One of the main sights of Hoi An, now the bridge attracts about 4,000 visitors a day and the authorities fear that the old structure will not stay intact for a long time with the number of tourists growing each year. Today the bridge remains on the edge of collase regardless a series of restoration efforts undertakes in recent years.
To stop the process of deterioration, Vietnamese and international scientists eye dismanteling and rebuilding the bridge. If this grand conservation plan is approved, Hoi An's major attraction will be out of reach of visitors for a while.
Built by Japanese traders in the 17th century, the bridge is 400 years old. In 1990, it was recognized a national, cultural and historical relic of Vietnam. The image of the bridge is used on 20,000 dong notes.
Hoi An is located on Vietnam's central coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its lantern-lit streets, delicious coffee, and tailoring shops, but its culture is far more deep-rooted than that. Hoi An’s history and heritage dates back to the Cham people who lived more than 2000 years ago and you can visit their ancient ruined city, My Son, just an hour away, nicknamed the Angkor Wat of Vietnam.
Number of Visitors to Hoi An's Japanese Bridge Will Be Limited
News in Asia
A number of visitors of the 400 years old historic bridge in Vietnam's central coast city of Hoi An will be limited. Only 20 visitors at a time will be allowed to enter the iconic Japanese Bridge.