Saphan Han

The small bridge that connects Bangkok's China Town and Little India. Saphan Han (= bridge that turns) is so named in Thai as it could swivel back to the canal bank to make way for passing tall boats when first built over 100 years ago, with one side mounted on a spindle shaft.

In the reign of King Rama 5, shophouses and kiosks were built on it and it was changed to resemble Rialto Bridge in Venice, and ever since no longer rotated. The current concrete bridge was built to replace the old one in 1962.

In my recent memories, both banks of the canal from Saphan Han down to Damrong Sathit bridge near Sam Yod, were called Saphan Lek. Literally meaning " iron bridge", the area had been encroached and was turned into a bazaar with metal platform over the canal. Covered with makeshift roofs and canvas, it was teeming with kiosks, stalls and peddlers selling street food, trinkets, clothes, video games and all (the canal was hidden almost out of sight then). But in 2015, all of these were moved out by the government, and the canal has been restored to its beauty as seen today.

The place is a picturesque and Instagrammable area and gets more busy & vibrant with a night market held along the canal in the evening Fri. - Sun. Yummy food is plenty there. A few boutique hostels and hotels can also be found. But public restrooms are not available. You have to use those in nearby shops, hostels or shopping malls in Little India. Parking has to be done in nearby places as well.