Ka Long Bridge stands as one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Mong Cai City, playing a vital role in connecting Mong Cai with Dongxing City in China. Originally, Ka Long Bridge stood alone as the sole crossing; however, since 2020, the city has inaugurated the construction of Ka Long Bridge 2 and Ka Long Bridge 3, significantly enhancing transportation capacity and fostering local socio-economic development.
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Ka Long Bridge 1
Ka Long Bridge 1 is the first bridge built across the Ka Long River, designed by a French architect. It remains the only bridge in Vietnam constructed entirely of stone. The bridge features a unique architectural design, resembling a dragon arching over the Ka Long River, spanning 216 meters in length and 9.4 meters in width, with a stone arch structure. Remarkably, the load-bearing design incorporates no steel whatsoever; it is composed entirely of fitted granite blocks. Each stone is cut to specific dimensions, requiring the builders to follow precise specifications, as even a single misplaced stone would prevent the structure from coming together. The amount of cement used was negligible, serving primarily as a binding mortar.
Ka Long Bridge 1
Constructed by Vietnamese and Chinese workers between 1963 and 1965, the bridge was built amidst the challenges and dangers of the Vietnam War. It has withstood the test of harsh natural conditions, including floods, storms, and erosion. The bridge bears the inscription “Vietnam-China Friendship Forever” in both Vietnamese and Chinese. Having survived the ebbs and flows of history, Ka Long Bridge remains a steadfast sentinel on the border and a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
After 60 years of service, bearing the weight of thousands of vehicles daily, the city decided to initiate repairs and upgrades in 2015. This project included the installation of a modern decorative lighting system to preserve the bridge’s historical value while highlighting the traditional charm of Mong Cai. Today, Ka Long Bridge 1 is included in the city’s three main tourist routes and 12 key destinations recognized by the Quang Ninh Provincial Committee, alongside landmarks such as the Sa Vi Border Information Cluster, Tra Co Church, and Xuan Lan Pagoda.
Ka Long Bridge 2
Ka Long Bridge 2 is located at Km 148+600 of the Tien Yen – Mong Cai Expressway project. The project is backed by the Van Don Infrastructure Investment and Development Company, with supervision by Tedi, Tedi North, and Apeco, and construction by 479 Hoa Binh Company. It is the second bridge to span this river, following the original Ka Long Bridge completed in 1965.
As a critical transport asset for Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province, the bridge sits on the Van Don – Mong Cai expressway, connecting the eastern and western banks of the Ka Long River. Spanning 410.7 meters in length and 27 meters in width, it is built to high-speed standards, featuring four traffic lanes and two emergency lanes. The bridge is divided into two distinct sections: the main span and the approach spans. The main section utilizes prestressed reinforced concrete box girders constructed via the balanced cantilever method, while the approach spans use prefabricated I-shaped prestressed concrete girders with 33-meter spans. This construction methodology optimized time, costs, and structural integrity. The project represents a total investment of approximately 400 billion VND, spearheaded by the Transport Engineering Construction and Mechanical Joint Stock Company (Cienco1).
Joining of Ka Long Bridge 2
Construction commenced in August 2020, and the bridge was successfully joined in December 2021, finishing 21 months ahead of schedule. As the final bridge out of 32 along the Van Don – Mong Cai expressway, it stands as one of Quang Ninh Province’s three key infrastructure projects. The 96km expressway links the economic zones of Van Don and Mong Cai. Once fully integrated, it will reduce the travel time from Hanoi to Mong Cai to approximately 3 hours, effectively connecting key economic hubs, facilitating trade between Vietnam and China, and driving regional socio-economic development and investment.
Ka Long Bridge 3
Ka Long 3 Bridge spans the Ka Long River, connecting the Van Ninh seaport zones and clusters to various border gates. This vital link facilitates smoother transportation and serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development. Spanning 294 meters in length, Ka Long 3 Bridge is one of two key bridges included in the Coastal Road Project—a strategic initiative linking the Van Don Economic Zone with the Mong Cai Border Gate Economic Zone. Stretching from Voi Bridge in Van Ninh Commune to Provincial Road 335 (Phase I), the project was officially approved by the Provincial People’s Committee under Decision No. 4486/QĐ-UBND on December 4, 2020, with subsequent adjustments approved in Decision No. 4129/QĐ-UBND on November 23, 2021. Construction on the Ka Long 3 Bridge commenced in December 2021 and reached completion in 2023. With a total investment of 351.735 billion VND sourced from the provincial budget, the project was executed by a joint venture of contractors.
Ka Long 3 Bridge
Upon its completion, the project is set to maximize investment efficiency, contributing significantly to the refinement of the regional transportation network according to planned urban development. It establishes a primary arterial route connecting the Van Ninh seaport zones and clusters to border gates and the bilateral economic cooperation zone in Hai Hoa Ward. This strategic infrastructure is poised to attract investors to the Border Gate Economic Zone, effectively unlock land potential and advantages in the area, expand urban space, and drive robust socio-economic growth for both Mong Cai City and Quang Ninh Province.
