There are bridges that are simply a way across the river, but the Han River Bridge is different – it is a very unique part of the rhythm of life in Da Nang. Inaugurated in 2000 with the contributions of the city's residents, this is the first and only rotating bridge in Vietnam, and every Saturday night around 1 a.m., the middle span of the bridge rotates 90 degrees to make way for boats.

I visited the Han River Bridge on a weekend evening, when both the East and West banks were sparkling with lights. The river breeze was refreshing, groups of young friends sat along Bach Dang Street, couples took photos at the bridge's railing, and foreign tourists excitedly recorded videos. When the bridge began to rotate, the cheers erupted – the yellow, green, and purple lights changed color with each rotation, turning the bridge into a stage of light in the middle of the river.

If you want a complete experience, walk from APEC Park or Bach Dang Walking Street to the bridge around 10:30–11 p.m., taking the opportunity to check in at both ends of the bridge when there are fewer people. After that, swing by the East bank to enjoy pork rice paper rolls or a coconut coffee at the small shops in An Hai Bac while waiting for the bridge to rotate.

A small tip: bring a light jacket because the river breeze can be quite chilly late at night; holding a camera or a phone with a slow-motion mode will capture the beautiful moment of the bridge's rotation; and don't forget to look up – the distant Thuan Phuoc Bridge along with the nearby Dragon Bridge create an unforgettable trio of symbols of Da Nang at night.

The Han River Bridge is not just a destination – it is a feeling of belonging to the city, where the river, the people, and the lights all come together in a very unique moment.