Don’t look down! Vietnam launched a new attraction for domestic and international tourists with a head for heights yesterday, with the opening of a massive glass-bottomed bridge that is suspended 150m (490’) above a lush jungle.
The Bach Long pedestrian bridge – whose name translates to “white dragon” – in northwest Son La province snakes around dizzying cliff faces before spanning a dramatic valley between two peaks, hitting a total length of 632m (690 yards).
The floor of the bridge is made from French-produced tempered glass, making it strong enough to support up to 450 people at a time, while giving them a spectacular view of the greenery in the gorge far below.
“When standing on the bridge, travellers will be able to admire the beauty of nature,” Hoang Manh Duy, a representative of the bridge’s operator said.
The company says it is the world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge, surpassing a 526m structure in Guangdong, China.
Officials from Guinness World Records are expected to verify the claim next month.
Vietnamese tourism chiefs are seeking to lure visitors back after two years of coronavirus (Covid-19) shutdowns that kept out virtually all foreign travellers.
In mid-March, the country ended quarantine for international visitors and resumed 15 days of visa-free travel for citizens from 13 countries.
Vietnam is set to host the Southeast Asian Games in two weeks – with more than 10,000 athletes and sports staff from countries in the region en route.
Bach Long is Vietnam’s third glass bridge.
“I hope the bridge will lure more domestic and international tourists to our area,” local resident Bui Van Thach said after walking across it.



Visitors are seen on the walkway section and in Moc Chau district in Vietnam’s Son La province.