Dragon Bridge Da Nang – Meaning, design & location
A symbol of Da Nang’s growth
Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng in Vietnamese) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Da Nang. Opened on March 29, 2013, the bridge was built to mark the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation at the end of the Vietnam War. Its design—a giant golden dragon stretching across the Han River—represents power, prosperity, and forward movement, inspired by dragons from the Ly Dynasty, a historic symbol in Vietnamese culture.
The dragon faces east, toward the sea, symbolizing the city’s aspiration to grow and reach beyond. And beyond its appearance, the bridge is a major symbol of Da Nang’s transformation into one of Vietnam’s most modern and fast-developing cities.
Where is Dragon Bridge located?
The bridge sits right in the heart of Da Nang, connecting Nguyen Van Linh Street in the city center to Vo Van Kiet Street, which leads straight to My Khe Beach. It crosses the Han River, acting as a key link between the west side of the city (downtown) and the east side (beach district).
You can easily reach it by walking, taxi, or Grab, and many travelers pass over it on their way from the airport to the beach area. While it’s not near attractions like Son Tra Peninsula or Linh Ung Pagoda, it’s surrounded by riverside cafés, rooftop bars, and night markets—ideal for an evening visit.
Design, size & materials
Dragon Bridge was designed by Ammann & Whitney (USA) and Louis Berger Group, two internationally recognized engineering firms. The bridge:
- Measures 666 meters long and 37.5 meters wide
- Has six vehicle lanes and two pedestrian walkways
- Uses steel and reinforced concrete, built with advanced construction technology
The dragon shape arches across the river in a smooth curve, with LED lights that change color at night. More than 2,500 LED lights are used to highlight the dragon’s features, especially its head—where the fire and water shows take place on weekends.
Interesting facts about Dragon Bridge
- It’s the largest dragon-shaped steel bridge in the world
- Cost roughly $85 million USD to build
- The dragon’s tail is shaped like a lotus, symbolizing purity
- The bridge is lit nightly, but closed to traffic briefly during fire shows on weekends
- It quickly became a global reference in bridge design, praised for both aesthetics and structure
Dragon Bridge fire & water show schedule
One of the highlights of visiting Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is the fire and water show that happens right from the dragon’s mouth. It’s not just a cool photo opportunity—it’s a fun, quick spectacle that draws crowds every weekend. The head of the dragon lights up, breathes real flames into the night sky, and sprays a mist of water over the road. Best of all: it’s free to watch and easy to plan into your evening.
Time & day: When does the fire show happen?
- For the best spot, arrive by 8:30 PM or earlier—especially during high season
- The show takes place every Saturday and Sunday night at 9:00 PM
- It’s also held on Vietnamese public holidays like Tet
- The bridge closes to traffic around 8:45 PM to make space for the crowd
What to expect from the show
- If you’re standing close to the dragon’s head, expect to get a little wet during the water spray
- The dragon breathes fire first, usually in 9 quick bursts
- Then it sprays cool water mist, about 3 sprays in total
- The entire show lasts around 5 minutes
- It’s quick, but very atmospheric—especially with the lights, crowd, and riverside setting
Best places to watch the Dragon Bridge Fire Show
The fire show happens at the dragon’s head, which faces toward the beach side of Da Nang (east). That means the best views are generally from that side of the river—whether you’re on the bridge, along the riverbank, or watching from a rooftop. Here are the most popular (and practical) ways to enjoy the show:
1. Standing on the bridge (Up-close experience)
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, stand on the Dragon Bridge itself, near the dragon’s head. You’ll hear the crowd, see the fire up close, and probably feel the heat too. Just keep in mind: when the water sprays, people near the front often get wet—fun for kids, but maybe less ideal if you have a camera or aren’t prepared.
It can get crowded, especially during holidays and summer weekends, but it’s a lively experience and a great choice if you’re already in the area.
2. From the riverbanks (Relaxed, dry option)
If you prefer a little space and a wider view, the riverbanks on either side of the Han River offer great vantage points. The eastern bank, especially the stretch between the Dragon Bridge and the Love Bridge area, is one of the best spots. From here, you get a clear, head-on view of the dragon, plus the bridge’s colorful lights reflecting in the water.
This area also gives you the freedom to move around and take photos without being in the middle of the crowd.
3. From rooftop bars & restaurants nearby
If you want to avoid the crowds entirely and enjoy the show with a drink or dinner, several rooftop spots nearby offer fantastic views of the bridge and show. Here are three good options to consider:
Dragon Ball Rooftop
A small, casual rooftop bar with one of the clearest direct views of the dragon’s head. It’s family-run, welcoming, and laid-back—ideal if you want a no-fuss place to relax and watch the show. It’s not flashy, but the view is excellent, and prices are reasonable.
Icon Rooftop Lounge
Located on a boat-like structure in the marina, this spot offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere. You get an elevated view over the water and bridge, paired with a full food and drink menu. Great for couples or anyone looking for a full dinner-and-show experience.
Lagoon Rooftop
Found at the top of the Ariel Hotel, this place is more basic but delivers a great front-facing view of the fire show. It’s less polished than other rooftops, but if you just want a quiet place to sit and watch the dragon breathe fire, it does the job well.
4. From a Han River Cruise
Another unique way to see the fire show is from the water itself. Evening cruises on the Han River usually stop in front of the Dragon Bridge just in time for the show. You’ll watch it from the deck, floating on the river, with a nice breeze and no crowd around you.
Cruises typically depart between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, and many include drinks or snacks. Some are budget-friendly, while others offer dinner or live music—so it’s worth comparing options in advance.
Tips for visiting the Dragon Bridge Fire Show
These quick tips will help you avoid the common mistakes and get the most out of your visit.
Arrive early
The best spots—especially near the dragon’s head—fill up fast. Aim to be there by 8:30 PM to get a good view and avoid the last-minute crowd.
Mind the traffic closures
The bridge usually closes to traffic around 8:45 PM. If you’re staying on the opposite side of the river, plan your route ahead to avoid being stuck or needing a detour.
Avoid standing too close
If you’re right in front of the dragon’s mouth, expect to get sprayed with water. It’s part of the fun for some, but not ideal if you’re carrying a camera or don’t want a surprise soak.
Bring a camera
The lights, fire, and reflections on the river make it a great spot for night photography. A phone is fine, but if you have a small tripod or low-light camera, bring it.
Use Grab or walk
Traffic can get very busy right after the show. Walking or using a ride-hailing app like Grab is the easiest way to get in and out without stress.
Is it worth visiting Dragon Bridge?
The fire & water show – worth seeing?
Yes—if you’re in Da Nang on a weekend, the fire show is worth checking out. It’s not a long or complex performance, but it’s a fun, unique experience—especially for first-time visitors or families with kids. The atmosphere is relaxed, the lighting is great for photos, and it’s free.
That said, the show only lasts about five minutes, so don’t expect a big event or stage production. It’s more of a fun add-on to your evening, not something to plan your whole day around. If you’re nearby, it’s absolutely worth it—but if you’re staying far from the city, you’ll need to decide whether the short show justifies the trip
The bridge itself – Worth visiting anytime?
Definitely. Even without the fire show, Dragon Bridge is one of the most iconic spots in Da Nang—and a great place for a short walk or night photo stop. Driving or walking across the bridge at night is especially nice, with the LED lights changing colors and the city reflecting in the river.
You can easily combine it with a walk along the Han River promenade, or a visit to the Son Tra Night Market, which is just across the street from the eastern side of the bridge. Whether you stop for 15 minutes or take a longer stroll, it’s one of the most scenic parts of Da Nang—especially in the evening.
Sights & things to do nearby
You don’t need to visit Dragon Bridge just for the fire show—there’s plenty to see around the area, both day and night. Here are some good spots to combine with your visit depending on the time of day.
Combine with an evening visit
Son Tra Night Market
Located just across the road from the eastern side of the bridge, the Son Tra Night Market is a great stop before or after the fire show. You’ll find street food, souvenirs, and a casual, lively atmosphere.
Han River Walk, Love Bridge & Dragon Statue
A relaxing riverside path connects several photo spots, including the Love Bridge and the Carp Turns Into a Dragon statue. It’s all lit up at night and makes for a scenic walk alongside the water.
Combine with a daytime visit
Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
Right at the city-side entrance to the bridge (west side), the Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world’s largest collection of Cham art. Small but worthwhile if you’re into history or architecture.
Da Nang Cathedral
A short walk from the bridge, the pink-painted Da Nang Cathedral is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. It’s small, but nice for a quick visit or photo stop.
Han Market
One of Da Nang’s main local markets, just inland from the bridge. Han Market is a good place to wander in the morning or early afternoon for snacks, souvenirs, or a quick look at local life.
