Construction of the first pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City is nearing completion. The structure, shaped like a nipa leaf, the palm common in southern Vietnam, is about 90 percent finished. The bridge is expected to open to the public around Lunar New Year, which falls in early February.
The main arch will be installed on October 21. To that end, it was transported by sea from Vung Tau, a distance of 124 kilometres. The steel structure, 187 metres long and weighing 1,400 tonnes together with its support frame, was loaded onto a special barge and on Monday arrived at the Bach Dang embankment in the city centre.
Nguyen Huu Hoang, project director at Nutifood, the company financing the construction, told journalists that once the arch is joined, contractors will complete the deck and install railings, lighting, escalators and lifts. Construction began in March 2025, and the project costs nearly 1 trillion dong, or $38.6 million.
The bridge will be about 720 metres long and between 6 and 11 metres wide. It has been designed to offer panoramic views of the river. Lanes for pedestrians and cyclists will be provided, as well as access for people with disabilities. In emergencies, an ambulance will be able to cross it.
The new bridge will directly connect the centre of Ho Chi Minh City with the new Thu Thiem urban district and expand public space along the embankments for residents and visitors alike.
Letters