This place has architecture that intersects many cultures from Vietnam – China – Japan with extremely expensive details. To learn more, let’s learn a little about this priceless historical place with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Japanese Covered Bridge?
Hoi An Covered Bridge is currently located across a small creek of the Hoai River, adjacent to the area of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu streets. In Hoi An ancient town, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. About 28 km from Da Nang city and about 120 km northwest of Hue city.
2. How is the Japanese Covered Bridge unique?
The Japanese Covered Bridge was built in the 17th century by a number of Japanese merchants who contributed money together, so it is called Japanese pagoda. This place is related to the legend of the monster named Namazu. Accordingly, its head is located in India, its body is in Vietnam and its tail is in Japan. Therefore, every time the monster moves, floods and earthquakes often occur. According to legend, the Covered Bridge is a sword that is stabbed into the back of the monster Namazu so that it does not swing its tail and earthquakes do not occur.
Some time later, the Bridge Pagoda was built with an additional part of the pagoda connecting to the northern railing and protruding into the middle of the bridge. From there, the name Japanese Covered Bridge was born. In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu came to Hoi An and named the bridge Lai Vien Kieu, meaning “Bridge to welcome guests from afar”.
In fact, the history of the Japanese Covered Bridge is a bustling place with trading activities. This not only happens domestically but also extends to foreign traders. In particular, this place has also witnessed the cultural interference of Southeast Asia and East Asia.
People restored this bridge pagoda in 1817, 1865, 1915, 1986, and replaced Japanese architecture with bold Vietnamese – Chinese designs. On February 17, 1990, Hoi An Covered Bridge was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic.
3. When is the best time to visit Japanese Covered Bridge?
The most ideal time to visit Japanese Covered Bridge will be from February to August every year, you can choose the following two times:
- February – April: This is the early spring period, the weather is quite cool, the sun is not harsh and there is little rain. Visiting Hoi An now is great.
- May – August: During this time, the weather is still beautiful and there is no rain. However, the sun will be quite harsh and the temperature is high, so it may be a bit uncomfortable.
- September – January: You should not go at this time because Hoi An will have prolonged rains, hindering tourist activities.
4. How to get to Japanese Covered Bridge?
The popular way to travel to Hoi An is that tourists will have to go to Da Nang first, then from here move to Hoi An. You should refer to the following methods:
4.1 Moving to Da Nang
4.1.1 By Train:
Currently you can catch the train from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi to Da Nang station. Travel time will be quite long, from 15 to 20 hours, price will depend on seat type and itinerary. Then visitors can catch a bus back to Hoi An.
4.1.2 By Plane:
This is still the number 1 means of transport, moving both fast and healthy. It only takes you about 1 hour to get there. You should book a flight to Da Nang, then move to Hoi An.
4.1.3 By Bus:
Currently there are many bus routes from Hanoi/HCMC directly to Hoi An, the ticket price is quite cheap, only from 300,000 to 500,000 VND/way.
4.2 Traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An
4.2.1 By Taxi:
There are many taxi companies that take passengers from Da Nang airport to Hoi An. This is also a quick means of transportation to choose, however you should ask about the price before getting on the bus, the cost of taking a taxi will be quite high.
4.2.2 By Motorbike:
With a distance of only 30 km, you can absolutely rent a motorbike and travel freely. This way will be very proactive for you to travel in Hoi An, but it will take a lot of effort.
4.2.3 By Bus:
The most economical is definitely the bus! The price is cheap and safe, however visitors may have to wait quite a long time for bus routes. There is also a time limit if you arrive in Da Nang in the evening, the bus may no longer operate at this time.
Once you arrive in Hoi An, it’s too simple. You just need to move to the center of the old town, then park your car and walk to Cau Pagoda.
5. Sightseeings in Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a symbol of the hustle and bustle of the ancient land of Hoi An. So when visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, what attractive things will visitors see?
5.1 The architecture of Japanese Covered Bridge has a bold Japanese style
Hoi An ancient town Covered Bridge with a total length of 18 meters, covered. This project spans a small branch of the Thu Bon River with a quiet image. The pagoda is designed of wood with the upper part being a house, the lower part being a bridge, and the foundation made of stone pillars.
The architecture of the Japanese Covered Bridge has a Japanese style with a flexible roof. This part covers the entire bridge, the main door has a large sign connecting 3 Chinese characters “Lai Vien Kieu”. The pagoda is separated from the bridge by a layer of wooden walls along with a set of low-frame doors, creating a special space.
Besides, the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An also makes a strong impression with the animal statue standing in front of it. Specifically, the two mascots Dog and Monkey show majesty. At the same time, this also marks that the project started in the year of the Monkey and was completed in the year of the Dog.
5.2 Bridge pagoda is closely associated with the lives of Hoi An people
The Japanese Covered Bridge is also closely associated with the lives of the people here. Typically, traffic regulation is convenient for traveling in the old town. In particular, this place is also a place for religious activities about repelling sea monsters and water disasters.
The Japanese Covered Bridge has undergone many restorations but still retains its ancient features. In particular, on February 17, 1990, Cau Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical – Cultural Monument. So, if you want to explore inside the Japanese Covered Bridge, you should come here at least once in your life.
5.3 Japanese Covered Bridge does not worship Buddha like other temples
What is most worth mentioning, the Japanese Covered Bridge does not worship Buddha like other pagodas. This place worships the guardian god of the country who brings joy and happiness to people, Bac De Tran Vo. Therefore, thousands of tourists and people continuously visit with the desire to find good things.
5.4 The image of Japanese Covered Bridge is printed on Vietnamese banknotes
Hoi An Covered Bridge is also an architectural work highly appreciated by Vietnam. The clearest evidence is that the temple became the image printed on the 20,000 VND polymer coin. This once again confirms the specialness and profound meaning of this famous place to visit Hoi An.
6. Specialties when visiting Japanese Covered Bridge
When traveling here, you can not only admire the ancient architecture and historical stories of the Japanese Covered Bridge. You also have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of this peaceful land.
6.1 Cao Lau
Cao Lau Hoi An is an extremely attractive specialty dish. This dish looks quite similar to Quang noodles, but the fibers are chewier, and the sauce is also unique, rich, and full of flavor.
6.2 Hoi An chicken rice
According to Hoi An travel experiences of gourmet tourists, chicken rice is a dish you must try when coming to Hoi An. Because Hoi An chicken rice recipe is very different, the rice is soft and fragrant, the chicken is firm and chewy, eaten with extremely delicious black pepper sauce.
6.3 Quang Phu Chiem Noodles
This is a typical dish of Hoi An with white noodles, delicious and sweet broth cooked with fresh shrimp and crab. The dish is enjoyed with golden, crispy rice paper.
7. Accommodation when visiting Japanese Covered Bridge
Because the Japanese Covered Bridge is located right in the Hoi An Ancient Town area, you don’t have to worry about where to stay. This is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam, so accommodation facilities are very rich and diverse. Here are some highly rated places to stay:
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoi An. Address: Binh Minh, Thang Binh District, Quang Nam province.
- Green Heaven Hoi An Resort & Spa. Address: 21 La Hoi, An Hoi, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- River Suites Hoi An Hotel. Address: 4 Nguyen Du, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Vinh Hung Riverside Resort & Spa. Address: 111 Ngo Quyen, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa. Address: Block 6, Phuoc Hai, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
8. Some other famous tourist attractions near Hoi An pagoda bridge
Next to the Japanese Covered Bridge, there are still many other attractive Hoi An tourist destinations that you can combine to visit when coming here. Let’s list a few names.
8.1 Phung Hung ancient house:
Built in 1780 during the most prosperous period in Hoi An. Phung Hung ancient house is still preserved intact with full architecture, tables, chairs, bedside tables, etc. This place is recognized as a national historical relic and is visited by many tourists.
8.2 Hoi An Market:
Dubbed the “culinary paradise”, it is extremely rich in snacks, flavors, vegetables, spices, souvenirs, etc. You can visit and eat on the spot. If you want to buy gifts for relatives, that’s fine.
8.3 Duc An ancient house:
Up to 180 years old, Duc An ancient house brings an ancient Oriental design, the details of the house, architecture, and interior are all preserved intact. Coming here, visitors can also listen to many ancient historical stories.
8.4 Sa Huynh Culture Museum:
Established in 1994, it is a place to display many unique ancient relics of the Sa Huynh culture. Visitors will be able to admire 950 artifacts exploited from many archaeological surveys from 1989 to 1994.
8.5 Cam Pho communal house:
This is the oldest village communal house in Hoi An with extremely unique architecture. Currently, the communal house is a place to worship Thanh Hoang, Lady Dai Can and many river gods and protectors of the village.
9. Some necessary notes when visiting Japanese Covered Bridge
To make your visit to Japanese Covered Bridge convenient and complete, remember to immediately take note of the following useful notes:
- When coming to the Japanese Covered Bridge, you must buy a ticket to visit this cultural heritage. Accordingly, the ticket price to the Japanese Covered Bridge is 150,000 VND/person. Just spend a small amount of money and you will receive many benefits for yourself. (This ticket price is the cost to visit 21 places in the old town, including Cau Pagoda).
- In addition to visiting Japanese Covered Bridge, you can also participate in folk game activities. Street performances take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day in the old town.
- The experience of going to the Japanese Covered Bridge for tourists is to hire a tour guide. You will know where the Japanese Covered Bridge is, listen to each story and clearly understand the special architecture of the building.
- The ideal time to visit is around 9:00 am or 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, it will not be too crowded with people.
- Hoi An Covered Bridge is a spiritual place, so when visiting or pilgrimage you should not crowd. Please walk quietly, speak softly, observe quietly to show your respect and behave civilly.
Hoi An Covered Bridge is a unique tourist destination you should visit. Through that, you will understand more about history, feel and remember the ancient features in the hustle and bustle of life. So that when we return to present life, we will appreciate the things we have at hand.
With a team of consultants, tour operators and experienced and dedicated local guides, we – Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, will accompany you on your tour in Hoi an to discover the Hoi An Covered Bridge with the best experiences.
