Rama VIII Bridge by Night
Saphan Pra Ram Paed or Rama VIII Bridge is the lastest addition to the number of bridges of Bangkok that cross over Chao Phraya River. This bridge is near Banglampoo and can be seen from the Park near Pra-ar-thit Road. Aom , Nue, Umo and myself went to the Rama VIII Bridge by night.
The bridge is in the middle of Bangkok and it was built to commemorate King Rama VIll and is a prestigious part of the Bangkok transport system. This bridge is the brain child of our beloved King Rama IX who wants to help reduce the notorious traffic congestion of Bangkok.It crosses the Chao Phraya River and has the tower located on the river bank. The river side stays are arranged in double plane and the back side stays in a single plane. The total length including the approach spans is 2.45 km. (This paragraph information taken from the official site of Rama VIII Bridge )
I had heard that there was an elevator that could take tourists to the top of the bridge to see the bird eye’s view of Bangkok. We came up with the intention to go to the top of the bridge. When we reached at the base of the bridge, we found that the elevator is operated only on special occasions. So we had to change our destination and walked across the bridge by night instead.
This is the most beautiful bridge in Bangkok and it is also allowed for the public to walk across the bridge. You can walk across the bridge to view a scenery of the Chao Phraya River and watch the bridge view itself. But the light on the slings of the bridge will be turned on only on some special occasions. That night we were not lucky enough to see the lights on the slings.
We spent half an hour on the bridge, took some fresh air and take some pictures there. The Rama VIII Bridge by night with the lighting on the slings is very beautiful. I think it will be better if you visit here by night. The weather is not too hot because there is abundant breeze from the Chao Phraya River and that will make you fresh.
This bridge is still not promoted to be a tourist attraction. So there is nothing for sale here. I think Bangkok Metropolitan or Tourism Authority of Thailand should consider this bridge as one of the tourist attractions in Bangkok.The lights on the bridge slings should be turned on every night to attract tourists local and foreign alike. If you have a chance to visit Bangkok and see the lights of the bridge by night you will be enchanted. Don’t waste your time. Go to the bridge for this fantastic sight.