Sarasin Bridge is the first bridge built to connect Phuket to Phang Nga Province’s mainland. Named after a now forgotten Thai politician of Chinese origin the 700 meter bridge replaced the ferry in 1967. However the two lane bridge could not keep pace with increase in visitor numbers and the exponential increase in traffic that necessitated building a wider higher bridge next to Sarasin Bridge to take visitors to Phuket. Sarasin Bridge continued to bring visitors back from Phuket until the subsequent construction of a third bridge to handle traffic leaving the island. With its original function taken over by the newer bridges Sarasin Bridge underwent an extensive renovation in 2011 that transformed it into a promenade from which to enjoy Phuket’s sunsets and sea views. The bridge was also reinforced and raised to allow boats to pass underneath.
The transformation of the bridge into something like a board walk has proved to be extremely popular with locals and visitors alike who frequent the area to relax particularly in the evenings. A tower with a viewing platform in the middle provides views over the Andaman Sea to the west and Phang Nga Bay dotted with fishing villages to the east. Tiles now decorate the former roadway and ornate lamps on either side light up the bridge at night giving it a quaint appearance. Since only 500 meters separate Phuket from the mainland it is possible to walk to and from either side without much difficulty. During low tourist season a walk to or away from Phuket is a nice way to spend the day topped off with a seafood lunch in one of the many beach restaurants. The bridge is also a popular destination of anglers who come here after dark with stools, fishing gear and powerful torch lights to catch squid and fish from under the bridge. The bridge’s Phuket side is busy in the evenings with food vendors setting up business while vendors ply their trade at the foot of Phang Nga side’s bridge. Vendors on both sides are known to serve a delightful variety of Thai snacks including barbecued freshly caught squid and fish.
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Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
