Cau The Huc – The Iconic Red Bridge of Hanoi
Cau The Huc – The Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge of Vietnam
The Cau The Huc, or Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge, is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Painted in bright red and gracefully arching over Hoan Kiem Lake, the bridge is not just a passage to the famous Ngoc Son Temple but also a symbol of Hanoi’s beauty and culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or a traveler seeking serene moments, Cau The Huc is a must-visit tourism site in Vietnam.
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About Cau The Huc
Cau The Huc, meaning “Bridge of the Rising Sun,” is a famous red wooden bridge in Hanoi, Vietnam, built in the 19th century during the Nguyen Dynasty. It elegantly arches over the peaceful waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, connecting the lake’s shore to the sacred Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island. The bridge’s vibrant red color symbolizes good fortune and prosperity in Vietnamese culture, while its graceful curved design represents harmony and balance. More than just a physical connection, Cau The Huc serves as a cultural and spiritual link between the bustling city and the tranquil temple, making it an iconic landmark that embodies the historical richness and aesthetic beauty of Hanoi.
The Architecture of Cau The Huc
Cau The Huc is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, designed with both functionality and symbolism in mind. Made entirely of wood, the bridge features a graceful curve that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake. Painted in a vibrant red, a color often associated with good luck, happiness, and prosperity in Vietnamese culture, it stands out beautifully against the emerald-green waters of the lake.
The bridge’s 15 wooden pillars are securely anchored into the lakebed, providing stability while maintaining an elegant appearance. Its structure is simple yet refined, with railings and decorative elements that reflect traditional craftsmanship. This iconic design not only serves as a pathway to the Ngoc Son Temple but also as a visual representation of the balance between nature, history, and spirituality, making it one of Hanoi’s most beloved landmarks.
How to Visit Cau The Huc
Location: Cau The Huc gracefully spans Hoan Kiem Lake, connecting the lake’s shore to Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in central Hanoi.
Operating Hours: The bridge and Ngoc Son Temple are open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Admission Fees: Access to Cau The Huc is included in the Ngoc Son Temple entrance fee. As of recent updates, tickets are priced at approximately 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for students and children.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons provide pleasant temperatures and soft lighting, ideal for photography and a serene experience.
Getting There: Situated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Cau The Huc is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
- Walking: If you’re staying nearby, a stroll through the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake is enjoyable.
- Cyclo (Pedicab): Experience a traditional ride through Hanoi’s streets.
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services: Convenient options like Grab are widely available.
- Public Bus: Several bus routes stop near Hoan Kiem Lake; check local schedules for details.
Nearby Attractions to Cau The Huc
– Ngoc Son Temple
- Distance: Directly connected to Cau The Huc.
- Highlights:
Located on the small Jade Island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple honors General Tran Hung Dao, the god of literature Van Xuong, and the patron saint of physicians, La To. It’s a spiritual and cultural treasure with intricate altars and symbolic decorations.
– Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)
- Distance: Surrounds Cau The Huc.
- Highlights:
Known as the “Lake of the Returned Sword,” it’s a serene oasis in the bustling city. The lake is steeped in legend and is a popular spot for locals to relax, exercise, or meditate. - Activities:
- Stroll around the lake to enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
- Capture photos of the iconic Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) in the middle of the lake.
- Distance: About a 5-minute walk.
- Highlights:
The Old Quarter is a bustling area with narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant markets. It’s the perfect place to experience Hanoi’s lively culture. - Activities:
- Explore specialty streets dedicated to specific trades (e.g., Hang Bac for silver, Hang Ma for decorations).
- Try local street food like banh mi, pho, or egg coffee.
- Shop for souvenirs, from handmade crafts to traditional Vietnamese ao dai.
– Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Distance: About a 3-minute walk.
- Highlights:
This theater is famous for showcasing the traditional art of water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese cultural performance that tells stories through puppets on water. - Tips:
- Check the show schedule and book tickets in advance.
- Arrive early to get good seats.
- Distance: About a 10-minute walk.
- Highlights:
A beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of Hanoi’s most famous religious landmarks. Its architecture resembles the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
- Distance: About a 15-minute walk.
- Highlights:
One of Hanoi’s largest indoor markets, Dong Xuan Market is a great place to shop for local goods, from textiles to fresh produce and souvenirs.
Personal Experience After Visiting Cau The Huc:
– Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe
Location: A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake
- Experience: Sitting in a cozy corner, I was served a cup of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. The creamy foam, made from egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, rested on top of rich, aromatic Vietnamese coffee. Each sip was a perfect blend of sweetness and boldness, warming me up after the tranquil lake visit.
– Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) at Pho Thin
Location: About a 10-minute walk from Cau The Huc
- Experience: I opted for a steaming bowl of pho bo, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup. The flavorful broth, simmered with bones and spices, paired with tender beef slices and fresh herbs, made for an exceptional meal.
– Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish)
Location: A short ride from Hoan Kiem Lake
- Experience: To wrap up the day, I headed to a traditional restaurant to enjoy cha ca, Hanoi’s signature grilled fish dish. The fish, marinated with turmeric and grilled to perfection, was served with fresh dill, noodles, peanuts, and a tangy dipping sauce. Cooking it myself at the table added an interactive and fun touch to the meal.
– Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Location: Popular eateries around the Old Quarter
- Experience: Sitting down for a meal of bun cha was a memorable experience. The dish consists of smoky grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly served with fresh vermicelli noodles, a basket of herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The combination of flavors—savory, sweet, and slightly sour—was an explosion of taste in every bite.
– Pho Cuon (Rolled Pho)
Location: Ngu Xa Street, about 15 minutes by taxi from Cau The Huc
- Experience: After exploring the serene beauty of Cau The Huc, I tried pho cuon, a refreshing variation of Hanoi’s famous pho. Instead of noodles in broth, this dish consists of soft rice paper rolls stuffed with beef, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Dipped in a tangy fish sauce, each bite was light yet full of flavor.
– Bun Dau Mam Tom (Tofu and Noodles with Shrimp Paste)
Location: Stalls around the Old Quarter or Phat Loc Alley
- Experience: One of the most memorable dishes I tried was bun dau mam tom, a combination of fried tofu, rice noodles, and various toppings like pork belly and fermented shrimp paste. While the shrimp paste may seem intimidating, its rich, umami-packed flavor, balanced with fresh herbs and lime, was absolutely delicious.
Conclusion
Cau The Huc, or the Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge, is not just a passage but a symbol of Hanoi’s cultural and spiritual essence. Its vibrant red arches, elegant curves, and tranquil setting on Hoan Kiem Lake create an enchanting experience for all who visit. Whether you’re walking across its historic planks, admiring its architectural beauty, or learning about the legends it represents, Cau The Huc is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Vietnam.
Plan your trip today and experience the beauty of this iconic landmark firsthand. Visit VNITourist.com for expert travel guides, detailed tips, and insider insights to help you discover Cau The Huc and other breathtaking tourism sites in Vietnam. Start your journey now!
