Truong Tien Bridge, Hue

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Truong Tien Bridge, Hue

Truong Tien Bridge, Hue

Truong Tien Bridge, gracefully arching over the Perfume River at the heart of Hue, is far more than just a means of crossing—it’s a living emblem of the city’s soul and history. Originally commissioned by Emperor Thanh Thai in 1896 and completed in 1900 by French engineers Schneider, Cie, and Letellier, the bridge spans 403 meters with six elegant steel arches—each 67 meters long and supported by Gothic-style girders—that remain iconic in Hue’s skyline. Designed by the same engineering firm linked to Gustave Eiffel, it was the first Western-style bridge in Indochina and once bore different names like Thanh Thai Bridge, Clemenceau, and Nguyen Hoang before returning to the name cherished by locals.

Over its 120‑year history, the bridge has stood firm through cyclones, colonial struggles, and wartime bombings, collapsing and being rebuilt three times (1904, 1946, and during the 1968 Battle of Hue). Its resilience mirrors the spirit of Hue: rising renewed again and again, link­ing the imperial north with the elegant French Quarter to the south. In 2002, a vibrant lighting system transformed its nighttime presence into a kaleidoscopic spectacle, adding another layer to its romantic allure.

Wandering across Truong Tien at sunrise or sunset is a sensory delight—cool breezes, red poinciana flowers, and the soft glow of the lights setting over the river. The bridge deck, flanked by pedestrian walkways, invites strolls, casual photo sessions, or simply pausing to take in the timeless view. It’s a favorite spot for wedding shoots, graduation photos, and reflective moments, all set to the peaceful hum of motorbikes, local chatter, and the gentle current of the Perfume River below.

For tourists, this iconic icon is best enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, or aboard a Perfume River boat tour—especially from September to November when Hue’s mild autumn skies and blooming flora frame the bridge in undisturbed charm. As you explore its steel arches and vibrant lights, you’ll connect deeply with Hue’s layered history, poetic beauty, and enduring elegance—all embodied in the simple grandeur of Truong Tien Bridge.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hue. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Truong Tien Bridge on Map

Sight Name: Truong Tien Bridge
Sight Location: Hue, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hue)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Hue, Vietnam

Create Your Own Walk in Hue

Create Your Own Walk in Hue

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hue is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hue Introduction Walking Tour

Hue Introduction Walking Tour

Once the seat of the imperial dynasty in the heart of Vietnam, Hue is chock-full of stories. During feudal times, for nearly 150 years – from 1802 to 1945, the city served as the national capital. The royal lifestyle and customs have had a strong impact on the lifestyle of locals, and this impact can still be felt today.

First cited about 200 BCE as the seat of the Chinese military authority...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Imperial City Walking Tour

Imperial City Walking Tour

The Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty built their feudal capital along the fertile banks of the Perfume River, whose steady flow, centuries on, still sets up a languid pace that the rest of the city is happy to follow.

Situated within the walls of the Royal Citadel, The Imperial City in Hue is one of, if not the most prominent landmark in Vietnam, renowned for its wonderful collection of oriental...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles