Monkey Bridges, Vietnam

A cầu khỉ (monkey bridge) in Vietnam is a handmade bamboo or wooden passway across a stream or gully. The monkey bridge, as a uniquely Vietnamese traditional symbol, was the inspiration for the title of American author Lan Cao's novel Monkey Bridge.

It is also called a coconut bridge (if made of the coconut tree) or a bamboo bridge (if made of bamboo). These bridges, with or without handrails are very difficult and dangerous for those who are not accustomed to them. Those familiar with them have been known to carry on their shoulder 20–50 kg while on the bridge.

Monkey bridges are also very popular in the Mekong Delta because there is a system of streams. In coastal areas of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, such as Giao Thuy, Hai Hau (Nam Dinh Province), or Tien Hai (Thai Binh Province). There are also footbridges, mainly for passersby to take care of rice in the fields. Before 1960, footbridges were also very popular in Northern Vietnam. They would naturally follow the path of foot traffic, the bridges wading out of the water stream.