Tran Thi Ly Bridge Da Nang: Location, Things to Do & Travel Guide

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is one of Da Nang’s most distinctive river crossings, famous for its sail-shaped design and sweeping views of the Han River. Connecting Hoa Cuong Ward, An Hai Ward, and Ngu Hanh Son Ward, the bridge serves as both an important traffic route and a favorite spot for sightseeing. In this complete travel guide from GTrip, you’ll find everything you need to know about Tran Thi Ly Bridge. This guide includes its exact location, the best time to visit, how to get there, and the top things to do around the area.

Overview of the Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang City

As one of the major bridges spanning the Han River, Tran Thi Ly Bridge plays an important role in both the daily life and skyline of Da Nang. It’s worth noting, however, that this bridge is not the Love Lock Bridge.

Where is the Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang City?

Location: The bridge spans the Han River in Da Nang City 

• West side: Hoa Cuong Ward (former Hai Chau District) 
• East side: junction of An Hai Ward (former Son Tra District) and Ngu Hanh Son Ward (former Ngu Hanh Son District)

The Tran Thi Ly Bridge is strategically positioned across the Han River, connecting the central urban core with the city’s coastal and southern districts. It serves as a vital artery for traffic moving from the city center towards the popular beach areas.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge spans the Han River, strategically connecting Da Nang’s City center with its coastal and southern districts while serving as a key route to popular beach areas

When is the best time to visit Tran Thi Ly Bridge?

The best time to visit depends entirely on the experience you seek, as the bridge offers distinct charms by day and by night.

• For photography: Visit during sunrise or sunset. The soft, golden light provides a spectacular backdrop for the bridge's silhouette and the city skyline, creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
• For night views: Visit any evening after 7:00 PM. The bridge is illuminated with a sophisticated, color-changing LED system that reflects beautifully on the Han River, making it a must-see nighttime spectacle.
• For pleasant weather: The ideal time to visit Da Nang is during the dry season, from February to August. The weather is sunny and warm, perfect for walking along the riverside or enjoying outdoor activities near the bridge.

Highlights of the Tran Thi Ly Bridge

The bridge is celebrated for several unique features that make it a standout attraction in the "City of Bridges".

• Iconic sail-shaped design: Its most distinctive feature is the single, 145-meter-tall pylon that is inclined westward, designed to resemble a sail catching the wind, symbolizing Da Nang's aspiration to reach for the open sea.
• Impressive cable-stayed structure: The bridge deck is suspended by a fan-like system of cables, creating a clean, modern, and visually striking aesthetic.
• Dynamic LED lighting system: Every night, the bridge comes alive with a vibrant display of changing colors, turning it into a luminous work of art on top of the Han River.
• Panoramic city and river views: The bridge offers unobstructed views of Da Nang's cityscape, the Han River, Sun World Asia Park's Sun Wheel, and other nearby bridges.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge stands out with its iconic sail-shaped pylon, elegant cable-stayed design, vibrant LED lighting at night, and panoramic views over the Han River

How to get to Tran Thi Ly Bridge Da Nang

Thanks to its central location, reaching Tran Thi Ly Bridge is quick and straightforward from virtually any part of Da Nang and its surroundings.

From Da Nang City Center

If you're already staying in the heart of Da Nang, reaching Tran Thi Ly Bridge is super quick and hassle-free. Here are the easiest ways to get there:

• Straddling Hai Chau and Ngu Hanh Son Districts across the Han River
• Travel time under 15 minutes by car, taxi, motorbike, or bicycle
• Quick access via Duy Tan Street (west bank) or Ngu Hanh Son Street (east bank)
• Hotels near the Han River or central areas provide the shortest routes

From Da Nang International Airport

Landing at Da Nang International Airport? The bridge is surprisingly close and lies right on your way to the beach. Here's how to reach it fast:

• Distance: Around 4-5 km
• Travel time: About 10 minutes by taxi or motorbike
• The bridge sits directly on the popular route toward My Khe Beach

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is just 4-5 km from Da Nang International Airport, reachable in about 10 minutes, and sits conveniently along the main route to My Khe Beach

From My Khe Beach & Non Nuoc Beach

Staying along Da Nang’s famous coastline? Getting to Tran Thi Ly Bridge is an easy ride with beautiful sea and river views. Follow these directions:

• From My Khe Beach: 10-20 minutes depending on traffic
• From Non Nuoc Beach resorts: 20-30 minutes by car or motorbike
• Head along Vo Nguyen Giap or Nguyen Van Thoai Street toward the Han River

From Hoi An

Planning a day trip from the ancient town of Hoi An to modern Da Nang? Tran Thi Ly Bridge makes a perfect scenic endpoint. Here’s the most popular route:

• Distance: Approximately 30 km
• Travel time: 45-60 minutes by private car or motorbike
• Scenic coastal route: Hoi An → Truong Sa Street → Vo Nguyen Giap → Nguyen Van Thoai → Tran Thi Ly Bridge
• Many combine this drive with a quick stop at the nearby Marble Mountains

Transportation options

No matter where you're coming from, Da Nang offers flexible and budget-friendly ways to reach Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Choose what suits your style best:

• Taxi or ride-hailing apps (Grab): Most convenient and budget-friendly in Da Nang
• Motorbike or bicycle: Perfect for confident riders craving scenic Han River views
• Private transfer: The best choice for groups coming from Hoi An or beach resorts

History of Tran Thi Ly Bridge

At the site of today’s Tran Thi Ly Bridge, an earlier railway bridge once stood. Built by the French in 1951, it was originally named De Lattre de Tassigny, after a French general involved in World War II and the First Indochina War. Later, the bridge was renamed Trinh Minh The, honoring a military leader in the early Vietnam War. In 1993, it officially received its current name, Tran Thi Ly Bridge.

In 2007, Da Nang launched a project to build a new, modern Tran Thi Ly Bridge to enhance the Han River landscape and the city skyline. After an international design competition involving firms from France, Germany, the USA, Japan, China, and Vietnam, a Finnish company won the final design.

Construction began in April 2009, and the old bridge was dismantled, making Nguyen Van Troi Bridge the oldest remaining bridge in the city. The new Tran Thi Ly Bridge opened to traffic on March 29, 2013, marking the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s Liberation Day. The Dragon Bridge was inaugurated around the same time, reinforcing Da Nang’s reputation as the “City of Bridges”. Since then, no additional bridges have been planned across the Han River.

On March 29, 2022, an underpass and overpass system on the western side of Tran Thi Ly Bridge was completed. This infrastructure significantly reduces traffic congestion and provides a faster connection from Da Nang International Airport to the city’s main beach areas.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge transformed from a former railway bridge into a modern landmark, opened in 2013, symbolizing Da Nang’s rise as the “City of Bridges”

Structure of Tran Thi Ly Bridge

Tran Thi Ly Bridge features an impressive and highly symbolic, sail-inspired design that evokes the image of a great boat ready to conquer the ocean. This design pays homage to Da Nang’s deep-rooted coastal heritage, its traditional fishing villages, and the historic maritime glory of the nearby Hoi An trading port.

The entire structure is supported by a striking, 145-meter-tall single pylon, which is uniquely inclined at a 12-degree angle toward the west. This pylon is connected to the bridge deck by a sophisticated system of steel cables arranged in a fan-like pattern on one side and a harp-like pattern on the other. This advanced cable-stayed engineering supports a wide, 6-lane roadway, masterfully combining cutting-edge structural design with powerful symbolic architecture.

Things to do around Tran Thi Ly Bridge

The area surrounding the bridge is a hub of activity, offering a wide range of experiences for travelers.

1. Enjoy panoramic views of the Han River from Tran Thi Ly Bridge

Walking or driving across the bridge provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Da Nang. From its deck, you can gaze upon the winding Han River, the sparkling city skyline, and other iconic structures. In the distance, you can spot the Sun Wheel at Asia Park, the silhouette of the Son Tra Peninsula, and the glittering lights of the Dragon Bridge to the north. This elevated vantage point allows you to appreciate the full scale and beauty of the "City of Bridges" and its harmonious blend of urban development and natural landscapes.

Crossing Tran Thi Ly Bridge offers sweeping views of the Han River, Da Nang’s skyline, and iconic landmarks like Son Tra Peninsula, and Dragon Bridge

2. Take a relaxing walk along the Han River near the bridge

The riverbanks on both sides of the bridge feature beautifully maintained parks and promenades, perfect for walk. Streets like Bach Dang on the west bank and Tran Hung Dao on the east bank offer wide, pedestrian-friendly paths lined with trees, benches, and art installations. Taking a stroll here allows you to enjoy the cool river breeze, watch local life unfold, and see the bridge from various angles. It’s a peaceful way to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the Han River, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

3. Check in with the iconic sail-shaped design and LED lights at night

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is a photographer's dream, especially after dark. The iconic sail-shaped pylon serves as a perfect subject for "check-in" photos that capture the spirit of modern Da Nang. As night falls, the bridge transforms into a dazzling spectacle. The advanced LED lighting system cycles through a vibrant spectrum of colors, casting a magical glow across the structure and its reflection on the river's surface. This nightly show makes the bridge a prime spot for evening strolls and capturing stunning, memorable images of your trip.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge shines at night with its sail-shaped pylon and vibrant LED lights, making it a favorite spot for evening walks and striking photos of modern Da Nang

4. Capture stunning sunrise or sunset photos with open city views

The bridge’s orientation and unobscured sightlines make it a premier location for photographers looking to capture the magic hours of sunrise and sunset. At dawn, you can witness the sun cresting over the sea and mountains, casting a warm, golden hue over the city. In the evening, the setting sun paints the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple behind the city skyline. The bridge’s elegant silhouette against this dramatic backdrop creates truly spectacular photo opportunities, if you are on the bridge itself or shooting from the nearby riverbanks.

5. Try local street food at the lively food stalls under the bridge

For an authentic taste of local Da Nang life, venture to the area directly underneath the bridge's eastern approach. Here, you'll find a collection of lively street food stalls that are especially popular with local students and residents in the evening. This is your chance to sample a variety of classic Vietnamese snacks and drinks, such as Vietnamese pizza (banh trang nuong), savory crepes (banh xeo), and refreshing sugarcane juice (nuoc mia). It's a fantastic, budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene and enjoy the vibrant, communal atmosphere.

Beneath the bridge’s eastern side, lively street food stalls serve local favorites like banh trang nuong, offering a budget-friendly taste of everyday Da Nang life

6. Check in at the nearby stork island and mangrove area

A unique and often overlooked natural attraction is located just south of the Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Here, a small island in the Han River has become a natural sanctuary for a flock of storks and is surrounded by a small but vital mangrove ecosystem. While you cannot access the island directly, viewing it from the riverbank or the bridge offers a surprising glimpse of nature thriving in the heart of the city. It’s a peaceful spot that provides a wonderful contrast to the urban energy of Da Nang and is a great check-in spot for nature lovers.

7. Join a Han River cruise departing from nearby piers

Experience the Tran Thi Ly Bridge from a completely different perspective by taking a Han River cruise. Several tour operators run nightly cruises that depart from piers located near the Dragon Bridge, just a short distance away. These boat trips glide along the river, passing underneath all of Da Nang's famous bridges, including Tran Thi Ly. Seeing the illuminated sail-shaped pylon from the water is a truly magical experience and offers an unparalleled view of its grand scale and the vibrant light show reflecting on the river.

A Han River cruise offers a magical view of Tran Thi Ly Bridge from the water, where its illuminated sail-shaped pylon and colorful lights reflect beautifully on the river

8. Watch the Dragon Bridge fire and water show from a distance (weekends)

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 9 PM, the nearby Dragon Bridge puts on its famous fire and water breathing show. While crowds flock to the Dragon Bridge itself, the Tran Thi Ly Bridge offers an excellent, less-crowded alternative viewpoint. From this distance, you can see the entire spectacle unfold with a wider perspective, capturing both the Dragon Bridge and the surrounding cityscape in your view. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the show without being in the middle of the throng, providing a more relaxed and comfortable viewing experience.

9. Enjoy coffee with Han River views at cafes near the bridge

The area around Tran Thi Ly Bridge, particularly on the western side, is home to numerous cafes, many of which are located in high-rise buildings. These establishments offer stunning, elevated views of the bridge, the Han River, and the entire city. Grabbing a coffee or a refreshing drink at one of these spots is a perfect way to relax and admire the scenery. It provides a comfortable and air-conditioned setting to watch the city go by, if you’re enjoying the daytime bustle or the glittering lights of the evening.

The cafes around Tran Thi Ly Bridge, especially on the western side, offer relaxing spaces with elevated views of the bridge, the Han River, and Da Nang’s skyline

Other attractions near Tran Thi Ly Bridge

The bridge's central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring many of Da Nang's top attractions, most of which are just a short walk or taxi ride away.

• Dragon Bridge: This iconic bridge is famous worldwide for its spectacular fire and water shows on weekend nights. Illuminated after dark, it offers one of the most impressive views over the Han River.
• Museum of Cham Sculpture: The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. It provides valuable insight into the art, culture, and spiritual life of the ancient Champa civilization.
• Ho Chi Minh Museum & 5th Military Zone Museum: This museum complex offers a deep look into Vietnam’s revolutionary and regional military history. Through exhibits and historical documents, visitors gain a better understanding of key wartime periods.
• Da Nang Cathedral (Pink Church): Known for its distinctive pink facade, this French colonial-era cathedral features elegant Gothic architecture. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in central Da Nang.
• Son Tra Night Market: A lively night market filled with food stalls, shopping booths, and entertainment. It’s an ideal place to sample local street food and experience Da Nang’s vibrant nightlife.
• Han Market: Da Nang’s largest traditional market, showcasing everyday local life. Visitors come here to buy souvenirs, regional specialties, and popular local snacks.
• Love Lock Bridge: A romantic riverside pier where couples attach love locks as a symbol of commitment. The bridge also offers excellent views of the Dragon Bridge and the Han River, especially at night.

Thanks to its central location, Tran Thi Ly Bridge is an ideal starting point for exploring nearby highlights such as Da Nang Cathedral just minutes away

Tips for visiting Tran Thi Ly Bridge

To ensure you have the best possible experience, here are a few practical tips from our team at GTrip.

• Prepare for the weather: During the dry season, the Da Nang sun can be intense. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially if you plan to walk. In the rainy season (September to January), carry a poncho or umbrella.
• Check accessibility: While you can walk across the main deck of the bridge, be aware that some access points, particularly from the fast-moving Tran Hung Dao Street on the east side, are not pedestrian-friendly. The riverside parks offer the safest and most pleasant walking routes.
• Find the best photo spots: For the best photos, don't just stay on the bridge. The adjacent Nguyen Van Troi pedestrian bridge, the riverside parks, and rooftop cafes or hotel rooms offer fantastic and varied perspectives.
• Visit at night: We can't stress this enough, the bridge is at its most spectacular when illuminated. The dynamic light display is a highlight of any Da Nang trip, so make time for an evening visit.
• Explore local flavors: Don't be shy about trying the street food under the bridge. Start with a light snack and a refreshing sugarcane juice (nuoc mia) to get a feel for the local scene.

For the best experience, visit Tran Thi Ly Bridge at night, prepare for the weather, use pedestrian-friendly riverside access and explore nearby photo spots

With its graceful architecture, cultural significance, and the myriad of activities surrounding it, the Tran Thi Ly Bridge is an unmissable part of the Da Nang experience. More than just a crossing, it’s a place to witness the city's beauty, feel its energy, and create lasting memories. If you're capturing its sail-like form against a sunset, enjoying a peaceful walk along the Han River, or watching its colors dance in the night, the bridge offers something for every traveler. Pairing your visit with curated Da Nang City Tours is a great way to explore the bridge alongside other iconic landmarks, cultural highlights, and hidden local gems in one seamless journey. GTrip hopes this guide helps you make the most of your visit to the incredible Tran Thi Ly Bridge and discover another reason why Da Nang is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations.