Khua Sari Wiang Phing Bridge

As you stand on the edge of the Khua Sari Wiang Phing Bridge, the river flowing below is a mirror reflecting the city’s past. Welcome to the Khua Sari Wiang Phing Bridge, a simple yet vital artery that links the Wat Ket neighborhood to the bustling Warorot market. The bridge, also called by locals Khua Khaek, stands as a silent witness to the continuous pulse of Chiang Mai, a city that has gracefully transitioned from ancient kingdom to vibrant metropolis. Its first iteration, crafted from teak wood, was built in 1878 by Dr. Marion A. Cheek, an American missionary. The bridge was a vital link for people crossing the Ping River. Sadly, in 1932, a colossal flood devoured the wooden bridge, leaving locals dependent on a temporary bamboo bridge, Khua Tae. With every flood, the fragile bridge needed painstaking repair. Motiram Korana, a prominent Indian textile merchant, stepped up, donating 200,000 baht for a permanent concrete bridge in 1965. This act was in memory of his beloved wife, Chansom, and the community eagerly embraced the project, choosing to call the bridge Chansom Memorial Bridge to honor her memory. But the bridge was to be tested again in 2011, when another devastating flood caused major damage. The Chiang Mai Municipality, recognizing the historical significance of the bridge, sought permission to rebuild a robust, lasting structure. Their efforts bore fruit in 2016, when a reinforced concrete bridge, measuring 3 meters wide and 110 meters long, was completed, replacing the old one. The Chansom Memorial Bridge, now a testament to enduring love and dedication, once again stood tall, a symbol of community spirit. The bridge not only connects the two neighborhoods but also bridges memories and stories of Chiang Mai’s people from past to present. It’s a journey through time with every step you take across it.