Dec - 29 - 2025
Calmette Bridge is where the vibrant contrasts of Ho Chi Minh City truly come to life. Stretching across the Ben Nghe Canal, it connects the sleek, modern skyline of former District 1 with the authentic, flavorful chaos of former District 4. More than a simple crossing, this bridge embodies Saigon’s spirit of movement and transformation. At GTrip, we believe that to really understand the city, you need to walk this bridge yourself. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to Calmette Bridge featuring its history, the best photo angles, and all the must-visit spots on both sides to make your visit unforgettable.
Overview of Calmette Bridge in Saigon
Here is basic information about the Calmette Bridge that you should know.
Where is the Calmette Bridge in Saigon?
Location: Connecting former Districts 1 and 4 in central Ho Chi Minh City
Calmette Bridge is perfectly positioned, acting as a vital link between former District 1 and former District 4 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning the bustling Ben Nghe Canal, it connects Calmette Street, right by the gleaming skyscrapers of the financial hub and the iconic Bitexco Tower, with Doan Van Bo Street. This makes it a tangible portal between two worlds: the polished, international face of modern Saigon and the authentic, buzzing energy of its legendary local food scene.
When is the best time to visit Calmette Bridge?
Choosing the right time to visit Calmette Bridge can completely transform your experience. Here’s what we at GTrip recommend:
- For the perfect photograph
The golden hours are your best friend. Aim for sunrise (around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM) or sunset (around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM). During these magical moments, the soft, golden light reflects beautifully on the canal's surface and paints the city skyline in warm, dramatic hues. You'll capture stunning silhouettes of the Bitexco Tower and other buildings, creating images that truly pop.
- To avoid traffic crowds
If a pleasant stroll is what you’re after, it's wise to avoid the city's peak rush hours (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM). During these times, the bridge becomes a chaotic symphony of motorbikes. For a serene and unhurried experience, plan your walk for mid-morning (around 10:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (around 2:00 PM).
You can visit Calmette Bridge in the morning for the best scene
How to get to Calmette Bridge?
Getting to this central landmark is incredibly easy, thanks to its prime location. Here are the most convenient ways to reach it:
- By ride-hailing app: Using Grab or the electric vehicle service XanhSM is arguably the most convenient method. Simply type "Calmette Bridge" or "Cau Calmette" into the app, and you'll be dropped off right at the foot of the bridge, ready to explore.
- By HCMC Metro: With the new HCMC Metro Line 1 now in operation, you can take a modern, air-conditioned train to beat the city's notorious traffic. Alight at Ben Thanh Station. From there, it's a pleasant and scenic 15 to 20-minute walk down to the canal.
- On foot: Calmette Bridge is easily walkable from many of former District 1’s main attractions. It’s a fantastic way to see the city up close. The walk is about 15 minutes from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and 15-20 minutes from Ben Thanh Market.
- By public bus: For the most local experience, you can hop on a public bus. We recommend using a navigation app like Google Maps for real-time routes and bus numbers, as the system can be a bit tricky for first-timers.
Why is it called Calmette Bridge?
The name "Calmette" isn't just a random placeholder. It's a lasting tribute to a figure of immense importance in global health and Vietnamese history. The bridge is named after Dr. Albert Calmette (1863 - 1933), a distinguished French physician, bacteriologist, and immunologist. His work had a profound impact worldwide. Along with his colleague Camille Guerin, he co-developed the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine, which remains the primary vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) in humans. Naming the bridge after Dr. Calmette honors his life-saving work and his founding of the first overseas Pasteur Institute in Saigon. In a way, the bridge’s function connecting communities and facilitating the flow of life poetically mirrors Dr. Calmette's legacy of linking humanity in the shared fight against disease.
History of Calmette Bridge
The story of the Calmette Bridge mirrors Saigon's own rapid transformation from a colonial outpost to a booming modern metropolis. The original crossing at this location was a product of the French colonial period. It was a rustic colonial-era crossing, a charming but simple structure of iron and wood that served the city for decades. For much of the 20th century, this old bridge was a key part of the city's landscape, witnessing countless historical shifts.
However, as Ho Chi Minh City surged forward into the 21st century, the old bridge could no longer handle the demands of a modern mega-city. Between 2006 and 2009, a major project was undertaken to completely overhaul the area's infrastructure. The old, nostalgic bridge was demolished, making way for the structure we see today. The new Calmette Bridge is a modern, six-lane concrete structure built for both leisurely strolls and as a key part of the Vo Van Kiet Highway, a major expressway running along the canal. This evolution from a humble iron crossing to a vast concrete expressway perfectly encapsulates the city's journey: a story of relentless progress, ambition, and adaptation.
The evolution of Calmette Bridge from a humble iron crossing to a modern six-lane expressway reflects Ho Chi Minh City’s rapid growth and ambition
Things to do around Calmette Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City
While the bridge itself is an interesting landmark, its true value for you as a traveler is its strategic location. Here’s your GTrip guide to the best of both worlds.
Capture the best photos of Calmette Bridge and Saigon River views
For photographers, Calmette Bridge is a dream location, offering a rich tapestry of urban and natural elements to capture. To get the best shots, you need to think beyond a simple point-and-shoot.
First, timing is everything. As we mentioned, the golden hours of sunrise and sunset are unparalleled. At sunrise, you’ll see the city awaken, with the soft morning light casting a gentle glow on the Bitexco Tower and surrounding financial buildings. Sunset offers a more dramatic scene, as the sky erupts in hues of orange and pink, creating magnificent silhouettes. After dusk, the bridge becomes a fantastic spot for long-exposure shots, capturing the trails of motorbike lights against the glittering reflection of city lights on the water.
Next, focus on composition. Don't just stand in the middle. Walk along the pedestrian walkways on either side. Get low to the ground and use the bridge's railings and lampposts as leading lines, drawing the viewer's eye towards the skyline. Look for the contrast between the man-made and the natural. On the central area side, near the highway entrance, there are often bamboo groves providing an unexpected pop of natural green against the concrete jungle. On the former District 4 side, look for the weeping willows that dip into the canal, which can be used to frame your shots of the former District 1 skyline beautifully. These natural elements add depth and a uniquely Vietnamese feel to your urban photography.
You can capture the beautiful view from Calmette Bridge
Explore former District 1 for Saigon’s modern and colonial landmarks
Crossing from former District 4 or starting your journey from the north side of the bridge places you in the vibrant heart of former District 1. This is Saigon at its most cosmopolitan, a dazzling blend of French colonial architecture, post-war history, and futuristic ambition. Here are five must-visit spots just a short walk or taxi ride from Calmette Bridge.
- The Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyen Hue): A must-visit landmark with a direct view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Once an old residential block, it’s now filled with cozy cafes, creative studios, and local boutiques stacked across multiple floors.
- Toplight at Ben Thanh Metro Station: A striking lotus-inspired skylight that brings natural light into the station below, and a favorite spot for quick photos.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts: Showcasing classic Indochinese design, this elegant yellow building is both an architectural gem and a cultural treasure chest of Vietnamese art.
- Ben Thanh Market: Just steps from the metro, this legendary market buzzes with life. Browse souvenirs, taste authentic Vietnamese street food, and experience Saigon’s vibrant daily rhythm.
- Bach Dang Wharf: Located along the Saigon River, this peaceful riverside area offers a cool escape from city traffic, perfect for evening walks or scenic dinner cruises.
You can walk from the Calmette Bridge to visit the cafe apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue
Discover former District 4 for authentic local life and street food in Saigon
If the central area is Saigon’s polished facade, then the southern riverside area is its vibrant, beating heart. Once known as a rougher part of town, it has transformed into a must-visit destination for foodies and travelers seeking a genuine slice of local life. A walk across Calmette Bridge into this lively neighborhood is a complete sensory shift. The air gets thicker with the smell of grilling meats, the streets narrow, and the sounds of life chattering, laughing, and sizzling woks intensify.
Discover a street food heaven
This is the number one reason to cross the bridge. This southern riverside neighborhood is, without exaggeration, a street food paradise. While many streets offer incredible food, the undisputed king is Vinh Khanh Food Street. As dusk falls, this street comes alive. Plastic stools and tables spill onto the pavement, the air fills with the sizzle of grills and the lively chatter of friends and families gathering for their evening meal. The specialty here is seafood, and specifically, oc (snails). The snails come in countless varieties, such as small, sweet oc len cooked in a coconut curry sauce, large, meaty oc huong grilled with green onion and peanuts. Beyond snails, you’ll find grilled octopus, salt and chili prawns, clams steamed with lemongrass, and so much more. Just point at what looks good on a neighboring table or at the fresh seafood laid out on ice at the front of the restaurant.
When ordering, ask for a mixed plate to start. Key varieties to try are:
- Oc huong rang muoi: Fragrant snails roasted with salt and chili.
- So diep nuong mo hanh: Scallops grilled with a delicious scallion oil and peanuts.
- Oc mong tay xao rau muong: Razor clams stir-fried with morning glory. Wash it all down with a cold Saigon Beer for the perfect local meal.
When visiting former District 4, you should try varieties of snails
Visit the Mong Bridge (The rainbow bridge)
Just a short walk from Calmette Bridge along the canal is its older, more graceful sibling: Mong Bridge. Painted a distinctive shade of green (leading some to call it the Rainbow Bridge), this pedestrian-only bridge is a beautiful relic from the French colonial era, built by the same firm that constructed the Eiffel Tower. Today, its elegant iron latticework and wooden planks make it a beloved local hangout. In the evenings, you'll find couples strolling hand-in-hand, students strumming guitars, and vendors selling snacks. It offers a quieter, more romantic alternative to Calmette Bridge for photos and provides a fantastic, unobstructed view of Saigon’s central skyline.
Get lost in the old alleys and apartments
To truly find the soul of former District 4, you must step off the main roads and into the maze of its hems (alleys). These narrow alleyways are where the heartbeat of the city is most palpable. Here, life unfolds in public view. You’ll see children playing badminton, women preparing dinner on their doorsteps, men gathering for a game of chess, and the intimate daily life of Saigon unfolding away from the tourist trail. Explore the old apartment blocks, with their winding external staircases and laundry hanging out to dry. This isn't a conventional tourist attraction with a ticket booth. It’s an immersive cultural experience. Be respectful, smile, and you'll be rewarded with a glimpse into a side of Saigon that many visitors miss.
Finding and exploring the alleys around the Calmette Bridfe is very interesting
Tips for visiting Calmette Bridge
To make the most of your adventure across and around Calmette Bridge, keep these simple GTrip tips in mind:
- Walk with confidence: Crossing the busy streets leading to the bridge can be intimidating. The key is to walk at a steady, predictable pace. Don't stop or dart unexpectedly. The motorbike drivers are experts at flowing around pedestrians who move like a predictable rock in a stream.
- Bring your camera (and a charged battery): With the dramatic cityscapes of Saigon’s central area on one side and the vibrant street life of the southern canal neighborhoods on the other, you'll be constantly taking photos. The visual contrast is stunning, so make sure your camera or phone is ready.
- Combine with a food tour: Plan the perfect "sunset-to-seafood" itinerary. Start in the central area, walk across Calmette Bridge at sunset to enjoy the stunning view, and then land in the lively canal-side neighborhoods just as the street food stalls on Vinh Khanh Street fire up their grills for a memorable evening.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, whether you're exploring the grand boulevards of the central area or getting lost in the narrow alleys of the southern canal neighborhoods. Comfortable footwear is an absolute must for a day of urban exploration.
Keep those simple above tips to make the most of your adventure to Calmette Bridge
Read more:
Calmette Bridge is so much more than a way to get from A to B. It’s a destination in its own right, a place where you can stand and witness the entire story of Ho Chi Minh City in a single panorama. To your left, the future, with its sleek towers and financial ambition. To your right, the past and present, with its rich heritage, tight-knit communities, and flavors that have been perfected over generations. So, on your next trip to Saigon, we at GTrip encourage you to do more than just see the bridge. Walk across it. Feel the shift in the air. Let it lead you on an adventure, and you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of this incredible city.
