VietNamNet Bridge - After seven restorations, Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Bridge or Lai Vien Kieu, in the ancient town of Hoi An, Quang Nam province has fallen into disrepair. It could collapse without an 8th restoration.

Chua Cau is a complex consisting of a bridge over a small canal and a pagoda on one end. The bridge, recognized as a national cultural and historical relic site in 1990, is a symbol of Hoi An ancient town – a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage Site, as well as a symbol for the traditional cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan. Japanese built the bridge in the 17th century.

In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu of the Nguyen Dynasty visited Hoi An and named the bridge Lai Vien Kieu, meaning the bridge to receive guests from afar.

Besides the distinctive architecture of a traffic bridge, Chua Cau has a temple worshiping Bac De Tran Vu (northern lord Tran Vu). The temple is ranked as a national cultural and historical relic site.

Although it has been restored many times, the bridge still faces a risk from natural wear and tear.

Cracks have been visible on the bridge’s abutments and piles in O O stream, which flows swiftly during the flood season annually. Meantime, pillars above are decaying. 

Recently, more than 100 Vietnamese and Japanese scientists, experts and managers gathered in Hoi An to discuss the restoration of Chua Cau. 

The solution chosen by most scientists and experts is to replace ruined wooden parts, reuse good parts and fortify partially damaged ones. Afterwards all items will be soaked with termite insecticide.

All existing parts of the bridge will be used to preserve its value and the work’s life span will be prolonged, despite inconveniences during the restoration time; for instance a halt of all sightseeing and cultural activities.

This solution has proven effective in restoration of Ngoi Bridge in Luong Pagoda, Nam Dinh province and the Thanh Thoan tile-roofed bridge in Thua Thien-Hue province. Japanese experts have also proposed to use this measure.

However, Hoi An has still yet to choose any of the suggestions or map out a specific plan to restore the relic.


Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 1



Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 2





Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 3



Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 4




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 5




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 6




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 7




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 8



Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 9



Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 10




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 11




Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 12








Su xuong cap cua Chua Cau Hoi An hinh anh 13
Photo: Zing


Compiled by T. Van