Da Nang's oldest bridge turns into nightlife hub to spur tourism
Built in the 1960s during the Vietnam War, it was the first road bridge across the Han River, serving to transport weapons of the U.S. military from Tien Sa port to Da Nang City.
Nguyen Van Troi Bridge with total length of more than 513 m consists of 14 spans of Poni steel piles.
Late last year, the Da Nang government agreed on a pilot plan to organize night tourism services on the bridge.
It is one of the rare bridges with arch architecture made of poni steel frame in Vietnam. Currently, both ends of the bridge are blocked for pedestrians only.
This area will host cultural, artistic and community activities and feature five tourist service counters and a children's play area.
Local authorities have installed a series of cameras on the bridge to monitor nighttime activities.
The total investment for the first phase of renovation from 2024 until 2028 is estimated at VND3.5 billion (US$137,218).
A pedestrian zone is expected to open in early June.
These days, workers are rushing to install a lighting system, public toilets and trash cans.
Authorities have renovated many items such as removing weeds and garbage, planting new trees and replacing some dead and broken trees.
In the summer, the purple color of Lagerstroemia flowers creates a highlight for the area.
Some promenades on the east side of the bridge are decorated with non la (conical hats), a symbol of Vietnam, and pinwheels to amuse tourists.
Foreigners walk on Nguyen Van Troi Bridge at night.
Nguyen Van Troi pedestrian bridge viewed from Tran Thi Ly bridge.
Standing on the pedestrian bridge, tourists can admire the beauty of the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge at night, and enjoy fireworks displays lasting five weeks in June and July as part of Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.
A popular tourism hub in the central region, foreign tourists in Da Nang often complain about the lack of nightlife entertainment.