Vietnam has unveiled a new ‘romantic’ attraction that is an architectural wonder – the Kiss Bridge that is located in Phu Quoc Island’s posh tourism enclave Sunset Town.
Phu Quoc, known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty, is often regarded as Vietnam’s best island getaway and is favoured by honeymooners. The island, about the same size as Singapore, is a 40-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
From afar, Kiss Bridge looks like a smooth silky ribbon passing over the sea. This bridge is like the arms embracing the white sandy beach, and also like the hands of lovers reaching out to each other.
The highlight of the Kiss Bridge that spans 800 metres, features two separate walkways from opposite directions that almost meet in the middle but are not connected, standing just about 30 centimetres apart. Couples can stand at the tips of the arches to embrace or share a kiss! There is also a path that connects one end of the breakwater to the other.
This picturesque bridge for pedestrians only was designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti, who was inspired by a classical masterpiece and Vietnamese folklore.
Michelangelo’s fresco ‘The Creation of Adam’ at the Sistine Chapel in Rome depicts God and Adam with their fingers almost touching each other. And just like this scene, the two halves of the bridge don’t quite touch. The second inspiration is the Vietnamese folklore about two young lovers who are separated by the Jade Emperor and only permitted to meet once a year on the O Thuoc Bridge, which is an ethereal crossing formed by a flock of birds.
The bridge’s Vietnamese name, Cau Hon, which translates to “proposing marriage”, making it an ideal spot for romantic proposals in Vietnam. The Kiss Bridge is set to become a symbol of love and a must-visit destination for couples and tourists alike.
Annually, from 24th December to 1st January, the sun is located right in the middle of two spans, which creates a glorious and marvelous setting for couples making a wish together on the Kiss Bridge.
More than 5,000 tons of steel was used for constructing the Kiss Bridge, which is half of the amount used to build the Eiffel tower in Paris. The cantilever of this bridge is 25 metres on each side, which is the second longest cantilever in the world and the only one in Vietnam.
The Kiss Bridge is of course the highlight of Sunset Town, that is modelled after Sorrento, a seaside town in Italy. Other attractions in Sunset Town is a 75-metre tall clock tower, pebbled walkways, vibrant beachside night market, Mediterranean-style buildings, a range of five-star hotels, restaurants and boutiques Another highlight here is the nightly “Kiss of the Sea” multimedia show. For about US$8 dollars per person, guests are treated to a 25-minute spectacle of light, fire, water and music, topped with an amazing fireworks display.
The Kiss Bridge aims to replicate the success of Da Nang’s (located in Central Vietnam) Golden Bridge, which opened in 2018. The bridge loops nearly back around to itself and has two giant hands, constructed of fibreglass and wire mesh, designed to appear like stone hands that support the structure.
