Tran Thi Ly Bridge - The sail of light on the Han River

When mentioning Da Nang, people remember the blue sea, the vibrant youth, and the bridges that define the urban brand. Among this “collection,” Tran Thi Ly Bridge stands out in a very unique way: soft like a sail full of wind, modern yet not cold, calm enough to admire the river, bright enough to attract the footsteps of visitors.

Without loud displays, Tran Thi Ly Bridge captivates with its architectural lines and the story of transformation – from an old railway bridge to the symbol of light of Da Nang today.

1. Where is Tran Thi Ly Bridge?

The bridge spans the Han River upstream, with a total length of about 731m, connecting the two banks of the city seamlessly. From here, just a few minutes of travel will take you to the Dragon Bridge and the Love Bridge – forming an ideal “check-in triangle” for an evening stroll along the Han River.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge - A perfect check-in point by the poetic Han River (Source: MIA.vn)

2. Historical imprint from the old railway to the new symbol

Few people know that the predecessor of the bridge was a railway bridge built by the French in 1950, originally named De Lattre de Tassigny, then renamed according to local history. In 2010, Da Nang decided to build a new modern bridge, parallel to Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, and named it Tran Thi Ly – the resilient female hero of the revolution.

Sunset on Tran Thi Ly Bridge (Source: Vinpearl)

The bridge was inaugurated on March 29, 2013, marking a strong transformation in infrastructure and urban aesthetics. From a purely functional structure, it has become a favorite spot for viewing the river – admiring the city.

3. What makes Tran Thi Ly Bridge attractive?

3.1 3D cable-stayed architecture – The sail reaching for the wind

The bridge impresses with its three-dimensional cable-stayed system combined with a high inclined tower of about 145m, leaning 12° to the west. The overall shape resembles a sail catching the wind out to the sea – symbolizing the aspiration to reach far of the young city.

The bridge design impresses with its three-dimensional cable-stayed system combined with a high inclined tower (Source: Internet)

The bridge deck is 35.5m wide, consisting of 6 lanes for vehicles and 2 lanes for pedestrians, with a large load capacity, ensuring smooth traffic while still being friendly for pedestrians to enjoy the scenery.

3.2 A “poetic yet cool” check-in point

From the bridge railing, you can capture the entire view of the Han River: the lively west bank, the modern east bank, and in the distance are the iconic bridges. In the afternoon, the soft sunlight makes the bridge’s lines softer; at night, the changing colored lights make the scene cinematic.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge - An ideal check-in point "poetic yet cool" (Source: Internet)

Photo tip: stand slightly upstream to capture the curve of the bridge and the river’s reflection.

3.3 When night falls, the bridge wears a coat of changing lights

Night is when the bridge “speaks.” The continuously changing colored lighting system transforms the bridge into a ribbon of light casting shadows on the river. The cool breeze, sparse traffic, and the space is calm enough to admire, bright enough to be enchanting.

The image of Tran Thi Ly Bridge gradually at night (Source: Traveloka)

3.4 Admiring the rhythm of life on the Han River from above

Standing on the bridge, you see a very real Da Nang: people jogging along the river, lights from cafes, lively street music. You don’t need to go far; just stop for a few minutes, and the modern city and poetic essence will fully reveal themselves.

Visitors can admire the rhythm of life on the Han River from above (Source: Internet)

4. The ideal time to visit Tran Thi Ly Bridge

• Sunset: soft sunlight, warm sky colors – great for photos.
• Evening: cool, bridge lights change colors – enjoy the Han River “to the fullest.”
• Weekend: combine watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire/water (nearby).

Suggested itinerary for visitors: Tran Thi Ly Bridge → stroll along the river → Love Bridge → Dragon Bridge → dinner on the east bank of the Han River. A neat evening, enough scenery – enough flavors.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is not just a traffic structure, but a moment of pause in Da Nang. If you want to see this city as both modern and gentle in one frame, come to the bridge when the lights just turn on – and let the Han River breeze tell you the story of a city stretching its sails out to the vast sea.

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Source: Vinpearl