A Tourist Guide to Danang's Dragon Bridge
In this blog post, you’ll read about an iconic Dragon Bridge in Danang. With its striking design and dynamic presence, so many locals see it as a symbol of Da Nang.
With its bold architecture when the sun sets, the bridge comes alive with fire and water shows that draw crowds. In this guide, VPT takes you on a journey through one of Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks.
Dragon Bridge ranks as the sixth and most recent bridge to span the Han River. Its dragon-shaped design inspired the name “Dragon Bridge.”
Overview of Dragon Bridge Da Nang
The bridge stretches 666 meters in length and spans 37.5 meters in width, featuring six traffic lanes on both sides. Construction began on July 19, 2009, and authorities in Danang opened the bridge to traffic on March 29, 2013. The project cost nearly 1.5 trillion VND (approximately US$88 million). Ammann & Whitney Consulting Engineers, in collaboration with the Louis Berger Group, handled the design.
This modern bridge crosses the Han River at the Le Dinh Duong/Bach Dang roundabout, creating the shortest way from Da Nang International Airport to the city center. It also offers a direct route to My Khe and Non Nuoc on the eastern side of Da Nang beach. Engineers designed and built the bridge in the shape of a dragon that breathes fire and water.
History, Architecture and Design
The dragon bridge’s history dates back to the end of 2005, the People’s Committee launched a design competition for Dragon Bridge, attracting 8 firms—4 from Vietnam, 2 from Japan, and one each from Germany and the U.S.—who submitted 17 proposals.
In October 2007, the committee chose the design by the U.S. consortium Louis Berger and Ammann & Whitney and approved the project on December 17, 2008.
Construction started on July 19, 2009, on the east bank of the Han River, the same day Da Nang inaugurated Thuan Phuoc Bridge. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other top officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Crews completed the main span on October 26, 2012, and officially opened the bridge to traffic on March 29, 2013, marking the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation.
Location & best way to get to dragon bridge
The dragon bridge is located in the center of Danang and stretches across the Han River, connecting the city’s eastern and western districts. It links Nguyen Van Linh Street directly to Vo Van Kiet Street, making the route from downtown Da Nang to My Khe Beach quick and easy.
It’s actually very easy to find the bridge, everywhere you cross in Danang, you will see the bridge from the far distance. The location is right in the city center, motorbike, grab a taxi, or take the bus, getting to the iconic bridge is just very easy.
The Dragon Bridge Fire & water show Schedule
The bridge is most beautiful at night when its lit up with the fire and water show. Visitors can walk across Dragon Bridge and enjoy sweeping views of Da Nang’s skyline and riverfront. At night, the Dragon Bridge light show attracts a big crowds, especially during the weekend fire and water show.
Every Saturday and Sunday night, the dragon breathes fire for two minutes—split into two bursts of nine fiery blasts—followed by a three-minute water display, spraying three powerful jets into the sky.
The entire water and fire show starts at 9:00 p.m. and offers one of the most exciting things to do in Da Nang at night. If you want to stay dry, keep a safe distance from the dragon’s head when the water spray. Anyway, it is very interesting, specially when the locals also join the crowds and you feel like it is still very exciting even for them that suppose to be very normal to them.
What time does the Dragon Bridge Da Nang fire start?
If you’re in Danang for a visit, you may want to find out the “What time does Dragon Bridge Da Nang breathe fire?” Every Saturday and Sunday night, as well as on major public holidays, the Dragon Bridge lights up with its famous fire and water show. The performance kicks off at 9:00 p.m. and runs for about 15 minutes.
Additionally, the dragon breathes fire nine times, filling the night sky with dramatic flames. Then, it shifts into a water-spraying sequence, releasing three powerful bursts.
Best views of dragon bridge for photography
Best Places to watch the fire show at Dragon Bridge Da Nang and to make the most of it for taking some great instagram snapshots, head to spots along the Han River or stand on Tran Thi Ly Bridge. These locations offer a clear, panoramic view of the dragon as it breathes fire and sprays water into the night sky.
Along the road and in between the locations, there are riverside cafés from where you can sit and enjoy the show at night. As the LED lights reflect off the water, you’ll have a better view if you’re standing a little far from the bridge. Here is the map of the best and ideal places to watch and to take some great photos, of the fire show;
Nearby attractions to dragon bridge
Dragon Bridge Da Nang is at the heart of a lively area filled with exciting attractions and activities. You can go out for dinner and then walk toward teh bridge in streets heading toward the bridge. There are alo plenty to do nearby. Here are few of them;
Love Bridge
Han River Cruise
Hop on a Han River cruise for a unique view of Da Nang’s skyline, including landmarks like Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge, and various modern skyscrapers. On weekend nights, boats stop near Dragon Bridge at 9 p.m. so guests can watch the fire and water show from the water—an unforgettable experience and a fun way to explore the city.
Tran Hung Dao Street
This riverside street offers front-row seats to the Dragon Bridge show. Many locals and tourists grab drinks from the small sidewalk stalls and relax as they wait for the dragon to breathe fire.
Son Tra Night Market
Just a short walk from Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Night Market buzzes with activity, especially on weekends. You’ll find street food, souvenirs, clothes, and drinks. For a quieter visit, stop by on a weekday.
Riverside Walk
Han Market
Located not far from Dragon Bridge, Han Market is a daytime must-see. Add it to your city sightseeing for a lively local shopping experience. Check out a visitor guide to visit Han Market
Local folk legends about dragon bridge of danang
While the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is a modern structure completed in 2013, it draws heavily on Vietnam’s deep-rooted mythology and symbolism. Though there aren’t ancient legends specifically tied to the bridge itself (since it’s a recent one), its dragon design connects to many traditional Vietnamese beliefs and stories. Here are a few local legends and cultural folks that surround the spirit of the Dragon;
The Dragon Symbol in Vietnamese Culture
In Vietnamese folklore, the dragon (“rồng”) symbolizes power, nobility, and prosperity. It’s believed to control water, rain, and agricultural fertility—vital elements for Vietnam’s rice-farming traditions. Locals often say the Dragon Bridge was built facing the sea to represent Da Nang’s growth, strength, and connection to prosperity and good fortune.
Legend of Lạc Long Quân (Dragon Father)
The dragon motif also ties back to the legend of Lạc Long Quân, a sea dragon king, and Âu Cơ, a mountain fairy. Together, they are considered the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. They had 100 children, who later became the founders of Vietnam’s tribes. The dragon in the bridge reflects this legendary heritage—many locals take pride in this symbolic link.
The Bridge Facing the East Sea
Another locally shared idea is that the dragon faces the East Sea (Biển Đông) not just for architectural flair, but to symbolize Da Nang’s aspirations and openness to the world. According to belief, a dragon must face water to bring luck and wealth to the land. So, the dragon’s eastward gaze serves both spiritual and symbolic purposes.
The Fire and Water (Ancient Beliefs)
The fire-breathing and water-spraying show every weekend is more than just entertainment. Locals see it as a ritual echo—honoring the dragon’s mythical powers over fire (transformation) and water (life and flow). It reminds people of the dragon’s role in maintaining balance and blessing the land with harmony.
