Trang Tien Bridge, Hue's ancient and romantic symbol, always attracts visitors. If you are looking for a place to admire nostalgic beauty, capture poetic moments, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital, this century-old bridge is a must-see destination. Trang Tien Bridge not only boasts unique architecture but also holds many gentle historical stories, inviting you to explore.
1. Introduction to Trang Tien Bridge – What You Need to Know
1.1. Where is Trang Tien Bridge?
Trang Tien Bridge is located right in the center of Hue City, within the jurisdiction of Phu Hoi Ward and Phu Hoa Ward. With its prime location spanning across Perfume River Poetic, this is not only a vital transportation bridge but also an ideal destination for you to enjoy the scenery and feel the pulse of the city.
1.2. Is the correct name Trang Tien Bridge or Truong Tien Bridge?
This is a question that many tourists ask when mentioning this famous bridge. In fact, the original name of the bridge is Trường Tiền. The reason for this name is that near the bridge area there was a mint of the Nguyễn dynasty (the people of Huế used to call the mint "trường").
However, during its use and after one repair, the name "Tràng Tiền" became popular and has been used interchangeably to this day. Whether it is called Tràng Tiền Bridge or Trường Tiền Bridge, both names are accepted by locals and tourists alike and refer to this historic bridge.
1.3. Some impressive figures about the bridge of the century
Not just one tourist destination Hue Famous, Trang Tien Bridge is also a proud symbol that hides telling numbers, proving its timeless stature:
- Impressive length: Stretching 402.60 meters across the tranquil Huong Giang River, the bridge is like a soft ribbon connecting the two banks.
- Unique architecture: With six steel truss spans, each 67 meters long, Trang Tien Bridge possesses a beauty that is both graceful and elegant, yet surprisingly sturdy and solid.
- Historical landmark: This is not just a bridge, but also an architectural marvel. Trang Tien Bridge was one of the first bridges in Indochina to be built using modern Western techniques and materials, demonstrating the remarkable development of the construction industry at that time and the vision of its creators.
2. History of Trang Tien Bridge – Witness to the passage of time
For over a century, Trang Tien Bridge has stood tall, witnessing the ups and downs of the history of the ancient capital and the country. Let's take a look back at the important milestones that have shaped this legendary bridge:
- 1897 – 1899: During the reign of King Thành Thái, the Eiffel Company (France) – the entity that built the famous Eiffel Tower – was commissioned to commence construction of the bridge, which was completed and initially named Thành Thái Bridge.
- 1904: The bridge was unfortunately severely damaged by a major storm.
- 1906: After that, the bridge was repaired, replacing the wooden deck with reinforced concrete to increase its durability.
- 1919 – 1945: The bridge was renamed Clémenceau, after the French prime minister at the time.
- 1945: After the August Revolution, the bridge was renamed Nguyen Hoang Bridge.
- After 1975: The official name used is Truong Tien Bridge.
- 1991 – 1995: The bridge underwent a major renovation, was painted silver gray, and had its viewing balconies removed.
- 2002: An event marking the bridge's new look is the installation of a modern color-changing lighting system, transforming the bridge into a shimmering ribbon of color every night.
3. Discover the beauty and unmissable experiences at Trang Tien Bridge
3.1. Stroll across the bridge and admire the poetic beauty of Hue during the day
During the day, Trang Tien Bridge appears with its ancient and solemn beauty. The curved steel arches, like ivory combs, cast their shadows onto the calm Huong Giang River, creating a poetic scene. From the bridge, you can gaze out at the peaceful scenery on both sides of the Huong River: dragon boats drifting lazily by, and in the distance, the imposing Ky Dai or the ancient Phu Van Lau.
Most notably, if you visit during the flamboyant flower season (around May to July), you will be able to admire the vibrant red flamboyant flowers on both sides of Trang Tien Bridge, creating a brilliant scene that is still very "Hue". This is undoubtedly a romantic and wonderful setting for you to take some truly impressive photos of Trang Tien Bridge!
3.2. Immerse yourself in the sparkling atmosphere of Trang Tien Bridge at night
As night falls, Trang Tien Bridge undergoes a complete transformation, donning a new, dazzling and vibrant look thanks to its modern lighting system. The bridge continuously shifts through a spectrum of colors (blue, yellow, purple, red...), creating a magical light show on the Huong River.
For the best bridge viewing experience, you can stroll along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street right under the bridge or, for a more romantic option, rent a dragon boat, listen to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River, and admire the magical lights from the bridge. This is one of the most unique and romantic experiences when exploring Hue at night.
3.3. Stroll along the pedestrian street and night market under the bridge
Right at the foot of the southern bridge, on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, is the bustling pedestrian street and night market area. After strolling across the bridge, you can immerse yourself in the lively, vibrant atmosphere of the pedestrian street. Here, you will find countless stalls selling attractive Hue specialties such as Hem tea, banh loc, nem lui, bun bo Hue... along with stalls selling unique souvenirs. This is a great place to enjoy local cuisine and find meaningful gifts for friends and family.
4. Useful Travel Guide to Trang Tien Bridge
4.1. When is the best time to visit Trang Tien Bridge?
You can visit Trang Tien Bridge at any time of the day, each time of day bringing its own unique beauty:
- During the day: Ideal for admiring ancient architecture and taking photos with the Huong River and city scenery.
- Sunset: The most romantic time of day, with golden afternoon sunlight and beautiful streaks of color.
- At night: It's wonderful to admire the Trang Tien Bridge at night, illuminated by bright lights, and explore the pedestrian street and night market.
4.2. How to get to Hue and travel to Trang Tien Bridge?
4.2.1. Choosing a means of transportation to Hue
To get to Hue, you have several options:
- Airplane: The most convenient and fastest option if you are traveling from afar. Phu Bai Airport (Hue) is about 15 km from the city center.
- Train: Offers an exciting experience, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery along the way. Hue Station is located right in the city center.
- Coach/Sleeper Bus: This is a popular and cost-effective option. In particular, if you want a truly comfortable and convenient journey, Queen Cafe Bus is the ideal companion for trips from Hanoi, Da Nang or Hoi An. You will be able to relax completely in a luxurious limousine compartment with private cabins, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort. The bus will take you directly to the center of Hue at 7 Doi Cung, a location very close to Trang Tien Bridge. This allows you to leisurely check into your hotel and start exploring the dreamy ancient capital of Hue without worrying about complicated transportation.
| BUS ROUTE TO HUẾ | PRICE | BOOK TICKETS |
| Hanoi ⇔ Hue | $15.00 – $22.50 | Place it here |
| Da Nang ⇔ Hue | $150 | Place it here |
| Hoi An ⇔ Hue | $150 | Place it here |
| Ninh Binh ⇔ Hue | $150 - $200 | Place it here |
| Quang Binh ⇔ Hue | $180 | Place it here |
📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:
- Hotline: 0906.413.468 – 0914.215.809
- Zalo: 0905.746.884 – 0914.215.809
- Website: https://queenbus.com.vn/
- Fanpage: Queen Cafe Open Bus
4.2.2. Transportation within Hue City
Once you arrive in Hue, getting to Trang Tien Bridge is extremely easy and convenient with many options:
- Walking: If you choose to stay near the city center, walking is the best way to leisurely experience the peaceful rhythm and ancient beauty of the city before admiring the Trang Tien Bridge.
- Cycle rickshaw: For an authentic Hue experience and a relaxing view of the scenery, try riding a cycle rickshaw. The driver will gently take you through the streets, listen to stories about the ancient capital, and stop right at the foot of the bridge.
- Motorcycle: If you want the freedom to explore every corner of Hue on your own schedule, renting a motorcycle is the most flexible option. You can easily travel to Trang Tien Bridge and any other destination.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: This is a convenient and quick option if you prioritize comfort and don't want to worry about finding your way.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey to Trang Tien Bridge promises to be a memorable part of your trip.
4.3. Suggestions for hotels near Trang Tien Bridge in Hue
For your convenience, you can choose hotels near Trang Tien Bridge in Hue. Here are a few suggestions:
4.3.1. Premium, luxury segment
If you're looking for a luxurious, high-end resort experience where you can enjoy every amenity after a long day of exploring, the hotels below are excellent choices:
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa
- Address: 2 Le Loi, Vinh Ninh, Hue City.
- Reference price: From 2,000,000 VND/night.
- Highlights: Standing out with its classic French architecture combined with the refined elegance of Hue, this 5-star hotel offers a luxurious space, professional service, relaxing spa facilities, a swimming pool, and exquisite cuisine.
- Near attractions: Only about 500m (about a 5-minute walk) from Trang Tien Bridge and Imperial City about 2.5 km (about 10 minutes by car).
From here, you can easily travel to Trang Tien Bridge and other attractions.
Meliá Vinpearl Hue
- Address: 50A Hung Vuong, Phu Nhuan, Hue City.
- Reference price: From 1,800,000 VND/night.
- Highlights: As the tallest building in Hue, Meliá Vinpearl Hue boasts panoramic views of the city, the romantic Huong River, and the sparkling Trang Tien Bridge. The hotel offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, luxurious architecture, and world-class service.
- Near attractions: About 1 km from Trang Tien Bridge (about 5 minutes by car) and about 2.8 km from the Imperial Citadel (about 10-12 minutes by car).
4.3.2. Mid-range segment, fully equipped
For travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and reasonable prices, the following mid-range hotels will meet your needs:
Imperial Hotel Hue
- Address: 08 Hung Vuong, Phu Hoi, Hue City.
- Reference price: From 1,000,000 VND/night.
- Highlights: With its unique Hue imperial architecture, Imperial Hotel offers a distinctive stay in the ancient capital. The hotel is conveniently located in the city center.
- Near attractions: Only about 700m (about 5-7 minutes on foot) from Trang Tien Bridge and about 2.3km (about 8-10 minutes by car) from the Imperial City.
Moonlight Hotel Hue
- Address: 20 Pham Ngu Lao, Phu Hoi, Hue City.
- Reference price: From 700,000 VND/night.
- Highlights: With its modern, youthful design and full amenities, Moonlight Hotel Hue is an ideal choice for travelers. Located right in the city center, this hotel offers a comfortable place to stay.
- Near attractions: About 1 km from Trang Tien Bridge (about 5 minutes by car) and about 2.5 km from the Imperial Citadel (about 10-12 minutes by car).
4.3.3. Budget segment, cozy homestays
Hue has many homestays and small hotels with unique, cozy styles and affordable prices, perfect for those who want to experience the local culture. You can search for them on online booking platforms.
Cat Homestay
- Address: House 16, Alley 79 Minh Mang, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Vietnam
- Reference price: From 450,000 VND/night/2 guests
- Highlights: Stand out with a cool, peaceful green space and a minimalist yet sophisticated design, giving you the feeling of being in your own home.
- Near attractions: About 2.5km from Trang Tien Bridge (about 10-12 minutes by car) and about 4km from the Imperial Citadel (about 15-20 minutes by car).
Hue Memories Homestay
- Address:
CS1: 4/98 Nguyen Sinh Cung
CS2: 12/83 Nguyen Hue
- Reference price: From 299,000 VND/night/2 guests
- Highlights: Traditional architecture blended with modern elements, along with the warmth of the hosts, you will feel the warmth and hospitality characteristic of the people of the ancient capital.
- Near attractions: About 1.8 km from Trang Tien Bridge (about 7-8 minutes by car) and about 3.5 km from the Imperial Citadel (about 12-15 minutes by car).
Inner Home
- Address:
CS1: 87 Phan Anh, An Dong, Hue
CS2: 57 Pham Van Dong, Vy Da, Hue
- Reference price: From 400,000 VND/night/2 guests.
- Highlights: Unique resort space, focusing on minimalism, comfort, and a sense of relaxation. Highly rated for cleanliness and tranquility.
- Near attractions: About 2 km from Trang Tien Bridge (approximately 8-10 minutes by car) and about 3.5 km from the Imperial Citadel (approximately 12-15 minutes by car).
Forest Tag Homestay
- Address:
CS1: 130 Truong Chinh
CS2: 26 Thanh Huong
CS3: 6-8 Hanoi
- Reference price: From 300,000 VND/night/2 guests.
- Highlights: Offering a space close to nature, rustic design, lots of greenery, and fresh air, promising moments of absolute relaxation.
- Near attractions: About 3 km from Trang Tien Bridge (about 10-12 minutes by car) and about 4.5 km from the Imperial Citadel (about 15-20 minutes by car).
Final words
More than just a simple architectural structure, Trang Tien Bridge has become an integral part of the hearts of Hue's people and a symbol of the ancient capital. Each bridge span and steel arch tells a story about history, about the changes and resilience of Hue.
Don't hesitate to book your ticket and plan a visit to Trang Tien Bridge today to experience its beauty and value for yourself. And don't forget, Queen Bus is always ready to accompany you on every journey to explore dreamy Hue!
