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The Don Ca arched bridge sits modestly at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, embraced by the lush green of the pristine mountains and forests. Unlike other tourist destinations in Hue, this ancient bridge is completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it hard for anyone who visits to leave.
"Heaven's Gate" amidst the Bạch Mã mountain range.
The arched bridge serves as a natural boundary between Da Nang and Hue. Far from the hustle and bustle of crowds, this ancient bridge, over a century old, is embraced by the lush greenery of the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Despite being located near the Don Ca historical site and the Hai Van North railway station, it remains relatively unknown due to its difficult access and hard-to-find location.
The Don Ca arch bridge was originally a bridge connecting the 1730 km North-South railway line from Hanoi to Saigon, built by the French between 1899 and 1936. The Hai Van railway line alone has a total length of 28 km, including 6 tunnels and 18 bridges crossing streams.
Along with the "most magnificent pass in the world" at its summit, this mountain pass was voted by the prestigious American travel magazine Travel + Leisure as one of the 10 most beautiful roads in the world located halfway up the mountain.
To date, the Don Ca arch bridge is over 100 years old. Designed in the form of an arched gateway, it rests on stone pillars and spans streams at a height of 20 meters and a length of approximately 100 meters.
Upon reaching the summit of Hai Van Pass, travelers continuing 5 km north (towards Thua Thien-Hue province) will encounter a forest ranger station. Opposite this station is a small concrete road leading down to Hai Van North Station. At Hai Van North Station, visitors can park their motorbikes and then walk about 1 km along the North-South railway line towards Da Nang City. After about 30 minutes of walking, the Don Ca arched bridge with its distinctive railings will appear before them.
The bridge is located in Thua Thien-Hue province and lies at the foot of Hai Van Pass.
As its name suggests, the Don Ca arch bridge has a unique arched architecture, built mainly of stone at the foot of the majestic Hai Van mountain range.
Even more impressively, the Don Ca arch bridge in Da Nang was once voted by The Guardian as one of the top 10 most beautiful coastal roads in the world, with its heart-stopping curves that thrill even novice drivers, and breathtaking scenery on both sides: majestic mountains on one side and the vast ocean on the other.
There is a paradise that seems to have been forgotten by the world.
A picturesque natural landscape
The Don Ca arch bridge is located on the Hai Van Pass, a pass that separates the tropical climate of the South from the temperate climate of the North. Therefore, when you come to Hai Van Pass, you will be able to admire impressive natural scenery along the entire route.
With its unique architecture and the pristine, peaceful beauty of the mountains and forests, this place is an ideal destination for tourists.
Of particular note is the Don Ca arch bridge; you'll surely be stunned by the breathtaking scenery, like something out of a movie. Surrounding the bridge is a lush green forest, the air is fresh, and the sounds of babbling streams, rustling leaves, and chirping birds create a colorful symphony of nature.
Below the bridge lies a small stream with many large rocks, providing a unique backdrop for capturing beautiful photos amidst the pristine natural scenery and majestic mountains.
Check in with the train under the Don Ca arched bridge.
One thing you absolutely can't miss when visiting Don Ca arch bridge is capturing the moment when the train passes by. On average, there's a train every 30 minutes. Before the train arrives, you'll hear its whistle echoing from afar, so get your camera ready and strike a pose to capture some amazing photos for your social media.
Viewed from above, the Don Ca Arch Bridge in Da Nang immediately brings to mind the Glenfinnan Railway in Lochaber, Scotland, from the classic Harry Potter films. This arch bridge is like a miniature version of the famous railway with 21 arches that transported the students of Hogwarts School.
Tourists can witness the scene of "the train passing through the mountains".
The bridge is surrounded by hills and lush green trees, painting a beautiful picture of the landscape. The gentle sound of the flowing stream, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves create a romantic symphony of nature's sounds.
As the sun rises, its brilliant rays pierce through the leaves, reflecting onto the clear stream, and the cool breeze will surely make anyone who comes here feel a strange sense of peace.
Organizing a camping trip at the foot of the Don Ca arched bridge.
Another popular experience among young people at Don Ca Arch Bridge is overnight camping. In the afternoon, enjoy the peaceful scenery with activities like fishing and gathering firewood. When night falls, visitors can light a campfire, grill fish, and enjoy delicious grilled food prepared beforehand. Visitors will have the experience and feel as if they are trying to survive in natural conditions.
Unlike other tourist destinations in Hue or Da Nang, the Don Ca arched bridge has long been less frequented, thus retaining its pristine and peaceful charm. It offers a tranquility that isn't overly somber, leaving you with a lingering feeling, reluctant to leave.
The bridge, with its ancient beauty spanning over a century, harmoniously blends with the majestic mountain scenery, making it a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts. Besides capturing unique photos for social media, organizing a camping trip beneath the arched bridge is also an unforgettable experience.
There seems to be another forgotten world at the Don Ca arch bridge in Da Nang, with its pristine, majestic mountain scenery and moss-covered arch bridge, imbued with the rich essence of time. This place is truly the perfect destination in the travel guide for those seeking tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
