Ratsadaphisek Bridge, Lampang

The Ratsadaphisek Bridge is located in Lampang connecting the newer parts of the city to Wiang Nuea sub-district, which is where many of the most important temples in Lampang are located. 

The Ratsadaphisek Bridge is one of Lampang’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the symbols of the city.

About the Ratsadaphisek Bridge

The Ratsadaphisek Bridge was first constructed in 1894 to mark the 25th Anniversary of King Rama V succeeding his father King Rama IV as monarch of the Kingdom of Siam. King Rama V is considered to be one of the most important kings of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand because of the many modernising reforms he oversaw, such as the abolition of slavery in Thailand and the advancement of universal access to education.

The Ratsadaphisek Bridge was originally made of wood. The original wooden construction was replaced by reinforced concrete in 1917 after the original structure collapsed after heavy monsoon rain carried fast moving timber down the Wang River which collided with the wooden supports causing the middle sections of the bridge to fail. The Ratsadaphisek Bridge is painted all in white and is often referred to locally as the ‘White Bridge’. The bridge was famously repainted during World War II in a mix of brown and green to camouflage it from Allied Bombers which had destroyed other bridges in Thailand, such as the famous Bridge over the River Kawi in Kanchanaburi. However, no attempts were ever made to destroy the Ratsadaphisek Bridge during World War II as in reality the bridge had little strategic value in relation to the progress of the war in South East Asia.

The Ratsadaphisek Bridge has a very narrow two way road section in the centre, barely wide enough for cars to pass each other and the majority of the traffic which goes over it tends to be motorbikes. Pedestrians are better catered for as on each side of the bridge there is pedestrian walkway partitioned off from the road section. The pedestrian sections of the bridge are popular places for tourists to go to take pictures of scenic Wang River as it flows through Lampang City. 

Location of the Ratsadaphisek Bridge

• The Ratsadaphisek Bridge is located 4 km from Nakhon Lampang Railway Station.

Next see Flight times from Bangkok to Lampang