Located amid the gentle river landscape of Tuy An District, Ong Cop Wooden Bridge appears simple, like a familiar link in local residents' daily lives. Far removed from busy tourist routes, the wooden bridge leads visitors into a quiet space where the rivers and the rhythm of rural Phu Yen life flow calmly.

Join MLifeOn as we pause at Ong Cop Wooden Bridge to experience the scenery, explore its origins, and discover the cultural values closely tied to this land.

The longest Wooden Bridge in Vietnam amid the riverside countryside

Ong Cop Wooden Bridge, also known by locals as Mieu Ong Cop Bridge or Binh Thanh Bridge, is a distinctive community structure in Phu Yen. The bridge spans the Binh Ba River, connecting the northern part of Tuy An Dong Commune with Song Cau Ward, corresponding to An Ninh Tay Commune and the former Song Cau Town. It plays an important role in linking the riverside life of the local people in this area.

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Stretching over 800 meters, Ong Cop Wooden Bridge is considered the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam still in use today. With no reinforced concrete and no modern railings, the bridge preserves its rustic structure, composed of simple, interlocked wooden planks.

It is precisely this simplicity that creates a unique space: close to nature, unhurried in rhythm, and just removed enough from the bustle of urban life.

The folk tale behind the name “Ong Cop”

The name Ong Cop Wooden Bridge is closely tied to a folk tale passed down among riverside communities. The legend tells of a gentle and righteous guardian spirit, closely connected to both the people and the land. Inspired by this story, a small shrine was built near the bridge, becoming a place of local spiritual practice for the community.

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Over the years, the bridge and the folk tale have gone hand in hand in daily life. Locals cross it every day, reminding one another of the values preserved through stories, simple beliefs, and a long-standing bond with the riverside land.

Riverside views unfold with each step on the bridge

Standing on the Ong Cop Wooden Bridge, the view stretches across the width of the river. The water lies calm, occasionally rippling with a gentle breeze blowing in from the sea. In the distance, rows of casuarina and coconut trees extend along the banks, creating a cool, peaceful, and serene landscape.

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The final moments of the day are when the bridge becomes most tranquil. The sunlight softens, the sky changes color, and the sunset casts a gentle glow over the water, creating a calm and pleasant atmosphere. At this time, the air feels almost detached from the usual bustle of crowded tourist spots, making it perfect for those who wish to pause, observe, and rest.

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Walking slowly on each wooden plank, listening to the sounds of water and wind, you will experience Phu Yen in a way that is uniquely rustic, peaceful, and more profound than at any other tourist spot.

The Wooden Bridge in local life

Ong Cop Wooden Bridge is not only a destination for visitors but also a familiar link in the daily life of people living on both sides of the Binh Ba River.

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From here, children walk to school, carts wobble along the wooden planks carrying farm produce to the market, and small motorbikes glide across to complete daily chores. The bridge shortens distances, connects transportation, daily life, and trade, becoming an inseparable part of riverside rural life.

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Although it has been repaired many times, the bridge still preserves its simple wooden structure, with planks laid together in a modest but sturdy manner, much like the resilient rhythm of life of the local people. During the rainy season, when the river rises and the wind rustles through the rows of casuarina trees, locals gather to reinforce the bridge, replacing damaged planks to keep it standing firm amidst the waters.

Walking along each wooden plank, breathing in the scent of the river, and listening to the wind, one can feel the peaceful, rustic, and vibrant rhythm of Phu Yen’s countryside - a serenity shaped by the everyday steps of the people who live there.

Getting to Ong Cop Wooden Bridge from Tuy Hoa City

The journey from Tuy Hoa City to Ong Cop Wooden Bridge is quite convenient. Visitors start on Hung Vuong Street, heading north to join National Highway 1A. After traveling straight for about 35 km, reach the Quang Duc Xua area and turn right onto DH 31 Road.

From there, continue straight along the quiet village route, following the river until you reach Hoi Phu Road. Turn left and travel a few more kilometers, and Ong Cop Wooden Bridge will appear ahead, easy to spot and not difficult to find.

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Conclusion

Amid the sunny, wind swept South Central Coast, Ong Cop Wooden Bridge retains its humble and enduring appearance. The bridge serves as a link, connecting both sides of the river, carrying the rhythm of daily life and stories passed down through generations.

The bridge exists as a part of the land’s memory, a place where humans and nature coexist in calm harmony. Sometimes, simply taking a slow walk across its wooden planks is enough to experience a different side of Phu Yen - gentle, contemplative, and full of life.

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