Cathy and Gary's South East Asia Travel Pages
SARASIN BRIDGE
PHUKET
Did you know that the new bridge that was completed in 2011 connecting Phuket to the mainland is called the Thepkasattri Bridge, the same name as the airport road. The old Sarasin Bridges were built in 1967 and before that the only way in or out of Phuket was by the ferry crossing.
There were 2 bridges and one of these is now a pedestrian bridge only and a tourist attraction. It is also an extremely popular fishing spot with locals also setting up little restaurants under the new bridge.
The old Sarasin Bridge also has some tales to tell. It has been the scene of several suicide attempts over the years with one being a very sad love story.
A young couple, the male being a local bus driver had fallen in love with a beautiful girl from a very wealthy Phuket family. Her parents did not agree with her relationship with the poor Phuket boy and wanted her to marry a rich older man.
So legend has it that Gew's father kept her locked in the house for days on end. No amount of talking, begging etc would change her parent’s minds.
So Gew and Dam decided the only way for them to be together was to commit suicide. They went to Sarasin Bridge, tied themselves together with a loin cloth, hugged one another and jumped over the side.
It is said when their bodies were recovered they were still hugging one another, such a sad story.
However the bridge and surrounding area is well worth a visit, there are local markets and restaurants on the Phang Nga side and a small Temple and markets on the Phuket side and the views are beautiful from the center of the bridge.
It is also a great spot to watch one of Phuket’s beautiful sunsets.
