1. Revealing the strategic location and role of Ham Rong Bridge
1.1. Geographical location and history of formation
Spanning across the gentle Ma River, Ham Rong Bridge is one of the prominent historical and cultural symbols of Thanh Hoa province. The bridge is located on the North-South railway line, about 5km north of Thanh Hoa city center, connecting Ham Rong ward and Hoang Son commune. The bridge's location is between two mountains, Rong and Ngoc, creating a strategic terrain that is both majestic and possesses special strategic value in both transportation and military aspects.
Ham Rong Bridge lies across the gentle Ma River. (Source: Collected)
Ham Rong Bridge was first built in 1903, during the French colonial period, designed by French architects. With its steel arch structure without a central pillar, the bridge was once considered one of the most modern structures in Indochina at that time. In the middle of the bridge, there were railway tracks for trains, and on both sides, it was for cars and rudimentary vehicles, resembling Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi.
However, in 1946, the bridge was destroyed under the "scorched-earth" policy to prevent the advance of French troops. By 1962, the bridge's construction began again with the support of Soviet and Chinese experts. Three years later, in 1965, the work was officially completed and put into operation, becoming a strategic artery for traffic in the North.
1.2. Strategic role in war and development
During the resistance war against the US, Ham Rong Bridge was a hot spot for fierce air battles, especially the historic battle in 1965, when the army and people of Thanh Hoa bravely defended the bridge against hundreds of bombing raids. Despite the rain of bombs and storm of bullets, the bridge stood proudly and firmly, casting its shadow on the Ma River as a testament to the resilient, indomitable spirit of the people of Thanh Hoa.
After 1973, the bridge was restored with a length of over 150m, continuing to play a vital role in North-South trade. Today, Ham Rong Bridge is not only a key transportation work but also a tourist destination rich in historical value, where visitors can fully experience the indomitable spirit and pride of the land and people of Thanh Hoa.
2. Journey to admire the majestic beauty of Ham Rong Bridge
2.1. Why is Ham Rong Bridge always among the must-visit destinations in Thanh Hoa?
Not only a heroic historical witness, Ham Rong Bridge today has also become an emotionally resonant stop on the journey to explore Thanh Hoa. From the banks of the Ma River, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the bridge curving gracefully amidst the scenery of rolling mountains, creating a natural picture that is both majestic and poetic.
As sunset descends, the brilliant golden sunlight reflects on the water and the steel structure of Ham Rong Bridge, creating a shimmering, romantic scene that touches the heart. It is that moment that makes so many visitors linger and call this place the "heart of Thanh Hoa".
Romantic sunset scene at Ham Rong Bridge. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Discover unique cultural and educational activities around Ham Rong Bridge
Not only a historical landmark, the area around Ham Rong Bridge is also an ideal destination for those who love to learn about national culture, education, and history. Here, visitors can visit the Ham Rong traditional room, which preserves many valuable artifacts, images, and documents about the heroic fighting years of the army and people of Thanh Hoa during the resistance war against America. Each photo, each piece of shrapnel from bombs and bullets tells a tragic story about the resilient spirit of the people of Thanh Hoa.
Besides, this area regularly organizes extracurricular activities, field trips, and excursions for students and visitors. Through practical experience sessions, participants learn more deeply about the Ham Rong Bridge national relic, about the history of resistance and patriotic traditions. This is not just a journey to explore a historical structure, but also an opportunity for the younger generation to feel and be proud of the indomitable spirit and tenacious will that made the heroic land of Thanh Hoa famous.
3. Transportation experience and travel connection itinerary to Ham Rong Bridge
3.1. Most convenient transportation guide from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Ham Rong Bridge
From Hanoi, visitors can choose various means of transport to reach Ham Rong Bridge. The North-South Reunification train route is a popular choice, with a stop at Thanh Hoa station, only about 5 km from the bridge. From the station, visitors can easily take a taxi or rent a motorbike to travel to the relic site, which is both quick and cost-effective.
Additionally, the Hanoi – Thanh Hoa bus route operates frequently from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Nuoc Ngam bus stations, with an average travel time of about 4 hours. For those who love freedom, traveling by personal vehicle is a great option: from the center of Hanoi, take the Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa expressway (CT01), then turn towards National Highway 1A, travel for about 10 more minutes to reach the bridge.
If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can choose a direct flight to Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa), then travel an additional 40 km by taxi or motorbike to reach Ham Rong Bridge.
3.2. Suggestion for combining visits to Ham Rong Bridge and nearby prominent attractions 2025
After exploring Ham Rong Bridge, visitors can combine their journey to a series of other attractive tourist destinations in Thanh Hoa. First, travel to Sam Son Beach Square to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere by the sea, watch the sunset, and take photos with the brightly lit modern structures. In addition, Huyen Tich Am Tien, a spiritual project just commenced in early 2025, promises to become a unique cultural and spiritual tourism center of Thanh Hoa.
If you love nature, you can travel to Hai Tien beach with its long, smooth sandy beach and fresh air, or explore Pu Luong, an ecological area famous for its terraced fields and rustic Thai villages. A little further away is Ben En National Park, likened to the "Ha Long Bay on land" of Thanh Hoa, it is an ideal place for camping, boating, and enjoying the poetic river and water scenery. This combined itinerary helps visitors admire the historical Ham Rong Bridge, while fully exploring the unique nature and culture of the Thanh Hoa region.
Lush green terraced fields in Pu Luong. (Source: Collection)
Ham Rong Bridge is a proud historical symbol of Thanh Hoa, bearing the indelible marks of the heroic pages of the Vietnamese nation. Stretching across the poetic Ma River, the bridge not only boasts the majestic beauty of architecture and nature in harmony but also encapsulates the indomitable spirit and unwavering will of the people of Thanh Hoa. Despite the passage of time and numerous changes, Ham Rong Bridge still stands tall and proud against the blue sky, becoming an essential destination in the journey to explore this heroic land.
