Dragon Bridge Da Nang
The breathing dragon of Da Nang.
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Introduction
Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) is a steel arch bridge crossing the Han River in the center of Da Nang. Its distinctive dragon shape, inspired by the powerful symbol from Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, has made it a defining feature of the city's modern identity. The bridge serves as a critical transport link between the city center and the eastern beaches, and is renowned for its weekend fire and water breathing performances.
Fire and Water Show
The bridge's main event occurs at 9:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The dragon's head first breathes fire in two sequences, followed by three blasts of water, creating a captivating five-minute spectacle that draws large crowds to the riverfront.
LED Light Display
After sunset, the entire structure is illuminated by over 2,500 color-changing LED lights. The lights cycle through various hues, creating a dynamic visual that reflects beautifully on the Han River's surface, making it a focal point of the city's nightlife.
Architectural Design
Appreciate the engineering up close by walking along the bridge's pedestrian sidewalks. The structure is 666 meters long and designed to resemble a dragon flying towards the East Sea, with the tail stylized to look like a blooming lotus flower.
Riverside Exploration
The areas on both banks of the Han River near the bridge are popular public spaces. The eastern bank features the DHC Marina, Love Bridge, and Son Tra Night Market, offering excellent viewpoints and a lively atmosphere, especially on show nights.
Getting there
From the My Khe Beach area (approx. 2.5 km):
🚗 Taxi: 5-10 mins | 40,000 - 60,000 VND ~ $1.60 - $2.40 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Xanh SM): 5-10 mins | 30,000 - 50,000 VND ~ $1.20 - $2.00 USD
🛵 Motorbike: 5 mins
🚶 Walking: 25-30 mins
⚠️ The bridge is centrally located and easily accessible. On show nights, traffic in the immediate vicinity becomes heavily congested. Walking or arriving by ride-hailing app is recommended to avoid parking issues. Taxis are plentiful, but always ensure the meter is running.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
- The bridge is a public thoroughfare and is open 24/7. Traffic is paused for the fire and water show from approximately 8:45 PM to 9:15 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
🎫 Ticket prices:
- It is a public bridge and is completely free to access for both vehicles and pedestrians. There is no admission fee to watch the fire and water show.
🚶 Best time to visit:
- The best time to experience the bridge is on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening. Arrive around 8:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot for the 9:00 PM fire and water show. The weather in Da Nang is most pleasant from April to August.
⌚ Recommended duration:
- Plan for 30-45 minutes. This allows enough time to find a viewing spot, watch the 5-minute show, and take photos of the illuminated bridge.
Tips from locals
Local tips
📸 For the best photos, position yourself on Tran Hung Dao Street on the east bank, near the dragon's head. This spot provides a clear, direct view of the fire and water effects. The nearby Love Bridge and DHC Marina also offer excellent, less crowded angles.
🚢 Consider a Han River boat cruise for a unique perspective. Many cruises time their itinerary to be positioned directly in front of the bridge during the 9:00 PM show, offering an unobstructed view from the water.
💨 If you want to experience the water spray portion of the show up close, stand on the bridge itself on the north-side sidewalk (the left side if you are facing the dragon's head). Be prepared to get a little wet.
💡 Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. The area, especially the bridge itself and the closest viewing spots, becomes extremely crowded. This gives you time to find a good vantage point without rushing.
Be aware
👥 On weekend evenings, the area around the bridge becomes exceptionally crowded. Keep a close eye on your belongings in the dense crowds, especially before and after the fire show.
⚠️ The fire and water show is quite short, lasting only about 5 minutes in total. Some visitors have expressed disappointment in its brevity. Set realistic expectations for a brief but impressive spectacle rather than a long, drawn-out performance.
🚕 While most taxi drivers are honest, be cautious of drivers who refuse to use the meter, especially late at night. It's often more reliable to use a ride-hailing app like Grab to secure a fixed price before your journey.
FAQs
What time does the Dragon Bridge breathe fire?
The Dragon Bridge breathes fire and sprays water at 9:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on major public holidays.
Is there a ticket to see the Dragon Bridge show?
No, the show is completely free to watch. The bridge is a public structure, and there is no admission fee.
How long does the Dragon Bridge show last?
The entire performance is very short, lasting approximately 5 minutes. This includes two rounds of fire-breathing and three rounds of water-spraying.
Can you walk across the Dragon Bridge?
Yes, there are wide pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the bridge, allowing you to walk its entire 666-meter length safely.
What is the best place to watch the Dragon Bridge show?
The best spots are on Tran Hung Dao Street directly below the dragon's head, from the deck of a Han River cruise boat, or from the nearby Love Bridge for great photo opportunities.
Is traffic stopped on the bridge during the show?
Yes, all vehicle traffic is stopped a few minutes before 9:00 PM and is reopened shortly after the show concludes, around 9:15 PM.
What is the Vietnamese name for the Dragon Bridge?
The Vietnamese name is Cầu Rồng.
Why is the Dragon Bridge 666 meters long?
The number 6 is considered a lucky number in Vietnamese culture, and the repetition is believed to amplify good fortune.
Can I see the show from my hotel?
If you book a hotel with a direct, high-floor, river-facing view of the Dragon Bridge, you can watch the show from your room.
What is there to do near the Dragon Bridge at night?
After the show, you can explore the Son Tra Night Market on the east side of the river, walk along the illuminated Love Bridge, or enjoy a drink at one of the many riverside cafes and bars.
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