Fleeing floods and famine is a distant memory when you’re standing at Saphan Han. This bridge tells tales of Bangkok’s bustling past. Saphan Han isn’t just a bridge. It’s a landmark steeped in history.
Welcome to Saphan Han. This bridge got its name from its original design. “Saphan Han” means “turning bridge” in Thai. Imagine a simple plank. It connected the outer and inner city. One side was fixed. The other could swing open. This allowed boats to pass along the Khlong Rop Krung. This canal is also known as Khlong Ong Ang.
King Phutthayotfa Chulalok built Saphan Han with the canal in the early days of Bangkok. The bridge has been renovated many times since then. King Phutthaloetla Naphalai rebuilt it with two planks. It could no longer turn. King Mongkut added a steel frame. The floor could still move with pulleys. This allowed boats to pass.
King Chulalongkorn rebuilt Saphan Han again. He modeled it after bridges in Italy like the Rialto bridge in Venice. He made it a curved wooden bridge. It also got broader corridors. Small rooms or shophouses lined the sides. A walkway ran in the middle. It became a popular photo spot in Bangkok. The current Saphan Han is concrete. It was built in 1962. The name remains a tribute to the original turning bridge.
In the reigns of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, Saphan Han thrived. It was a bustling shopping district. It sat at the edge of Chinatown and near Little India. Businesses flourished here. You could find fruits from abroad and canned foods. Chewing tobaccos and herbs were also sold. Some businesses were less savory like gambling dens. Opium dens and brothels were also nearby. Saphan Han was close to other commercial areas too.
Today, Saphan Han remains a vibrant shopping area. Shophouses line the streets. You can find clothing, fresh and dried food, and fruits. Kitchenware, kid’s toys, and cosmetics are also available. Fabrics, textiles and ladies’ items are popular. Saphan Han marks the end of Sampheng. This narrow lane stretches from Yaowarat. It’s also home to two Chinese shrines Pung Tao Kong and Chun Sieng Chow Sue.
In 2015, the Thai government started improving the scenery around Khlong Rop Krung. This included renovating five bridges including Saphan Han. Shophouses were removed. This revealed the bridge after being hidden for over 40 years.
Saphan Han has transformed over the centuries. It changed from a simple plank to a turning bridge. Later it became a steel structure, and then an Italian-inspired design. Today, it’s a concrete bridge. It stands as a testament to Bangkok’s dynamic history.
As you leave Saphan Han, remember its story. It’s a tale of trade, transformation, and resilience. It connects communities. It embodies the spirit of Bangkok.