Situated gracefully across the Huong River, Truong Tien Bridge is not only a traffic structure but also a historical witness, associated with the ups and downs of the ancient capital. With its unique architecture in the French Gothic style, this bridge, over 100 years old, has entered poetry, music, and painting as a proud symbol of Hue people. Walking on the bridge at sunset or when the street lights up and listening to the sweet folk songs by the Huong River will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who comes here. Let’s explore interesting things about this bridge in the article below!
General information about Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge is a charming symbol of Hue. Construction began in May 1899 and was completed in October 1900 under the rule of King Thanh Thai. This bridge was originally named Thanh Thai in honor of the king at the time. However, after the king was deposed and exiled by French colonizers, the bridge was renamed Clémenceau in 1919, after the French Prime Minister at that time. In 1945, the Tran Trong Kim government changed the bridge’s name to Nguyen Hoang. However, among the people, the name Truong Tien is still popular and widely used, originating from the mint (Truong Tien) located nearby during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Truong Tien Bridge in 1966
The Structure of Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge is about 402 meters long and 6 meters wide. It is composed of six semicircular steel girders, creating a soft appearance like an ivory comb across the poetic Huong River. Designed in the Gothic architectural style, the bridge bears the mark of Western construction techniques in the late 19th century. The bridge’s surface was originally paved with ironwood planks, which were later replaced with reinforced concrete to increase durability.
After many repairs and enduring historical events, Truong Tien Bridge still retains its ancient beauty, becoming an endless source of inspiration in Vietnamese poetry and music.
Truong Tien Bridge from the short distance
The cultural importance of Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge is not only an important transportation project but also a historical cultural symbol of Hue. As mentioned above, this bridge was built in 1899 and completed in 1900 under the rule of King Thanh Thai, marking the turning point in the transportation infrastructure of the Nguyen Dynasty, connecting the north and south banks of the city, and creating favorable conditions for trade and economic development.
Truong Tien Bridge past and present
In terms of culture, the Truong Tien Bridge has become a source of inspiration for poetry and music, appearing in many works of art, reflecting the beauty and soil of the people of Hue. I suppose we all come across the image of Truong Tien Bridge on the poetic Huong River printed on envelopes passed by hand or lyrical poems in Hue folk songs, which have been deeply impressed in the minds of several generations and have become a symbol of romance and gentleness in the ancient capital.
Things to Do when visiting Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Just come here and let your mind wander freely in the lyrical and poetic atmosphere.
Take a sunset walk on Truong Tien Bridge
There is nothing that can bring the feeling of slowly walking on Truong Tien Bridge when the gentle sunlight gradually falls on the Huong River (Perfume River). Every ray of sunshine at the end of the day reflects off the sparkling water, dyeing the bridge a poetic orange-yellow color. The wind of the river blows, carrying a gentle fragrance, making one’s heart suddenly relaxed and surprisingly quiet. If you are a peace-loving person, stop and watch the city gradually brighten up, feeling the slow pace of life.
Sunset at Truong Tien Bridge
Enjoy the sparkling scenery at night
When night falls, Truong Tien Bridge puts on a new coat with a color-changing LED system, creating a magical scene in the heart of the ancient capital. Purple, blue, and red colors change alternately, reflecting the peaceful Huong River, making this place a romantic highlight. Many tourists choose this time to take souvenir photos or simply to admire the gentle beauty of Hue at night.
The sparkling Truong Tien Bridge at night
Listening to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River
Right near Truong Tien Bridge, you can experience one of the most unique cultural features of Hue: listening to Hue folk songs on a dragon boat. Sitting on a boat drifting slowly on the Huong River, letting your soul follow the melodies of Nam Ai and Nam Binh, you will feel the sophistication and depth of Hue’s traditional music. The sound of instruments and singing echoing in the quiet space makes Truong Tien Bridge and the Perfume River even more lyrical and poetic.
Hue folk songs on a dragon boat on the Perfume River
Visit the walking street and Dong Ba Market
After exploring Truong Tien Bridge, you can continue your journey by walking on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, where many souvenirs bearing the mark of Hue are sold. If you want to learn about the daily life of local people, Dong Ba Market is the ideal stop. This is the oldest and most famous market in Hue, where you can find countless specialties such as sesame candy, sour shrimp, conical hats, or Hue ao dai.
Dong Ba market
Enjoy cuisine along the Huong River
Don’t forget to take some time to enjoy Hue’s delicacies right on the banks of the Huong River. Street vendors with rustic dishes such as banh beo, banh nam, and Hue beef noodles are always ready to welcome you. The feeling of sipping traditional food while watching the Truong Tien Bridge shining in the lights will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on you.
Hue local cuisines
Some helpful tips
Here are some helpful tips that will help you have an unforgettable experience at Truong Tien Bridge
Choose the right time to visit
To admire the best view of Truong Tien Bridge, you have to know the right time. In the early morning from 5:30 am to 7 pm, the bridge offers peaceful and cool temperatures for fully enjoying the sunrise moment on the Huong River. For sunset lovers, the late afternoon from 5 pm to 6:30 pm is the ideal time to catch the most romantic and magical moment when the gentle sunlight covers the whole horizon on orange. Walking on Truong Tien Bridge at night hits differently since the LED creates a sparkling coat, making it a great spot for taking photos.
Choose appropriate cloth
Since Truong Tien Bridge is the photo spot, we recommend you wear outfits with light colors, and you can bring some items such as a hat or umbrella to protect your skin from UV rays. Besides, wear sneakers or flat shoes instead of high heels for ease of walking and photography.
How to take beautiful photos?
The shooting angle from the south bank of the Huong River (near Nguyen Dinh Chieu walking street) will help you get the most beautiful panoramic view of the bridge. Or you can stand in the middle of the bridge to catch extremely cool check-in photos with the poetic Huong River scene behind. The beauty of Trang Tien Bridge at night is also ideal for a unique picture because you can take advantage of the shimmering lights, which create a reflection on the water’s surface.
Noting when visiting
- Visitors should maintain general hygiene by not littering, especially on bridges and riverbanks.
- Although there are sidewalks on the bridge, there are still vehicles passing through; therefore, be careful when taking photos or stopping to enjoy the scenery.
- You should avoid peak hours (4:30 pm–6:30 pm); this is when locals finish work, and traffic is quite congested.
Truong Tien Bridge is a historical witness of Hue, witnessing the rough passage of Hue. Visiting Truong Tien Bridge allows visitors to slow down and experience the peaceful pace of life in the ancient capital. If you want to find inner peace, go to Truong Tien Bridge and give yourself a moment of freedom. Let us know if you want to plan your trip to Hue, the beautiful land of the former capital.
