Bai Chay Bridge: The Shining Rainbow Bridge in Ha Long City
Bai Chay Bridge: The Shining Rainbow Bridge in Ha Long City

Bai Chay Bridge, located in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks. Connecting Bai Chay on the west coast with Hon Gai on the east coast, Bai Chay Bridge—or Cau Bai Chay in Vietnamese—not only facilitates transportation and trade but has also become a popular tourist destination. This rainbow bridge is famous for its beauty at night, when the illuminated lights create a dazzling display of colorful lights.

Bai Chay Bridge: Rainbow Bridge Connecting Hon Gai and Bai Chay

Bai Chay Bridge connects the Hong Gai and Bai Chay areas
Bai Chay Bridge connects the Hong Gai and Bai Chay areas

The Bai Chay Bridge spans the Cua Luc Strait, which is part of Ha Long Bay. This cable-stayed bridge is not only a symbol of architectural grandeur but also serves as a link between different areas of Ha Long City, the capital of Quang Ninh Province. The city was established in 1993 through the merger of the former provincial capital of Quang Ninh, Hon Gai, with the Bai Chay tourist area.

Built on Highway 18A, this bridge connecting the Hon Gai area and Bai Chay district facilitates comfortable and easy travel for local residents and visiting tourists. The bridge not only showcases a marvel of engineering but also makes a significant contribution to the economic and tourism development of Quang Ninh.

The Iconic Bai Chay Cable-Stayed Bridge's Design Withstands Extreme Weather Conditions.

Bai Chay Bridge has an amazing design
Bai Chay Bridge has an amazing design

Built with a cable-stayed design, the Bai Chay Bridge features cables extending from the bridge towers to support the deck. These cables give the bridge a resemblance to a giant harp. This innovative design ensures maximum stability and strength, allowing the bridge to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. The slender, elegant towers towering over the Cua Luc Strait not only contribute to the bridge's aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in maintaining its structural integrity.

Bai Chay Bridge Technical Specifications: Length, Height, and Traffic Lanes

Bai Chay Bridge or Cau Bai Chay in Vietnamese
Bai Chay Bridge or Cau Bai Chay in Vietnamese

The Bai Chay Bridge stands 903 meters long, 25.3 meters wide, and 150 meters high. The underside of the bridge features a 130-meter-wide opening that allows large ships to pass through. Utilizing balanced cantilever technology—where the bridge beams span the water with their ends connected at a height of 50 meters—the bridge allows for vessel operations during the construction process. It features six traffic lanes; four for motor vehicles and two for pedestrians, bicycles, and other non-motorized vehicles.

Bai Chay Bridge Construction Process by Japanese Contractors and Its Construction History

The Bai Chay Bridge was constructed by two Japanese contractors, Shimizu and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, with Yanagawa Haruo as the project architect. After 20 years of planning, construction began on May 18, 2003, and was completed in November 2006, taking approximately 40 months. The Bai Chay Bridge cost 1,400 billion VND (Vietnamese Dong, the currency of Vietnam) to construct. The bridge officially opened on December 2, 2006.

The Beauty of Bai Chay Bridge: Stunning Architectural Lighting at Night

Apart from functioning as a bridge, Bai Chay Bridge is also a charming tourist attraction.
Apart from functioning as a bridge, Bai Chay Bridge is also a charming tourist attraction.

Bai Chay Bridge is not just a bridge, but an iconic work of art that displays the beauty of Bai Chay Bridge at sunset. In late 2014, approximately 8,888 multicolored LED lights capable of displaying 16 million colors were strategically installed along the bridge. During the day, the bridge looks like any other, but when night falls, Bai Chay Bridge transforms into a major nighttime attraction in Ha Long, a vibrant display of rainbow-like colors.

Bai Chay Bridge Night View and Best Photography Spots in Ha Long

The colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, and purple blend perfectly, creating a spectacular and captivating sight. The lights not only highlight the architectural details of the bridge but also enhance the surrounding environment. The bridge's luminous cables, illuminated by colorful LED lights, further enhance the beauty of Bai Chay Bridge, which resembles a giant, sparkling harp at night. This beauty creates a romantic atmosphere when enjoying a night stroll around the bridge and is the perfect backdrop for taking beautiful photos with your partner, friends, or family.

Some Nicknames Given to Bai Chai Bridge

The Bai Chay Bridge has earned many nicknames for its beauty. Here are some of them:

• The Giant Harp
This is the most famous nickname. The steel cables connected to a single vertical plane in the center of this rainbow bridge make it look like the strings of a giant harp when viewed from a distance.

• The Guitar of Ha Long
Locals often call it the Ha Long guitar because the pattern of the cables resembles the lines of guitar strings.

• White Charming Silk Band
This nickname was given because of its slender and graceful structure as it spans Cua Luc Bay, resembling a charming white silk ribbon.

• The Shimmering Harp
A special name used at night when 8,888 colorful LED lights illuminate and reflect off the water’s surface, creating a stunning visual effect

Bai Chay Bridge, a rainbow bridge that is enchanting at night
Bai Chay Bridge, a rainbow bridge that is enchanting at night

The Rainbow Bridge in Ha Long City is not merely a piece of infrastructure connecting two areas, but also a popular nighttime tourist destination in Vietnam. Bai Chay Bridge, or Cau Bai Chay, is a harmonious blend of architectural art and technology, serving as a testament to how innovation and art can come together to create an extraordinary masterpiece. From its grandeur by day to the enchanting display of colorful lights at night, this famous Vietnamese tourist attraction offers an unforgettable visual experience for visitors.

(Latest Update in 2026)
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