One of the Last Bamboo Bridges in Hoi An | A Truly Local Spot
If you’re looking for a truly local spot around Hoi An, away from the usual tourist routes, the Cam Dong bamboo bridge is definitely worth a stop.
Located about 12 km from Hoi An, it also makes for a nice stop if you’re heading to My Son. You get off the main roads and discover a simple place used daily by locals. There’s no staging here. The bridge is used to reach the fields on the other side of the river. That raw and authentic side is exactly what makes this place interesting.
A brief history of the Cam Dong bridge
Originally, locals had to cross the river by boat to reach their fields. It wasn’t practical and took time. Over the years, more than 300 families came together to build bamboo bridges to make daily travel and farming easier.
This bridge was never designed for tourists. It was built for a simple purpose: to make daily life and work easier. Originally, there were two bamboo bridges.
Bridge structure
The bridge is made entirely of bamboo with a very simple structure. It’s about 120 meters long and only 1 meter wide.
There’s only one handrail, and some sections are quite high above the water, which makes it feel a bit unstable, especially when several people are crossing at the same time. Every year, during the rainy season, the bridge gets damaged or destroyed by floods. It is then rebuilt by locals using bamboo and basic materials.
This cycle is part of daily life in the village. The bridge isn’t permanent, but it’s essential. Despite its simplicity, it remains faster than using a boat. Farmers usually make several trips to carry their harvest without putting too much weight on the structure.
What to do at the Cam Dong bamboo bridge
The main attraction here is the bamboo bridge, but also the atmosphere, the raw setting, and the surroundings. It has become a popular spot for photographers, especially early in the morning or late in the day.
You can also walk across the bridge, just like the farmers do. The experience is quite unique, especially when you cross paths with locals carrying loads or pushing wheelbarrows. Make sure to let them pass, as unlike us, they are here to work. Keep in mind that the bridge isn’t very stable, and that’s exactly what makes it so distinctive.
A few meters from the bridge, you’ll find a small blacksmith workshop. You can try making your own knife or metal object. The blacksmith only speaks Vietnamese, so be ready to use Google Translate. The knives are made from old bombs recovered after the war.
Expect to pay around 500,000 VND for the experience. Or you can book it on GetYourGuide, which includes a guide and transportation by car.
How to get to the Cam Dong bamboo bridge
The easiest way is to search for “Cau Tre Cam Dong” on Google Maps. The bridge is about 12 km from Hoi An. Today it’s easy to find, but that wasn’t the case a few years ago. It used to be a pretty hidden spot when I first visited.
You can easily get there by scooter or car. It also makes for a great stop if you’re heading to My Son.
My opinion
The Cam Dong bamboo bridge isn’t a spectacular site, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
You’re in a local place, used every day, with no staging. It’s a good stop if you’re looking for something more authentic around Hoi An. I recommend stopping by if you’re already in the area or on the way to My Son, but I wouldn’t come just for this.
