Rama 8 Bridge (Saphan Phra Ram 8)

Rama 8 Bridge (Thai: สะพานพระราม ๘) pronounced sà-paan prá-raam bpàet, is a single tower cable-stayed bridge that spans the Chao Phraya River. Elegantly designed, this bridge joins Bang Plat and Phra Nakhon districts of Bangkok.

The total length of the bridge is 475 meters, and the main span measures 300 meters. The gray concrete tower (wrapped with two smaller bands of yellow) measures 160 meters and supports cable stays which appear to be sheathed in yellow plastic. The bridge carries four lanes of road traffic and has pedestrian walkways on both sides. At night, the towers and cable stays are brightly lit, making it one of the most prominent structures in this area.

Other nearby bridges include Krung Thon Bridge (approx. 1.45 KM upstream) and Phra Pinklao Bridge (approx. 1 KM downstream).

Construction contract

The Design/Build contract was awarded to a Joint Venture headed by China State Construction & Engineering Co. with engineering services provided by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick Ltd. (site inspection and geotechnical design) and Buckland & Taylor Ltd. (cable-stayed bridge design).

Things to do

On the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, the bridge spans an immaculate recreation area alongside Rama 8 Park. Football and aerobics are popular activities here, and it is a popular place for Thai teenagers to hang out and do the things that all teenagers like to do.

Few people walk or cycle across the bridge although it’s easy to do so. The bridge affords excellent views across of the Chao Phraya River and the city.

Eastern side

The eastern side of the bridge (Phra Nakhon District) is much quieter and appears to have no recreational facilities; in the late evenings, this area can be deserted and may be worth avoiding.

Google map for Rama 8 Bridge

External links

1. Design of the Rama 8 Bridge in Bangkok
2. Buckland & Taylor Ltd. (includes a video of the erection sequence)
3. Cable Stay Project by BBR Systems