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As part of Hanoi\u2019s development strategy, with the Red River waterfront designated as the city\u2019s central urban axis, the Hanoi People\u2019s Committee approved the project of a bridge linking Hoan Kiem District and Long Bien District, named after one of the greatest generals in world history: Tran Hung Dao (H\u01b0ng \u0110\u1ea1o \u0110\u1ea1i V\u01b0\u01a1ng). This bridge is one of six across the Red River and Duong River, identified as key transport links to gradually shift population density from the crowded southern bank \u2014 particularly the Old Quarter \u2014 to the northern bank, which holds vast development potential.
\nIn the Tran Hung Dao Bridge Architectural Design Competition, the VTCO\u2013KIDOHU Consortium submitted three proposals inspired by General Tran Hung Dao and the cultural heritage of the Tran Dynasty. Among them, the design TH\u0110 18 (VT0002), themed \u201cH\u00e0o kh\u00ed \u0110\u00f4ng A \u2013 The Spirit of the Sacred Dragon\u201d, was awarded the Second Prize.<\/p>\n
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Tran Hung Dao Bridge – Concept won second prize<\/p>\n
H\u00e0o kh\u00ed \u0110\u00f4ng A originates from the Tran Dynasty\u2019s family name (the Sino-Vietnamese character Tr\u1ea7n \u9673 is composed of \u201c\u0110\u00f4ng\u201d \u6771 and \u201cA\u201d \u963f), symbolizing the indomitable spirit that led the Tran people to victory in three wars against the Mongol Empire \u2014 the most powerful military force of its era.
\nThe design was envisioned not as a mere transport structure, but as an architectural monument infused with history and culture. The goal was to ensure that every child, elder, youth, or visitor crossing the bridge would remember Vietnam\u2019s proud legacy.
\nThe concept draws on the imagery of the Tran Dynasty\u2019s dragon: free yet decisive, powerful yet graceful, embodying the bold, magnanimous spirit of H\u00e0o kh\u00ed \u0110\u00f4ng A. The dragon itself is also the emblem of ancient Thang Long (Hanoi), symbolizing prosperity, fortune, and the nation\u2019s spirit of rising.
\nThe VTCO team, already authors of major award-winning works such as the Phat Tich \u2013 Dai Dong Thanh Bridge (under construction in Bac Ninh), Thu Thiem 4 Bridge, and Can Gio Bridge (First Prize, Ho Chi Minh City), brought their expertise to this ambitious design.<\/p>\n
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The Tran Hung Dao Bridge proposal was designed with full functionality, including:<\/p>\n
Integrated systems for fireworks and musical water performances, conveying the mission of the architect: to bring joy and happiness to all users \u2014 pedestrians, drivers, river travelers, and park visitors alike.<\/p>\n
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The bridge was designed as a steel-arch structure, with permanent reinforced concrete piers. It consists of five main spans, with a total length of 590 meters and a deck width of 33 meters.
\nBecause the river section at Long Bien is nearly 1 kilometer wide, yet limited to a maximum elevation of 47 meters above water level due to Gia Lam Airport\u2019s aviation restrictions, a single-span bridge would appear overwhelmed by the river. Therefore, VTCO proposed a five-span arch design, balancing the scale of the water surface while accommodating regional river transport needs.
\nThe design layout integrates five architectural components:<\/p>\n
The arch structure was proposed in white composite-coated steel, maximizing light reflection and enabling striking illumination \u2014 promising spectacular \u201clight shows\u201d above the Red River.<\/p>\n
In parallel with the bridge\u2019s design, VTCO paid great attention to traffic solutions around the bridge to mitigate congestion. Drawing lessons from Hanoi\u2019s Ring Road 2 \u2013 Nga Tu So junction, where high-volume traffic caused serious bottlenecks, VTCO proposed dedicated flyover ramps at Nguyen Khoai Street:<\/p>\n
This system distributes traffic flow, significantly reducing pressure at Tran Hung Dao junction.
\nVarious interchange options were studied for both Hoan Kiem and Long Bien sides. Ultimately, VTCO adopted a priority-based interchange design, with straight-through traffic (Tran Hung Dao \u2013 Long Bien) prioritized, followed by right-turn movements, left turns toward Vinh Tuy Bridge, and left turns from Tran Khanh Du \u2013 Nguyen Khoai.
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Hoan Kiem intersection<\/p>\n
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Long Bien intersection<\/p><\/div>\n
Traffic flow is regulated by intelligent signal systems synchronized with vehicle-counting cameras. In case of congestion, green phases can be extended, temporarily converting the junction into a roundabout to relieve pressure. Properly managed, the Tran Hung Dao interchange would also reduce congestion at the Chuong Duong Bridge roundabout, enhancing connectivity from Hanoi\u2019s inner city to Long Bien, Dong Anh, and neighboring provinces.<\/p>\n
Through a modern architectural language infused with traditional culture, the design creates a unique visual effect: five consecutive arches radiating at an 8-degree angle, their form combining light and dragon imagery. The result is the vision of a golden dragon stirring waves on the Red River, echoing the pulse of Hanoi \u2014 a thousand-year-old capital in constant motion.
\nFrom the time of the Hung Kings until today, Vietnam has endured over 4,000 years of history. By honoring and preserving the cultural legacy of our ancestors as a foundation for future growth, we believe that the Tran Hung Dao Bridge will become a true reflection of Vietnam\u2019s construction achievements, proving that the H\u00e0o kh\u00ed \u0110\u00f4ng A \u2014 the spirit of resilience and unity \u2014 will never fade from this land of heroes.
\nTran Hung Dao Bridge is more than infrastructure \u2014 it is an emblem of history, culture, and national aspiration, designed to become a defining landmark of modern Hanoi.<\/p>\n