Cau The Huc

Cau The Huc, or the Red Bridge, is a beautiful wooden bridge connecting the Hoan Kiem Lake bank to the Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake. The gorgeous red colour of the bridge is a stunning contrast to the green water of the lake. You'll find many tourists taking photographs, especially in the evenings when the bridge is lit up.

Constructed in the traditional Vietnamese style, the architecture of the Cau The Huc is bound to leave the visitors completely awestruck, serving as an icon of Hanoi. Tourists can also access the Dac Nguyet Lau, translated literally as 'Moonlight Tower', via the beautiful bridge as well.

The Red Bridge was created way back in time with the help of roughly hewn wood that was painted a rich and vibrant red color. It was initially constructed to celebrate the first rays of the sun, serving as the place to enjoy the warm sunshine. According to the local legend and folklore, the bridge had been broken sometime during the 19th century. It was quickly restored, however, with the aid of reinforced concrete. The wooden railings remained in place though as well as its distinctive red color. The Cau The Huc has taken a curved shape at present that resembles a shrimp.

It is a common sight to catch sight of people standing on Cau The Huc early in the morning in order to catch a glimpse of the spectacular scenery reflected on the waters of the Hoan Kiem Lake. It also happens to be a photographer's delight, with the clicking of cameras being a common occurrence here. The afternoon sun does not deter the visitors though, as it happens to be an apt time for visiting the temple and relaxing on the bridge, catching the magnificent scenery all around. Late evening is the time when one finds romantic couples engrossed with each other on the Red Bridge. Tourists are often seen strolling on the bridge in search of fresh air when the climate of Hanoi is hot and sultry.

How to Reach Cau The Huc

Cau The Huc is situated in Hoan Kiem Lake, connecting the Ngoc Son Temple to the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is located within the heart of Hanoi and can be easily accessed on foot. However, there are public buses plying from each part of the city as well. Bus No. 31 carries passengers from the predominantly expat neighborhood of Tay Ho to the Hoan Kiem Lake in about 39 minutes while cyclos are available within the Old Quarter for visitors looking to ride a short distance to the bridge. Single individuals often use the motorcycle taxi or Xe Om to visit the city center and the Cau The Huc by spending VND 15,000 - VND 20,000 for a distance of 2 KM. However, groups prefer to travel by metered taxis that are more cost effective.  

In spite of being a simple wooden structure, the Cau The Huc, or Red Bridge of the rising sun as it is referred to, remains an important part of the historical heritage of Hanoi to date.