Can Tho Bridge, the longest and the most state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge of Southeast Asia was officially inaugurated and operated on April 24, 2010. The operation of the bridge has a significant value standing in contribution to socio-economic development, trade and tourism potentials of Mekong Delta region.

Funded by Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) and Vietnam government budget, the bridge was constructed by domestic and Japanese contractors with the total investment capital of $US342.6 millions. Can Tho bridge crosses the Hau river with 15.85 kilometers long in total and 23 meters wide. The main tower bridge is designed in the shape of A letter which has a special meaning. “A”-“Di”. In East Asia culture where Buddhism is popular, people believe in “Di” for safe and sound. The bridge carries A-Di meaning to bold the Orient culture and to wish happiness, goodness, safe and sound to people.

The open to traffic of the bridge shortens travel time from HCMC to Can Tho by one-half hour and it helps to facilitate traffic between Mekong Delta provinces and HCMC. It ends the important mission of Can Tho ferry on the Hau River after 92 years of operation. Can Tho bridge is a critical development of transportation infrastructure to boost many local potentials of Mekong Delta River. The region accounts for 50% of rice-fields of Vietnam, provides 90% of rice for exporting and 70% of fruits demand on yearly basis. Among eight regions of Vietnam, Mekong Delta is the second populous area accounts for 21% of total Vietnam population. The region itself is a primary labor source of HCMC and surrounding areas. It is an attractive destination for many domestic tours such as Can Tho floating market, fresh fruit gardens. Tourists are now no longer taking a long yet a short, comfortable and exciting trip down to South of Vietnam.

Can Tho bridge now removes many barriers in which transportation is the major concern. The potentials of Mekong Delta are ready to take-off and it is believed that the bright future of the region sooner gains the leading position of regional and international trading.