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Ong Cop Bridge attracts visitors who enjoy taking photos of its rustic beauty. Photo: @ntluan1910

Located about 35 km from Tuy Hoa city center and approximately 100 meters from the front of National Highway 1 near Vuon Xoai slope, Ong Cop Bridge (also known as Ong Cop Temple Bridge or Binh Thanh Bridge) connects the northern villages of An Ninh Tay commune (Tuy An district) with Xuan Dai ward, Song Cau town, spanning the estuary of the Binh Ba river (also known as Phu Ngan river) leading to O Loan lagoon.

Locals use Ong Cop Bridge to shorten the travel distance by about 10 km when traveling from Tuy An district to Song Cau town or to Quy Nhon city (Binh Dinh province).

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At the end of the bridge in Xuan Dai ward, there is a guardhouse where a household collects fees. Photo: @ngaplusolivier

According to local accounts, Ong Cop Bridge was built in 1998 with a total cost of over 1 billion VND. The bridge, about 800 meters long, is made from casuarina and eucalyptus tree trunks, wide enough for two motorbikes to pass each other.

The bridge's walls are constructed from old bamboo trunks, secured with zinc wires and screws, while casuarina wood piles support the bridge's foundation. Any damaged planks are promptly replaced or repaired.

Despite being frequently damaged during the rainy and stormy seasons, the bridge is consistently rebuilt by the local community. Ong Cop Bridge also serves as a shortcut to famous landmarks in Phu Yen, such as Da Dia reef, O Loan lagoon, Mang Lang church, and Tam Giang dam.

During the rainy season, Ong Cop Bridge is often damaged but is always promptly rebuilt by local people who contribute money. Photo: @thue.thea

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A foreign tourist enjoys the "thrilling" experience of driving over Ong Cop Bridge. Photo: @jawmeling

Phuong Thao, a visitor from Hanoi, described her experience crossing Ong Cop Bridge as "heart-stopping" and nerve-wracking.

The bridge, which is only wide enough for two motorbikes traveling in opposite directions, is made entirely of wood. Some planks are loose or broken, causing the bridge to shake when crossed.

Thao mentioned that despite being accompanied by an experienced driver, the sensation of driving on a small bridge amidst a vast expanse of water was unnerving but ultimately rewarding due to the beautiful scenery on both sides.

Tourists have praised the rustic beauty of the wooden bridge and the picturesque natural surroundings. The ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is gentle, the weather is cool, and the conditions are perfect for taking photos or capturing poetic sunrise and sunset moments.

Visitors can capture stunning photos from any angle at Ong Cop Wooden Bridge. Photo credit: meo.my, hbcuong, dieuhuong92

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Ong Cop Wooden Bridge is located on the northern tourist route of Phu Yen. Photo credit: @vietlong

Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast in advance and avoid visiting during the rainy and stormy season to ensure a smooth and safe trip. There are two recommended routes to reach Ong Cop Bridge:

1. From Tuy Hoa city, drive along Le Duan street, continue straight past Petrolimex gas station No. 17, and follow the direction of An Hoa bridge to National Highway 1A. After traveling about 100 meters, you will arrive at the bridge. This route is approximately 35 km long and passes by many famous tourist destinations, allowing visitors to combine their visit to Ong Cop Bridge with other attractions.

2. From Song Cau town, follow National Highway 1A, cross Ngan Son bridge, then turn right towards Mang Lang church. From there, ask locals for directions to Ong Cop Bridge. This route is more than 50 km long.

When visiting Ong Cop Bridge, tourists can also explore other interesting destinations in Tuy An district, such as Giai Son market, Ghenh Da Dia, Mai Nha islet, Hon Yen, Mang Lang church, and O Loan lagoon.

Additionally, visitors should not miss out on the local culinary delights, including rice vermicelli with pig intestines, mai fish salad, tuna eyes, monitor lizard sausage, box fish, and chives noodle soup.

Thao Trinh