Da Nang is home to some incredible things to do, but one that you should definitely add to your Da Nang itinerary is the legendary Dragon Bridge.
Built in 2013 and designed by Vietnamese architecture company, the unique bridge crosses the Han River with its stunning span of 666 meters and its impressive design resembling a dragon spitting fire and water.
On Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll be able to come and have dinner and shop for souvenirs at the nearby local market, before seeing the fire and water show at 9.00 PM.
Take an in-depth look at this masterpiece as I provide you with the ultimate visitors’ guide! I’ll cover everything from where you can find the best views, the show at the Dragon Bridge, things to do around, and more.
Dragon Bridge in Da Nang – Overview
Before discussing the main topic, let’s cover the essentials you should know before coming to the Dragon Bridge, from its location, to the fire show time, and more.
What is the Dragon Bridge?
The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is an iconic bridge that stretches across the Han River. It is 666m long, 37.5m wide and has six lanes for traffic.
Opened to traffic in late March 2013, it cost nearly 1.5 trillion VND (US$88m). The bridge is particularly unique as it takes on the form of a dragon which crosses the Han River.
Every weekend at 9pm, it puts on a spectacular show with fire and water shooting from its mouth. This 15 minute show attracts huge crowds of locals and tourists who come to witness this amazing spectacle.
Where is the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang?
The fire-breathing Dragon Bridge lies on the Han River in central Da Nang. It is only about 2km away from My Khe Beach and is the largest bridge in Vietnam. The bridge is 666 meters long and 37.5 meters wide.
On weekends, visitors can witness a spectacular show of fire and water from 9 PM that lasts for about 15 minutes. This show attracts huge crowds and has become one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang.
How to Get to Da Nang Dragon Bridge?
The Da Nang Dragon Bridge is located over the Han River in the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. The bridge is easily accessible by car, taxi, or motorbike. It can also be reached by foot from the nearby Tran Hung Dao Street.
I personally went to the Dragon Bridge by foot from My Khe Beach but I recommend calling a Grab Taxi which will cost you only about 50,000 VND, or $2, and will take you to the local night market, so you can see both sites at once.
Related Guide
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for a trip around Central Vietnam.
When is the Dragon Bridge Fire Show?
The Dragon Bridge Fire Show takes place every Saturday and Sunday night at 9 PM. Hundreds of people gather to witness the spectacular show which includes the water and fire performance from the bridge itself.
I recommend you come early, ideally around 8 to 8.30 PM to take the best spots, take some photos, and make new friends.
Best-Rated Tour
Dragon Bridge Cruise
- Affordable way to spend the night!
- A must-do when traveling to Da Nang
- See the Dragon Bridge show from the boat
Includes
- Cruise tickets
- Vietnamese performance
- Stop at the Dragon Bridge for the show
Is the Dragon Bridge Worth Visiting?
The Dragon Bridge is absolutely worth visiting! Located in Da Nang overlooking the Han River, this modern bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting Central Vietnam. Featuring LED lights, fire and water shows, and a unique architecture, it is an iconic landmark that highlights the city’s growth.
Visitors to the Dragon Bridge can enjoy the fire and water show every Saturday and Sunday night. The show starts at 9pm with a thrilling fire breathing performance that includes many blasts of fire.
This is followed by a water-breathing performance, where the dragon’s head shoots jets of water into the air and the bridge lights up with vibrant colors. To make sure you get the best view possible, it’s best to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the show.
Opening Times and Entrance Fees
The Dragon Bridge is always open as it connects both sides of Da Nang City through the Han River. That being said, the fire show is only on Saturdays, and Sundays from 9.00 PM to 9.15 PM.
Also, there is no entrance fee, which makes the Dragon Bridge one of the best things to do in Da Nang for free.
Impressive Architecture
The Dragon Bridge of Da Nang is a modern and impressive architectural structure, designed to look like a dragon from the Ly Dynasty. Its five spans support a steel dragon with a majestic dragon head, a body of more than 2,500 LED lights, and an eye-catching golden color.
The Dragon’s tail is decorated with beautiful lotus flowers – a traditional floral representation of the Vietnamese countryside.
This breathtaking structure is more than just a bridge – it symbolizes prosperity and the exciting future of Da Nang City.
The Dragon Bridge is located on the Eastern edge of the city (or western side, if you stay in the My An/My Khe area), spanning the Han River and providing a more direct route to the city center and Da Nang International Airport.
What to Expect at the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang
Now that you have a better idea of what the Dragon Bridge, let’s go through the main details, like the night market nearby, the fire show, and the other events happening.
The Son Tra Night Market
Whether you visit the Son Tra Night Market before or after your visit to the Dragon Bridge, it’s an exciting thing to do in town and you can shop for souvenirs, have a snack, sip a beer, and so much more.
Son Tra Night Market is open daily from 6.00 PM to 12.00 AM and boasts over 150 stalls selling amazing souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, shoes, delicious local dishes, and tons of entertainment.
The best part? There’s no entrance fee and the parking is just 5000 VND/scooter, in case you want to come by motorbike – how amazing is that?
You can find a variety of items at the market, including seafood, rolled ice cream, pho, spring roll platters, cultural products, fashion, handicrafts, and specialties – all so exciting!
With so much to offer, a visit to the Son Tra Night Market is an absolute must when you’re in Da Nang.
The Fire Show
You should visit Dragon Bridge, you’ll want to come on Saturday and Sunday nights at 9:00 PM when it’s lit up with an incredible fire and water show.
The bridge is located in the heart of Da Nang City, Vietnam, and has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
The show starts with the dragon breathing fire from its mouth, and you’ll be in awe with everyone being surprised! After about 10 minutes of breathing fire, the dragon will start shooting up jets of water – Don’t stay near its mouth if you don’t want to get wet.
The road is closed to traffic during the show, so you can stand in the middle of the road to take photos and enjoy the experience fully. As soon as the show is over, the road is open to traffic again and you can go back on the sidewalks.
The Best Photo Spots
The best places to photograph the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang are:
- During the night: Near its mouth at the Son Tra Night Market – At this location
- During the day: In Bach Dang Road, with the Dragon Bridge in the background and the Han River – This location is best
Of course, given its length, there are dozens of other angles, but these above are the best photo spots you should consider.
Best Viewing Spots
Watching the fire and water performance from a height allows for an amazing views of the vibrant lights reflecting across the water of the Han River – making it one of the best ways to experience the Dragon Bridge performance.
When it comes to finding the best viewing spots, there are plenty of excellent options. If you’ve visited the night market like I did, you will want to come from the right side of the road, taking the stairs up to the bridge and stay near its mouth for the show.
Alternatively, you can cross the road to see the dragon bridge from the other side and have the skyline and night lights in the background.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hop on a night river cruise and watch the show from a different perspective – The night river cruises are also very fun to join when you visit Da Nang!
Note: The cruise always sells out during the weekend, as it’s the best view for the Dragon Bridge show, so make sure to book as soon as possible – And it’s super cheap!
Danang International Firework Festival (DIFF)
The Danang International Firework Festival (DIFF) is an annual event held in Danang that attracts locals, domestic and international travelers, and fireworks enthusiasts with world-class pyrotechnics.
It is incredibly significant for Danang, contributing to the title of “Asia’s Leading Festival-Event Destination”. During the festival, the Dragon Bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the fireworks.
The Danang International Firework Festival is an event that should not be missed. Not only is it an amazing spectacle, but it’s also an opportunity to experience the culture and atmosphere of Da Nang with the Tran Thi Ly Bridge in the background.
On each Friday of June and July, 2 countries will compete against Vietnam for the best fireworks, and the last show will decide the winner – How cool! So if you plan to come in June or July, this is a must-see, and the Dragon Bridge is the best viewing spot.
Bạch Đang Street
Oh wow, Bach Dang Street is a popular and beautiful street in Da Nang with a long and exciting history and an exciting future pedestrian street project.
Bch ang. Street is the perfect place to explore what this exciting city has to offer, with its many attractions and restaurants as well as its amazing views of the Han River and the Dragon Bridge.
Not only does Bch ang Street provide stunning views of the city, but it also offers an ideal location for viewing the Dragon Bridge fire show and the Danang International Firework Festival. This is a must-see destination for any visitor to Da Nang!
Where to Stay in Da Nang?
Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in town, whether you travel on a budget or looking for a boutique hotel in Da Nang.
It’s worth noting that the best area for a tourist is My An, right next to My An and My Khe Beaches, with countless restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Want to know more?
Here’s a complete guide with all the
best places in Da Nang Vietnam.
Luxury: Danang Marriott Resort & Spa
Mid-Range: Amunra Ocean Hotel
Budget: Zenta Beach View Hotel
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Summary – Da Nang Dragon Bridge
This was everything you had to know about the Vietnam Dragon Bridge in Da Nang.
In conclusion, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, is a true masterpiece of engineering and architecture that holds significant cultural importance.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the bridge’s unique design, inspired by the mythical dragon – a powerful symbol in Vietnamese culture. The bridge not only serves as a vital link between different parts of the city but also captivates visitors with its incredible night-time performances when the dragon seemingly comes to life by breathing fire and water.
So, if you haven’t yet experienced the fun of the Dragon Bridge, I highly encourage you to go while spending a few days in town!
