“A bridge of sighs, a bridge of steel, a bridge of stories,” whispered an old woman selling lotus flowers near Cầu Bình Lợi. Her words drew my attention to the aging iron giant spanning the Saigon River. Cầu Bình Lợi. A name that echoed with the whispers of history. This bridge, built in 1902 by Société de Construction de Levallois-Perret, wasn’t just a crossing; it was a lifeline. It was Saigon’s first bridge over the Saigon River, connecting the bustling city to the regions beyond. Imagine the creak of wooden carts and the rumble of early automobiles sharing the roadway with a railway line nestled between the trusses. Cầu Bình Lợi was a marvel of engineering for its time. Its original riveted bowstring truss spans, a distinct European style, stood as a testament to the burgeoning industrial age. One span, a swing bridge, allowed boats to pass, its gears and rollers still present though long silent. Think of the river traffic, the bustling trade that flowed beneath this metallic giant. Cầu Bình Lợi was more than just a bridge. It was a silent witness to history. In 1960, during a coup attempt, one of its main spans was damaged by explosives. It was later repaired, a scar on its iron skin, a reminder of the turbulent times. During the Tet Offensive of 1968, Vietnamese troops used the bridge as a vital crossing point, their movements shrouded in the darkness. The bridge, a strategic location, played a crucial role in their operations. Even in 2020, as a new bridge rose beside it, Cầu Bình Lợi continued to stand, a testament to its enduring strength. Today, a portion of Cầu Bình Lợi remains, preserved as a historical monument. The swing span and a watchtower stand sentinel near the Thủ Đức district side, whispering stories of a bygone era. As you look at what remains of Cầu Bình Lợi, remember its story. It’s a story of connection, of resilience, and of the passage of time, etched in the steel and rivets of this grand old bridge.
Hàm Luông River
The gentle rocking of a sampan on the water. This is the Hàm Luông River. A vital artery coursing through