Benguet Tourist Spot Sparks Debate over Vietnam Golden Bridge Lookalike

A tourist spot still being built in Benguet is already making noise online, and it is not even open yet.

Photos of the unfinished attraction in Longlong, La Trinidad started circulating on Facebook after local resident shared directions to the site. What caught people’s attention was a bridge design that appears to be held up by giant sculpted hands, quickly reminding many Filipinos of Vietnam’s famous Golden Bridge located at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang.

Within hours, the post drew dozens of comments with netizens arguing over one question: is this inspiration, or is it copying?

A Facebook post that sparked the discussion

Image credit: Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr | Facebook

The now-viral post was shared by Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr., who said the tourist spot is still under construction and not yet open to visitors. He also provided detailed directions to the location in Longlong, La Trinidad, near a major road junction.

Based on the photos, the site appears to feature multiple attractions including decorative structures and a scenic viewing area overlooking the mountains. However, it was the hand-supported bridge that stood out and triggered comparisons online.

Soon after, comments started pointing out its similarity to the Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, a landmark known for its large stone hands holding up a pedestrian walkway.

‘Walang originality?’ Netizens call out the design

Image credit: Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr | Facebook

Many commenters did not hold back.

Some criticised the attraction for lacking originality, saying Benguet should highlight its own culture instead of copying foreign landmarks. Others suggested using Cordilleran-inspired designs or local folklore rather than recreating something already famous elsewhere.

A number of users jokingly referred to the site as “Da Nang, Benguet”, while others said the design felt too familiar to be ignored. Several comments also debated whether the bridge was inspired by Da Nang or Sa Pa, another popular tourist town in Vietnam.

For these netizens, the issue was not just about design. It was about missed opportunities to showcase something distinctly local.

Others say inspiration is normal in tourism

Image credit: Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr | Facebook

Not everyone agreed with the criticism.

Some defended the attraction, saying that many tourist spots around the world borrow ideas from one another. For them, copying was not the main issue. What mattered more was whether the place would be safe, well-built, and worth visiting.

Image credit: Rafael62216298 | X

There were also practical concerns mixed into the discussion. Several commenters joked about possible entrance fees, with many hoping the cost would stay affordable for locals and tourists alike.

Others said that if the attraction offers a similar experience to Vietnam without the expense of travelling abroad, it could still appeal to budget-conscious Filipinos.

Also read: Baguio Is Now Richer Than 7 Metro Manila Cities… but Locals Aren’t Happy About It

Concerns about environment and crowding resurface

As the discussion grew, familiar concerns about tourism in Benguet resurfaced.

Some netizens reminded developers to be mindful of the environment, urging them to protect trees and ensure proper waste management. Others raised questions about parking, traffic, and safety, especially given the area’s narrow roads.

There were also comments warning that adding more tourist spots could worsen overcrowding in Benguet and nearby areas, particularly during peak seasons when visitors already strain local infrastructure.

Clarification from local authorities

In response to inquiries about the viral tourism site in La Trinidad, the “Glassway Attraction” is not owned, developed, or initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Trinidad.

It is a private tourism initiative undertaken by local investors. The Municipality of La Trinidad does not own or operate any tourism sites within the area, except for the BSU Strawberry Farm, which is managed by Benguet State University.

How to get there

Image credit: Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr | Facebook

Based on directions shared by Patrick, here’s how to reach the tourist spot in Longlong, La Trinidad:

• Head to the three-road junction connecting Lamtang–Longlong and the road towards Baguio.

• From the junction, go slightly downhill along Lamtang.

• Take a left turn into the side road leading into the site.

• Continue about 150 metres downhill to reach the attraction.

Locals also mentioned that the area can be accessed via the Encantada Pares Overload Longlong outpost, which is nearby and easy to find.

What we know so far about the underconstruction Benguet tourist spot

As of writing, the tourist spot in Longlong, La Trinidad remains unfinished and closed to the public. There is no confirmed information yet on its official name, entrance fees, ownership, or opening date.

There has also been no public response from the developers addressing the comparisons to Vietnam’s Golden Bridge or the reactions circulating online.

For now, the site exists mainly on social media, where a few shared photos were enough to spark a wider conversation. For many Filipinos, the debate goes beyond one bridge. It reflects growing questions about how local tourism is developed, who it is built for, and whether new attractions should focus more on copying what already works or creating something that feels truly local.

Featured image credit: Patrick Marrero Tapang Jr | Facebook and Herodotus Wave | X