Vietnam’s love affair with centuries-old bridges
These five bridges have stood the test of time and witnessed the changes to a country that rose up from bombs and bullets.
Mong Bridge
Mong Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Saigon and a popular hangout for young couples. Photo by Shutterstock/Huy Thoai
Spanning the Ben Nghe Canal between Districts 1 and 4, Mong is the only surviving pedestrian bridge in Ho Chi Minh City built during the French colonial period and is one of the oldest bridges in Saigon.
It was built in 1893-94 by French company Levallois Perret. The 128-meter bridge was originally black and served both pedestrians and vehicles.
In 2005, Mong was removed to make room for construction of the Saigon River Tunnel connecting Districts 1 and 2. Afterwards, the bridge was reassembled following its original desig...