Be thrilled by the world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge

A record-breaking structure

On 28 April 2022, not long after re-opening for international tourism, Vietnam’s latest glass-bottomed walkway opened to visitors. Named Bach Long, which means ‘White Dragon’, the bridge is located in the Moc Chau district in Son La, the province bordering Laos about 200km northwest of the capital, Hanoi. 

The transparent bridge is the country’s third glass bridge, after Rong May Bridge (in Lai Chau) and Love Bridge (also in Moc Chau). So, what’s special about this third bridge? It was recently named the world’s longest, beating China’s bridge in Qingyuan, Guangdong province, which previously held the Guinness World Record title.

Going to great lengths to attract more tourists

The bridge is 150 metres (492ft) above the forest below, with a width of 2.5 metres and a length of 633 metres (2,073ft). Some of the walkway hugs the mountainside, while 290 metres stretch across a gorge between two peaks. Made from tempered glass imported from France, it can hold the weight of 450 people at a time.Nature-lovers will appreciate the panoramic views, feeling completely immersed in the surrounding nature. Braving the clear walkway takes you to the Muong Moc Cave, also called the Chim Than Cave. There’s also a nearby children’s play area, restaurant and resort, to make the trip even more worthwhile. So far, the attraction has certainly been a success. On the first day of opening, the bridge welcomed more than 4,000 people. The first three days saw a total of 15,000 visitors.

Is it safe?

Rest assured, the bridge was constructed according to rigorous international safety standards. The bridge bottom is made from three layers of reinforced glass, each 40 millimeters thick. There’s also a strict system in place to ensure the bridge is never overcrowded. Authorities are confident about the safety of the glass. To test its strength, an SUV was driven across it before opening to visitors. Everything remained intact. 

Nearby attractions

Let’s face it − a glass-bottomed bridge isn’t for everyone. If you have a fear of heights, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the Moc Chau district, known for its cool climate. 

It’s home to pine forests, 3,000 hectares of tea plantations, as well as the fascinating villages of hill tribes. You can hike to vantage points such as Pha Luong and Ta Xua. Visit the stunning Dai Yem waterfall. Or take pictures when the flower fields are in bloom. Between February and March is the time for the plum trees, peach trees, and orchids to bloom. 

Also in March, Moc Chau hosts the annual Het Cha festival in Ang village, Dong Sang commune. This vibrant, colourful celebration of the Thai ethnic community is something special to behold.