now parallel the old bridge, facilitating thousands of motorbikes and cars daily despite posted weight limits. Locals and tourists alike traverse between Hanoi’s bustling districts, viewing the Long Bien’s perseverance after war. The bridge persists as an enduring testament to Vietnamese victory.
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.