Dragon Bridge is Da Nang’s signature night landmark. A massive steel dragon stretches across the Han River, then comes alive after dark with color-changing lights and a fire-and-water performance that turns the riverfront into an open-air show. It is the kind of stop that feels quick on the map but memorable in real life, especially when you time it right.
From this Your Vietnam Travel guide, you will learn the bridge’s exact location, the fire and water show schedule, and the story behind its history and design. You will also find the best viewpoints, nearby places to visit, how to get there, and practical tips so you can plan a smooth, crowd-smart evening by the river.
Dragon Bridge sits right in central Da Nang, stretching across the Han River as one of the city’s key landmarks and crossings. It links the downtown side around Nguyen Van Linh Street (Hai Chau District) with the Son Tra side, so you can move quickly between the city center and the coastal area.
For navigation, search either of these commonly used pins depending on which end you start from: Nguyen Van Linh Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang, or 29 Cau Rong, An Hai Trung Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
You are also within easy reach of popular stops like My Khe Beach, Bach Dang riverside, Han Market, and the Cham Sculpture Museum, which makes the bridge simple to pair with a short city walk or a riverfront evening.
Getting there is straightforward: Take a taxi or Grab, go by private car, or use public bus routes 01, 02, 03 that stop near the bridge. From Da Nang International Airport it is about 3 km, and from central areas it is typically a short ride or a walk depending on where you stay.
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The overview of Dragon Bridge in Da Nang (Source: Unsplash) |
The Dragon Bridge fire and water show restarted on February 12, 2022, after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show had been suspended for nearly two years as a safety measure to prevent the spread of the virus and protect both locals and tourists. With the easing of pandemic restrictions and the successful vaccination campaign, the city was able to resume the beloved night spectacle.
Since then, the fire and water show has quickly regained its status as one of Da Nang’s most popular night-time attractions. It continues to be held at 9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with additional performances on major public holidays. During Tet (Lunar New Year), the show occasionally runs on multiple consecutive nights, so it's always a good idea to check the latest announcements or holiday schedule if you plan to visit during this busy time.
At 9:00 PM, the Dragon Bridge begins with a fire show, followed by a water spray. The fire display consists of nine short bursts, followed by three water sprays. The entire performance typically lasts between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on pauses and crowd management. Crowds usually start to gather around 8:00 PM, so to get a good view, it’s best to arrive early or book a table at a nearby café or restaurant facing the bridge for a more comfortable wait.
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Water show on Dragon Bridge, Da Nang (Source: Tripadvisor) |
The show sequence is simple and easy to follow once you know what to expect.
First comes the fire-breathing segment, which typically runs for about 2 minutes. It is performed in two short rounds, with the dragon breathing fire nine times in total, so you will see repeated bursts rather than one long flame. Right after that, the bridge switches into the water-spraying segment, lasting around 3 minutes and delivered in three rounds, with one spray each time.
What makes it memorable is the timing. The flames and water jets are paired with the bridge lighting, so the dragon’s head becomes the focal point of the riverfront and the crowd reacts to each burst. If you want to enjoy the full rhythm of the show, stand far enough back to see the dragon head and a stretch of the bridge lights, not directly underneath the spray zone.
Quick takeaways:
Tips: Plan where you stand. If you are close to the dragon head, you can get wet during the water spray, and the area can feel packed. Stand slightly back from the head, keep valuables in a waterproof pouch, and expect temporary traffic restrictions near the bridge right before the show.
See more: When is the Best Time to Visit Da Nang
Dragon Bridge is one of Da Nang’s most recognizable modern landmarks, built as a major river crossing that also carries a strong cultural symbol. Construction began in July 2009, shortly after the city opened Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by then Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung along with national and city leaders.
After several years of work, the project reached a key milestone when the main span was completed on October 26, 2012. The bridge officially opened to traffic on March 29, 2013, a date chosen to align with Da Nang’s annual Liberation Day celebrations and the city’s historical milestones.
Designed in the form of a dragon, the bridge reflects a traditional symbol of power and prosperity while showcasing Da Nang’s push toward bold, contemporary urban design. Its fire-breathing concept later helped turn a functional transport link into a signature attraction that defines the Han River skyline at night.
Dragon Bridge is designed as a Ly Dynasty (1009 - 1225) dragon, a meaningful creature in Vietnamese folklore. In local lore, the dragon is linked with flying toward the sea and bringing back good fortune. That is why the bridge is also seen as a symbol of prosperity for Da Nang.
In practical terms, this is a steel bridge built to carry one of the city’s key traffic routes across the Han River. It runs as a 6-lane road with the dragon as the central spine. The structure is engineered to be both iconic and functional.
Key specifications visitors often look up:
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Dragon Bridge with Ly Dynasty dragon centerpiece (Source: Unsplash) |
The “dragon body” is formed by a sloping steel arch that is described as the longest of its kind in Vietnam. It measures 568 m (1,191 ft) and weighs more than 2,000 tons. The main stretch of the bridge is framed by two 128 m (420 ft) side sections.
Some sources also describe the dragon centerpiece as extremely heavy, with the overall dragon weight cited around 9,000 tons. They even break it down by parts such as head, body, tail, and scales. Another detail often mentioned is 39 scales, reportedly completed within one week.
Cables are used to help stabilize the structure for safety during harsh conditions like typhoons or potential seismic events. The bridge height is also cited at around 53 m above the Han River water surface. This helps it stand out, without visually overpowering nearby landmarks like the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
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Cables on Dragon Bridge (Source: Tripadvisor) |
At night, the bridge becomes a lighting landmark. It uses more than 2,500 Color Kinetics LED luminaires, chosen for reliability, low maintenance, low energy use, and strong light quality. The goal is to highlight the dragon’s curves and the head’s details clearly from both riverbanks.
Lighting elements commonly described include 14 ColorReach Compact Powercore floodlights for each downward curve and the tail. There are also over 850 Burst Powercore spotlights and about 1,500 nodes of iColor Flex LMX spanning the top of the bridge. The dragon head is accented by two Reach Powercore luminaires.
For special occasions, the design goes beyond lighting. The dragon is built to breathe fire and spray water, which is why Dragon Bridge is not only a crossing, but also a weekly city spectacle.
Dragon Bridge is easy to reach from both Da Nang and Hoi An, and these options help you pick the fastest or most budget-friendly route for your schedule.
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Road to Dragon Bridge, Da Nang (Source: Unsplash) |
The show on the Dragon Bridge is short but intense, with about 2 minutes of fire followed by around 3 minutes of water. To get a good spot without stress, arrive 30 - 60 minutes early and choose a viewpoint based on whether you want the closest heat-and-splash experience or a cleaner, wider photo angle. Here are our suggested view points for the fire show.
Watching from the bridge puts you at the center of the action, especially if you stand closer to the dragon head side. The bridge is typically closed to traffic from 9:00 PM for about 25 minutes, so get in place before the barriers go up.
You get the most immersive view, feel the heat with each fire burst, and see the full effect of the head and lighting up close. However, it gets very crowded, and if you stand too close you may feel intense heat or get wet during the water spray.
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People standing on Dragon Bridge to watch the fire show (Source: Unsplash) |
Tran Hung Dao Street sits on the east bank of the Han River, directly beneath the Dragon Bridge’s head. It is a popular choice if you want a close view without standing on the bridge, and you can watch from the riverside while grabbing a drink at nearby street cafés.
Aim to arrive early on weekend show nights, since this stretch fills up fast as people gather for the 9:00 PM performance. If you stand right under the head, keep a little extra space during the water-spraying part, especially if you prefer to stay dry.
You can get a close-up angle of the dragon head, easy access to cafés and sidewalk seating and quick exit routes after the show. Mind that the crowds build early, sightlines can be blocked if you arrive late, and the head-area viewpoint can mean some spray drift during the water sequence.
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View of Dragon Bridge from Tran Hung Dao Street (Source: Unsplash) |
Bach Dang Street sits along the west bank with a wide riverside promenade and plenty of cafes, giving you a more panoramic view of the bridge and Han River reflections. The show feels more “scenic” here, rather than up-close and intense.
For the best sightline, choose a cafe with a balcony or second-floor seating so you can see over heads and traffic barriers. It is also a good option if you want to avoid getting wet.
Watching from Bach Dang Street gives you a wider river view, more comfortable, easier photos of the full bridge lighting. As it is farther from the dragon’s head, you may not be able to feel the vibe of the show as much.
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Dragon Bridge’s fire show view point from Bach Dang Street (Source: Unsplash) |
A rooftop is the easiest way to skip street-level crowds and still enjoy the full bridge lighting and performance. The trade-off is that you are watching from a distance, so it is more about the full city view than feeling the heat.
Top rooftop picks near Dragon Bridge (with quick details):
Nyx Sky Lounge (Haian Riverfront Hotel)
Endless Summer Rooftop Bar & Lounge (Wink Hotel Danang Riverside)
Top View Bar
The best thing about watching from the rooftop bars is that you can have comfortable seating, strong photo angles. You can enjoy the show in a more relaxing way by pairing it with cocktails. However, you will need to spend on drinks during your stay, and the show feels less immersive than street level.
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View of Dragon Bridge from a rooftop bar nearby (Source: Tripadvisor) |
Love Bridge is a short riverside walk from Dragon Bridge and works well if you want a clear view without standing on the bridge itself. It is also a good “middle-distance” photo spot for the bridge lighting.
It is better to go early to claim a spot along the rail, especially on weekends with easy access, good sightline, and strong photos with river reflections. If you want a quieter experience, stand a bit farther down the promenade rather than right at the most obvious photo point.
The view point can get packed quickly as there is limited space along the railing. You may get splashed with water or get the heat from the fire if you stand too closely.
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Fire show of Dragon Bridge from Love Bridge (Source: Unsplash) |
If you want to watch the Dragon Bridge fire-and-water show without fighting for sidewalk space, a Han River cruise is the easiest upgrade. You’ll get open-river views of Da Nang’s night skyline while the boat positions near Dragon Bridge around showtime.
Tickets are typically sold at the Han River cruise ticket office at 34 Bach Dang Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District.
Ticket prices:
Watching from the cruises provides a comfortable viewpoint from the water with less crowd pressure and great city-and-bridge photos. As there are fixed departure times on cruises, you feel less heat and “impact” than standing near the dragon head and popular sailings can sell out. Arrive a bit early on weekends to secure seats on the open deck, and pick an evening departure timed for the 9:00 PM show.
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View of Dragon Bridge from Han River Cruise (Source: Unsplash) |
Staying near the Dragon Bridge puts you in one of Da Nang’s liveliest areas, with easy access to night markets, riverside walks, and cafes. This guide from Your Vietnam Travel lists some of the most convenient stops to combine with the fire and water show for your next Da Nang trip.
Son Tra Night Market is set up as a pedestrian-friendly walking street at the intersection of Ly Nam De and Mai Hac De Streets, An Hai Tay Ward, Son Tra District. It sits only about 200 meters from Dragon Bridge and a short stroll from the Love Bridge, so you can walk over right after the 9 p.m. fire show. The market usually opens from around 6 p.m. to midnight and there is no entry fee.
Rows of stalls line both sides of the street selling local street food, seafood, fresh drinks, clothes, lanterns, handicrafts, and Da Nang specialties to take home. The atmosphere is busy but relaxed, with bright lights, music, and occasional small performances that make it a good place to sample local flavors. Prices are generally reasonable, from US$1 to US$35, so it is easy to snack your way through several dishes in one visit.
From Dragon Bridge, you can follow Tran Hung Dao Street along the river and turn into Ly Nam De or Mai Hac De to reach the main gate in about 3 to 5 minutes on foot. Go earlier in the evening if you are visiting with children or prefer lighter crowds, and keep an eye on your belongings in busy sections like any popular night market. Bring small cash for easier payment, and if you plan to watch the bridge show again, look for spots in the market where you can still see the dragon’s head across the river.
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Son Tra Night Market’s gate in Da Nang (Source: Tripadvisor) |
Just a short riverside walk from Dragon Bridge, the Carp Turning into Dragon Statue is one of Da Nang’s most photographed landmarks. It sits at the entrance area of Love Bridge and is inspired by the carp-to-dragon legend, a local symbol of perseverance and transformation. It also works as a fountain, so it feels most “alive” when the lights are on and the riverfront is busy.
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Dragon Statue on Han River Cruise, Da Nang (Source: Unsplash) |
Love Bridge is a short riverside walkway on the east bank of the Han River, just a few minutes from Dragon Bridge. It is known for its heart-shaped lantern posts and the “love lock” tradition, so the space feels most romantic after dark when the lights reflect on the water. Many travelers stop here right after the Dragon Bridge show, since the views toward both Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge are wide open.
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Love Bridge in Da Nang City (Source: Unsplash) |
If Dragon Bridge is Da Nang’s headline show, Han River Bridge is the city’s quiet classic. It is Vietnam’s first swing bridge, and it becomes especially atmospheric at night when the lights reflect on the river and locals gather along the banks for a slow walk. On weekends, the bridge can rotate to let boats pass, which turns a simple riverside stroll into a small late-night event.
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Han River Bridge in Da Nang (Source: Unsplash) |
Learn more: 20+ Best Things to Do and See in Da Nang, Vietnam
Use these tips to plan your timing, viewpoint, and transport so you can enjoy Dragon Bridge smoothly on show nights.
No. The fire and water show usually runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting at 9:00 PM.
Yes, it is generally safe if you follow the crowd flow and basic precautions. Bring a poncho, light rain jacket, or umbrella, because the water spray can blow toward you when the wind shifts.
Yes. If you are staying near Da Nang city center, the bridge is often within walking distance of many hotels and riverside landmarks.
Yes. During the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, fireworks shows take place over the Han River, and Dragon Bridge can be a great spot to watch the displays without paying for a ticket.
The bridge is lit nightly, but the highlight moment is the 9:00 PM fire and water performance on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Watching the dragon breathe fire over the Han River at night is a moment you should not miss. Dragon Bridge has become a modern cultural icon that reflects Da Nang’s energy and daily rhythm, so a little planning makes a big difference to your experience. Choose your viewpoint early, and line up transport and timing so you can enjoy the show without stress.
We hope this guide helps you know what to see, where to watch, when to go, and how to move around smoothly. To make your journey even more complete, plan with Your Vietnam Travel Team and we will pair the show with a relaxing stay, easy transfers, and a viewing spot that fits your style.
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