CityBuddy
Japanese Covered Bridge
Best time to visit
Visit early morning (7:00-8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and capture photos of the bridge reflected in still water. The late afternoon golden hour (4:00-5:30 PM) also offers beautiful light, but expect more visitors.
Budget tips
Access to the bridge itself is free, but a ticket for Hoi An's Old Town (120,000 VND, about $5 USD) is required to enter this area. The ticket includes access to 4-5 other attractions, so plan your route to maximize value.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, History lovers, Couples and romantics, Culture seekers
Plan your visit
15-30 minutes
About
Quick facts: Spanning a tranquil canal in Hoi An, this roofed bridge was built by the Japanese community in the early 1600s to connect them with the Chinese quarter. A small temple sits inside the bridge, dedicated to the god of weather, and the wooden structure features a curved roof that keeps it cool even in Vietnam's tropical heat.
Highlights: Look closely at the bridge's entrance and you'll spot a pair of carved monkeys on one side and dogs on the other, marking the construction's start and completion in the Japanese zodiac years of the Monkey and Dog. No one knows exactly why those years were chosen, but locals believe the monkey guards ward off evil spirits while the dogs ensure safe passage across the water.
Insider tips
- Don't just snap a photo from the outside, walk through the bridge and pause at the small altar inside where locals leave offerings.
- Visit during a full moon festival (14th of each lunar month) when the bridge is illuminated with colorful lanterns and the Old Town turns off electric lights.
- The best photo angle is from Bach Dang Street looking toward the bridge, where you can capture the full reflection in the canal.
- Skip the midday visit between 11 AM and 2 PM when tour groups pack the bridge and the heat is most intense.
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