Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An

Discover the Iconic Symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hoi An and an enduring symbol of the town’s multicultural trading history.

Known locally as Chua Cau and officially named Lai Vien Kieu, the covered wooden bridge combines Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese architectural influences. Its tiled roof, sacred shrine and weathered wooden structure reflect centuries of cultural exchange in one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved trading ports.

Why Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge?

The Japanese Covered Bridge is more than a beautiful place for photographs. It represents the international communities that shaped Hoi An between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Japanese merchants are traditionally credited with building the original bridge to connect neighborhoods on opposite sides of a small waterway. Later restorations introduced Vietnamese and Chinese elements, transforming the structure into a visible record of Hoi An’s multicultural past.

Top Experiences at the Japanese Covered Bridge

• Admire one of Hoi An’s most famous architectural landmarks.
• Walk through the historic covered passage.
• Visit the small shrine incorporated into the bridge.
• Discover the meaning of the name Lai Vien Kieu.
• Look for the monkey and dog guardian statues.
• Photograph the bridge in the early morning.
• See the structure illuminated after sunset.
• Learn about Hoi An’s Japanese merchant community.
• Explore nearby Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu streets.
• Combine the visit with ancient houses and Chinese assembly halls.

History of the Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge dates from the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, when Hoi An was a thriving international trading port.

Japanese merchants are believed to have constructed the bridge to improve access between commercial neighborhoods. Over subsequent centuries, the structure was repaired and altered several times, gradually incorporating architectural and decorative elements from different cultures.

The bridge survives within Hoi An Ancient Town, which UNESCO describes as an exceptionally well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port reflecting both indigenous and foreign influences.

Lai Vien Kieu – A Bridge for Guests from Afar

In 1719, Nguyen lord Nguyen Phuc Chu visited Hoi An and gave the bridge the name Lai Vien Kieu.

The name is commonly interpreted as “Bridge for Guests from Afar” or “Bridge Welcoming Visitors from Distant Places.” It reflects Hoi An’s historic identity as a port where Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European merchants met and traded.

The Shrine Inside the Bridge

A small shrine was added to the bridge during the seventeenth century. It is dedicated to Bac De, also known as Tran Vu, a deity associated with protection and control over natural forces.

This sacred space is why the structure is widely called Chua Cau, often translated into English as the Pagoda Bridge or Bridge Pagoda.

Visitors should dress respectfully, speak quietly and avoid interrupting worshippers.

Monkey and Dog Guardians

Stone statues of monkeys stand at one end of the bridge, while dogs guard the other.

Several explanations surround these figures. One tradition suggests they represent the zodiac years in which construction began and ended. Another connects them to animals respected by Japanese communities.

The exact origin remains uncertain, adding another layer of mystery to the bridge.

The Namazu Legend

According to a popular legend, an enormous catfish-like creature called Namazu stretched beneath Asia. Its movements were believed to cause earthquakes and natural disasters.

The bridge was symbolically positioned across the creature to restrain it and protect local communities. This story illustrates how architecture, spirituality and folklore became intertwined in historic Hoi An.

Architecture and Design

The Japanese Covered Bridge is approximately 18 metres long and spans a small channel near the western side of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Its most distinctive features include:

• A timber structural frame
• Stone foundations
• A tiled roof
• Decorative wooden carvings
• Covered pedestrian passageways
• A shrine attached to one side
• Monkey and dog guardian statues
• Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese design influences

The structure is also depicted on Vietnam’s 20,000-dong banknote.

Recent Restoration

After centuries of exposure to flooding, humidity, insects and structural movement, the bridge required extensive conservation.

A major restoration began in December 2022 and was completed in July 2024. The restored bridge was inaugurated on August 3, 2024.

The project documented and conserved original components wherever possible while strengthening the foundations, wooden frame and roof. According to the Hoi An heritage authority, the work followed a research-based approach designed to preserve both historic materials and long-term structural stability.

Best Time to Visit

The bridge can be viewed throughout the year.

• Early morning: Best for softer light and fewer visitors.
• Late afternoon: Attractive warm light on the surrounding buildings.
• Evening: Lanterns create a romantic atmosphere.
• February to April: Generally pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall.
• May to August: Hotter weather with bright daytime conditions.
• September to January: Increased rain and possible flooding.

Access to the bridge or shrine may depend on Hoi An heritage-ticket arrangements and conservation requirements.

Getting to the Japanese Covered Bridge

The bridge is located at the western end of Hoi An Ancient Town, between Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets.

It can easily be reached on foot from the riverside, Hoi An Market or most central hotels. Hoi An is approximately 30 kilometres south of central Da Nang and around 30 to 45 minutes away by private vehicle, depending on traffic.

Nearby Attractions

The Japanese Covered Bridge can be combined with:

• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Phung Hung Ancient House
• Tan Ky Ancient House
• Cantonese Assembly Hall
• Fujian Assembly Hall
• Hoi An Market
• Museum of Trade Ceramics
• Thu Bon River
• Hoi An Night Market
• Cam Pho Communal House

Responsible Heritage Travel

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a fragile monument that has survived for centuries.

Visitors should avoid touching carvings, leaning against wooden elements or blocking the narrow passage. Follow heritage staff instructions and never carve, write or attach anything to the structure.

Using an official Old Town ticket contributes to the conservation of Hoi An’s historic monuments.

Discover the Japanese Covered Bridge with Joyous Travel

Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge with Joyous Travel and uncover the stories of merchants, craftsmen and communities that shaped historic Hoi An.

Our knowledgeable guides connect the bridge’s architecture and legends with the wider history of this UNESCO World Heritage town.

Cross the bridge that has welcomed travelers to Hoi An for more than four centuries.