Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An

Published: July 11, 2026 · Updated: July 11, 2026

early 17th century

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a roofed wooden bridge in the old port town of Hoi An, central Vietnam, traditionally dated to the early 17th century and attributed to the town's Japanese merchants. It is the symbol of Hoi An.

Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An — Author: Vuong Tri Binh CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

Overview

The bridge stands in the old quarter of Hoi An, a former port town in central Vietnam. It is traditionally dated to the early 17th century and attributed to the town’s Japanese merchant community, which flourished there until Japan’s seclusion policy cut off trade. In 1719 it received the formal name Lai Vien Kieu, the Bridge of Friends from Afar.

Description

A tiled roof covers the whole wooden span, and a small temple, the Chua Cau, adjoins the northern side. Pairs of dog and monkey statues guard the two ends; popular tradition links them to the years of the bridge’s construction.

History and legacy

Renovated many times over the centuries, the bridge most recently underwent a major restoration in 2022–2024. As the symbol of Hoi An, it also appears on Vietnam’s 20,000-dong banknote.

Periods

Later Le dynasty 1428–1789

Regions

Vietnam