Nawarat Bridge, Road bridge across Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nawarat Bridge is a road bridge that crosses the Mae Ping River and connects different parts of Chiang Mai with a solid structure and pedestrian walkways. It provides direct access to various restaurants, temples, and the busy Warorot Market in the city center.
The original structure was built in 1906 as an iron bridge and served the city for many decades. It was replaced in the 1970s with the current version to meet growing traffic needs.
The bridge becomes a gathering place during Loy Krathong when locals and visitors release candlelit rafts onto the river as part of the traditional festival celebration.
The bridge sits on Tapae Road in central Chiang Mai and is easy to reach on foot with wide pathways for both cars and pedestrians. The best times to cross are early morning or evening when traffic is lighter and the river views are most pleasant.
Few visitors notice that the bridge blends modern construction techniques with traditional Thai design elements, creating a quiet example of how the city balances progress with local heritage. The structure's details reveal this thoughtful approach to bridging old and new.
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