Thailand

While visiting Bangkok, don't miss out on the Memorial Bridge, a famous historical bridge gracefully spanning the Chao Phraya River. It's a journey back in time.

A journey to another era walking on Memorial Bridge

Every capital city in the world boasts at least one historic bridge. You've probably heard of Paris' Pont Neuf or New York's Brooklyn Bridge, the oldest in the city. Bangkok, the City of Angels, is a city of locks and canals. With its floating markets, it's no surprise that bridges are a central feature of its urban layout. Among Bangkok's major works of art, the Memorial Bridge deserves your full attention. Its 678 meters in length pale in comparison to Thailand's other bridges. But it recalls an important piece of Thai history, marking the ascent to the throne of the Chakri Dynasty. Its inauguration coincided with the capital's 150th anniversary. Connecting the Phra Nakhon district to Thon Buri, the Memorial Bridge is undoubtedly an architectural monument and a strong symbol of Bangkok.

Bridge history

Western travelers know it as the Memorial Bridge. But Thais call it Saphan Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, after the real name of King Rama I, the founder and first ruler of the Chakri Dynasty. Its abbreviated name is Saphan Phut.

Opened in April 1932, during an inauguration ceremony presided over by King Rama VII, the Memorial Bridge is the first bridge built over the Chao Phraya River. It stands as a living testament to Bangkok's history. The Memorial Bridge was built to commemorate the capital's 150th anniversary.

A bridge of majestic dimensions

As part of the project, the Thai government issued an international tender. The winning bid came from Dorman Long & Co. Ltd., a British company specializing in steel bridge construction. The project had two main requirements: the bridge dimensions had to be majestic to reflect the significance of the occasion, and the bridge must not hinder or slow down river traffic.

Dorman Long began construction on December 3, 1929, completing it a few years later. The bridge consists of three spans, measuring 230 meters in length and 17 meters in width. It rises 7.5 meters above the waterway. Società Nazionale Officine Savigliano was selected to study and validate the project's technical feasibility.

Economic progress in the suburbs

The reason for constructing a bridge over the Chao Phraya River was not only to commemorate a glorious past but also to develop the road network. One of the most notable impacts was the opening up of Thonburi, which was a neglected suburb before the bridge's construction. Alongside the Memorial Bridge construction, the Thai Minister of Public Works funded major road projects in Thonburi, including Prajadhipok Road and Wongwian Yai Roundabout.

Today

Even though it doesn't play in the big leagues and visitors often prefer the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, which are just a stone's throw away, the Memorial Bridge is still a pleasant place to visit. Its uniqueness lies in its being a drawbridge, but the lifting mechanisms have been out of service since 1981. Whether for a family stroll, a photo stop, or a journey back to Bangkok's early years, the Memorial Bridge is worth a visit. Near Phra Nakhon, the historic heart of Bangkok.

Stroll on the Memorial Bridge

You can visit the Memorial Bridge on foot, with a special area dedicated to pedestrians.

At the entrance to the bridge, admire the imposing statue of King Rama I seated on his royal throne. The work is dated and signed by Corrado Feroci, a renowned Italian sculptor who lived in Bangkok. Prince Naris, son of King Mongkut, created an ornamental garden to frame the statue.

The bridge, with its olive green metal ramps, faithfully evokes the old city. As you progress across the bridge, you'll have a nice view of the glass skyscrapers. You'll be dazzled by the comings and goings of long-tail boats, some carrying pleasure-seekers and others transporting a range of goods and merchandise. Nearby is Pak Khlong Talat, the capital's largest fresh flower market.

At the other end of the bridge, on the Thon Buri side, stands the equestrian statue of King Taksin the Great. The author of the work is the same as that of the Rama I statue. However, Corrado Feroci built it only 22 years later.

Don't miss the Memorial Bridge night market, which starts at 8 p.m. and ends at midnight. Textiles, fashion accessories, toys, second-hand goods… The market is a veritable treasure trove for bargain hunters!

Practical information

How to get there?

Memorial Bridge is a 10-minute drive from the Phra Nakhon district. Most tourists drive there, but you can also take the bus, BTS, or Songthaew.

Nearby

After strolling on Memorial Bridge, head to nearby temples, monuments, and famous squares:

• Wat Arun, a sparkling Buddhist temple;
• The Grand Palace
• The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, home to the country's most revered Buddha statue;
• Democracy Monument.