Japanese Covered Bridge Guide
Hoi An's iconic 1590s bridge — history, architecture, lantern-lit night views, and everything you need to know
The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is the most iconic landmark in Hoi An and one of the most recognizable symbols of Vietnam. Built in the 1590s by Japanese merchants to link the Japanese and Chinese trading quarters, this beautifully preserved wooden bridge spans a small stream flowing into the Thu Bon River and has become the enduring symbol of Hoi An's multicultural heritage.
The 18-meter covered bridge features an elegant curved tile roof, intricate wooden carvings, stone guardian statues of monkeys and dogs at each entrance, and a small Buddhist temple nestled inside dedicated to the Taoist god of weather. The bridge appears on the Vietnamese 20,000 dong banknote and is the most photographed site in all of central Vietnam. While stunning during the day, the bridge is truly magical at night when illuminated by hundreds of silk lanterns that cast a warm glow on the ancient timbers and reflect in the water below. It is the essential first stop on any Hoi An itinerary.
24 Hours
Exterior Access
120,000₫
Old Town Ticket
Evening
Best Time
1590s
Year Built
History & Architecture
The bridge was constructed in the 1590s by the Japanese merchant community who had established a thriving trading quarter in Hoi An. At its peak in the 16th-17th centuries, Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia's most important trading ports, attracting Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, and Indian merchants. The bridge physically connected the Japanese quarter on the west side with the Chinese quarter on the east, symbolizing the commercial cooperation between these two powerful trading communities.
Stone guardian statues of monkeys and dogs stand at each end of the bridge. According to local legend, construction began in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog in the Vietnamese zodiac. Another legend holds that a giant sea monster (Cu) lived beneath the earth with its head in India, its tail in Japan, and its body passing through Vietnam — whenever it moved, it caused earthquakes and floods. The bridge was built to pin down the creature and protect the town.
The bridge is a remarkable fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements. The overall structure and curved roof follow Japanese covered bridge traditions, while the decorative carvings and ornamentation show Chinese artistic influence. Vietnamese craftsmanship is evident in the wooden joinery and tile work. The bridge has been rebuilt and restored multiple times over four centuries but retains its original design intent — a testament to the enduring respect the community holds for this multicultural landmark.
The bridge has undergone numerous restorations since its original construction, with the most significant recorded in inscriptions from 1719 (Le Dynasty) and 1986 (modern restoration). Floods from the Thu Bon River, wars, and natural deterioration have all taken their toll. Each restoration has maintained the original design while reinforcing the structure. The most recent conservation work was supported by the Japanese government, honoring the historical connection. Despite these renovations, the bridge retains its authentic character with weathered timbers and a gentle sway underfoot.
What to See
Bridge Architecture & Carvings
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a masterpiece of 16th-century engineering and craftsmanship. The 18-meter wooden structure features an elegant curved design with a tiled roof, intricate wooden carvings of mythical creatures, and stone guardian statues of dogs on one end and monkeys on the other — legend says construction began in the Year of the Monkey and finished in the Year of the Dog. The covered walkway protects visitors from sun and rain while providing framed views of the Thu Bon River through open side panels. The bridge blends Japanese design principles with Vietnamese and Chinese decorative elements, reflecting the multicultural trading community that built and maintained it over centuries. Look for the worn wooden planks underfoot — you are walking where merchants have traded for over 400 years.
Interior Buddhist Temple
Inside the bridge sits a small but beautifully maintained Buddhist temple dedicated to Bac De Tran Vo — the Taoist god of weather and the sea, worshipped by merchants and sailors who depended on safe passage across the water. The temple features ornate wooden altars, incense burners, and traditional Vietnamese offerings. The interior is intimate and atmospheric, with shafts of light filtering through the wooden lattice walls. Despite its small size, the temple has been an active place of worship for over four centuries. Visitors are welcome to enter and observe quietly. The temple adds a spiritual dimension to what might otherwise seem like just a photogenic bridge, reminding visitors of the deep cultural significance this structure held for the trading community.
Night Lantern Views
The Japanese Covered Bridge is arguably most magical after dark when it is illuminated by dozens of silk lanterns in red, yellow, orange, and pink. The warm lantern glow reflects off the Thu Bon River below, creating one of the most photographed scenes in all of Vietnam. Every evening from around 6:30 PM, the bridge and surrounding Ancient Town streets transform into a lantern wonderland. On the 14th day of each lunar month during the full moon lantern festival, the bridge is lit exclusively by lanterns and candles with no electric lights, creating an even more atmospheric experience. The best vantage point for photographing the illuminated bridge is from the riverside walkway on Bach Dang Street, about 30 meters east of the bridge — arrive before sunset to secure a good position.
Historical Plaques & Inscriptions
Throughout the bridge, several historical plaques and inscriptions document its long history of construction, renovation, and cultural significance. Chinese characters and Vietnamese script record various restorations over the centuries — the bridge has been rebuilt and repaired numerous times after floods, wars, and natural deterioration while maintaining its original design. The most significant inscription dates from 1719, recording a major restoration during the Le Dynasty. These plaques provide fascinating insight into the bridge's importance to the Hoi An community across different eras and ruling dynasties. English-language information boards at each end of the bridge provide historical context for visitors who cannot read the original inscriptions.
Best Photo Spots
Bach Dang Riverside Walkway
The most iconic photography location for the Japanese Covered Bridge is from Bach Dang Street, approximately 30 meters east of the bridge along the riverfront walkway. From this angle, you capture the full profile of the bridge with its elegant curved roof reflected in the Thu Bon River. This spot works brilliantly at three times of day: early morning (6:00-7:00 AM) when soft golden light illuminates the weathered timbers with few tourists; sunset (5:00-6:00 PM) when warm light bathes the bridge in amber tones; and after dark (7:00-9:00 PM) when the lantern illumination creates the classic Hoi An postcard shot. For the best reflections, visit during calm weather when the river surface is still.
Tran Phu Street Approach
Walking toward the bridge along Tran Phu Street from the east provides a classic frontal view that captures the entrance arch, roof details, and the atmospheric street scene of the Ancient Town leading up to the bridge. This angle is perfect for including the lantern-draped streets as foreground context. Early morning before 8 AM offers clean shots without tourist crowds. At night, the string of lanterns along Tran Phu Street creates a beautiful leading line drawing the eye toward the illuminated bridge. Use a wide-angle lens to capture both the street atmosphere and the bridge in a single frame.
From the Bridge Looking Out
Don't forget to photograph from inside the bridge itself. The open side panels frame beautiful views of the Thu Bon River, traditional riverside houses, and the coconut palms on the far bank. At night, the view through the wooden lattice with lantern light filtering through creates an intimate, atmospheric image. The interior of the bridge with its worn wooden beams and the small Buddhist temple makes a compelling subject in its own right. Visit during quieter times (early morning or late evening) to photograph the interior without crowds blocking the view. The warm wood tones of the bridge interior photograph beautifully in natural light.
Visiting Tips
Visit at Sunset & After Dark
While the bridge is beautiful at any time of day, the most magical experience is arriving around 5:30 PM to watch the transition from daylight to lantern illumination. As the sun sets, hundreds of silk lanterns along the bridge and surrounding streets begin to glow, creating the iconic Hoi An atmosphere. By 7:00 PM, the bridge is fully illuminated and the reflections in the water below are stunning. This is the quintessential Hoi An moment that every visitor remembers.
Combine with Nearby Sites
The Japanese Covered Bridge is at the western end of Tran Phu Street, the main thoroughfare of the Ancient Town. Use your Old Town ticket (120,000₫ for 5 sites) to combine the bridge with the Phung Hung Old House directly adjacent, the Quan Cong Temple a short walk east, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall further along Tran Phu Street. This route covers the best of the Ancient Town in a single morning or afternoon walk.
Full Moon Lantern Festival
If your visit coincides with the 14th day of the lunar month, do not miss the full moon lantern festival. The entire Ancient Town switches off electric lights and is illuminated solely by lanterns and candles. Floating lanterns and candle offerings drift down the river past the bridge, traditional music fills the streets, and the atmosphere is absolutely enchanting. The bridge is at its most photogenic during these festivals. Check a lunar calendar before your trip and plan accordingly.
Beat the Crowds
The Japanese Covered Bridge is the single most visited site in Hoi An, which means it can be very crowded between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, especially during peak season (December-March). For a quieter experience, visit at dawn (6:00-7:00 AM) when you may have the bridge almost entirely to yourself, or after 8:00 PM when the evening crowds thin out but the lanterns are still glowing. The bridge exterior is accessible 24 hours a day, so early risers are rewarded with peaceful solitude.
Nearby Attractions
Phung Hung Old House
Directly adjacent to the bridge, this 200-year-old merchant house is one of the finest examples of Hoi An's unique architectural blend. The two-story wooden building combines Japanese structural design, Chinese decorative elements, and Vietnamese craftsmanship. The house is still occupied by the eighth generation of the original family, who share stories and history with visitors.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
The most ornate of Hoi An's Chinese assembly halls, Phuc Kien was built in the 17th century by merchants from Fujian province. The stunning complex features an elaborate gateway, intricate dragon and phoenix carvings, a beautiful courtyard garden, and a main hall dedicated to Thien Hau — the goddess of the sea who protected sailors and merchants on their voyages.
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