A new pedestrian bridge is nearing completion in central Ho Chi Minh City. It will connect the Bach Dang riverfront with Thu Thiem on the opposite bank of the Saigon River. On the morning of 21 October, builders installed and joined the central steel span, one of the project's most difficult stages. The bridge is planned to open to visitors for Tet in February 2027.
The bridge is already drawing attention for its unusual profile: its arch resembles the leaf of the nipa palm, a plant characteristic of southern Vietnam. Once the work is complete, the structure is expected to provide a new route across the river and become a notable city landmark.
Main span transported from Vung Tau by water
The bridge's central steel structure is about 187 metres long and weighs approximately 3,400 tonnes. The Đại Dũng group manufactured and assembled it at its facility in Vung Tau, then transported it to the construction site on a special barge. The journey by water covered about 124 kilometres.
Early on 21 October, specialists began moving the huge structure between the supports. They used a barge, hydraulic systems and specialised transport equipment to position it precisely. By 8 a.m., the span had been moved into joining position, and work continued to connect and secure its elements.
This stage effectively connected the two sides of the future bridge, but it does not mean the bridge is open to pedestrians: construction and finishing work continue.
Location and design
The new crossing will connect the park on the Bach Dang riverfront in central Ho Chi Minh City with the Thu Thiem riverside park. It will offer views of the river and the high-rise buildings of the city's business district.
The structure will be about 720 metres long, while the pedestrian section will be 6 to 11 metres wide. The project includes the river crossing, architectural lighting, access routes, escalators and lifts.
The arch, shaped like a nipa palm leaf, will be the bridge's main visual feature. The image was chosen because the plant is widespread in the wetlands of southern Vietnam and is familiar to local residents.
Construction cost
The project is estimated to cost nearly VND 1 trillion. Nutifood is providing the financing. Construction began on 29 March 2025.
As of October 2026, the main structures were close to completion. After the central span was installed, contractors still had to finish the deck, railings, lighting, architectural elements and access systems.
When will the Saigon River bridge open?
The tentative start of operations is during Tet in February 2027. The exact opening date has not been announced. The crossing remains closed to visitors until the work is complete.
After it opens, residents and tourists will be able to cross the river on foot between Bach Dang and Thu Thiem. For Ho Chi Minh City, it will add another route along the river: instead of using existing road bridges, people will have a separate pedestrian path with views of the city centre.
Sources: Официальный портал правительства Хошимина, Tuổi Trẻ, VnExpress, Vietnam News
