Unlikely Bangkok photo ops: Bhumibol Bridge
Bhumibol Bridge 1 & 2 as seen from Phra Pradaeng.Even though the construction of Bangkok's Bhumibol Bridge was featured on the Discovery Channel, it seems that since its opening in 2006 it has had very little fanfare.
A prime example -- it wasn’t until four years after its opening, in late 2010, that the bridge was serenaded with an elaborate ceremony complete with pyrotechnics and watched over by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej (who the bridge was named after).
Even after this nationally televised and well-documented event, a large percentage of Thai people and foreigners living in Bangkok still have not even heard of this marvelous structure, let alone had a chance to take it in in person.
The most obvious reason why the bridge has yet to garner its deserved tourist attraction status is the location. Bhumibol Bridge is in the industrial southwestern part of Bangkok -- far away from the swanky hotels and enormous shopping centers scattered throughout the city center. There aren't any BTS or MRT stations nearby either.
Viewing Bhumibol Bridge from Bangkok
The Bhumibol Bridge, part of the Industrial Ring Road that connects Rama III Road to Poochao Samingphrai Road and Suksawat Road, was initiated by HM the King in 1995 with the aim of reducing traffic snarls in the area.
It crosses the river twice -- in the middle there is an interchange -- and has two cable-stayed spans of 702 meters and 582 meters. Bhumibol Bridge is supported by two majestic diamond-shaped pylons that are 173 meters and 164 meters high.
Unfortunately, due to its scale and the nature of the industrial traffic, there is no pedestrian path on the bridge so crossing on foot or bicycle is prohibited.
But that's okay, as the best views are gained from the ground.
Since Bhumibol Bridge crosses the Chao Phraya River twice, in two different areas, there are numerous vantage points to view it from.
The closest to most Bangkok residents and tourists is along the Chao Phraya River off Rama III road. The area around the bridge is mostly industrial, with sois that dead end at factories, developments and/or private residences which block the view of the bridge.
But at the end of Rama III Soi 34, which has a large monastery and a stable of cattle nearby, is one of the best places to get a shot of the bridge -- right from underneath.
Nearby is a small, unnamed park with a grassy area and path, which is a popular dog walking area for the residents of the nearby Pano condominium. The park has a peaceful sitting area and a pier overlooking the Chao Phraya River, with Bhumibol Bridge 2 in the distance.
Cross the Chao Phraya for more views
The two-section park is rather large and has a closed down but picturesque museum complete with impressive landscaping and wonderfully decorated ponds. Above all of this is the giant industrial ring road highway and Bhumibol Bridge, which can be seen in the distance.
The wonderful scenery is a photographer’s gold mine and is likely going to be a wedding and engagement photo favorite for years to come.
NIght viewing
While Bhumibol Bridge is impressive during the day, it really shines (literally and figuratively) at night. At around 7 p.m. the bridge is illuminated by various light patterns of a variety of colors.
The only way to comfortably get to Bhumibol Bridge is to drive. Take a taxi to Rama III soi 34 and you will be close enough to comfortably walk to both Rama III viewpoints on the Bangkok side.
Likewise a taxi is the best way to get to Suan Suk Kaphap Lat Pho in Phra Padaeng which lies across the 1st section of Bhumibol Bridge or Bhumibol Bridge 1.
Whichever area you decide to head to view Bhumibol Bridge, it will cost around 100-125 baht in a metered taxi from either Sukhumvit or Silom districts or one of the closest MRT or BTS stations.
Suk Kaphop Lat Pho Park and the unnamed park under the bridge are open daily, 5 a.m.-9 p.m., no admission fees.
About the author: Mike Behnken is a former personal fitness trainer in his home town of San Francisco. He moved to Bangkok in early 2009 to work on his website AskTheTrainer.com and further pursue his passions of travel and photography
Mike submitted this piece as part of CNNGo’s CityPulse section. To find out what other stories we are looking for, go to our CityPulse page.
