Iron Bridge Chiang Mai
An iconic iron bridge spanning the Ping River, magical at night with colorful lights and a focal point for festivals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bridge lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Iron Bridge Chiang Mai
Best Time
Bridge lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic iron bridge spanning the Ping River, magical at night with colorful lights and a focal point for festivals.
"More beautiful after dark as it is illuminated using different lights with changing colours."
🎯 Best Yi Peng Viewing Spots
Head to the Iron Bridge (Sapaan Lek) and Nawarat Bridge for free viewing. Expect massive crowds! :camerawithflash:
✨ Nighttime Magic
The Iron Bridge is stunning after dark with its colorful LED lights. Perfect for photos! :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iron Bridge (Sapaan Lek)
Ping River
Iconic iron bridge, especially magical at night when illuminated with colorful lights. A popular spot for photos and festivals.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Various locations, including riverbanks
Witness thousands of lanterns released into the night sky, symbolizing new beginnings. A breathtaking spectacle.
Khua Lek Bridge Restaurants
West side of Iron Bridge
Enjoy the illuminated bridge views from charming, colorfully decorated restaurants along the river.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Yi Peng
Embrace Local Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Yi Peng Viewing Spots
Head to the Iron Bridge (Sapaan Lek) and Nawarat Bridge for free viewing. Expect massive crowds! +1 :camerawithflash:
✨ Nighttime Magic
The Iron Bridge is stunning after dark with its colorful LED lights. Perfect for photos! +1 :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Morning Walks
Visit early morning for a tranquil experience by the Ping River and bridge. :walking:
🎟️ Festival Ticket Info
Official Yi Peng events can cost $120-$180 USD and include meals. Book early! :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Yi Peng Viewing Spots
Head to the Iron Bridge (Sapaan Lek) and Nawarat Bridge for free viewing. Expect massive crowds! +1 :camerawithflash:
✨ Nighttime Magic
The Iron Bridge is stunning after dark with its colorful LED lights. Perfect for photos! +1 :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Morning Walks
Visit early morning for a tranquil experience by the Ping River and bridge. :walking:
🎟️ Festival Ticket Info
Official Yi Peng events can cost $120-$180 USD and include meals. Book early! :ticket:
🚗 Local Transport Tips
Songthaews (red trucks) are common. Consider the sleeper train from Bangkok for a unique journey. +1 :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Iron Bridge is appreciated for its charming, rustic feel and especially its magical illumination at night. It's a peaceful spot for a stroll or photos, with nearby restaurants adding to the ambiance. While not a major attraction, it offers a pleasant break and is a focal point during festivals.
"Khua Lek Bridge is a peaceful and charming spot, often appreciated for its natural surroundings. The bridge itself is made of iron and has a rustic feel, which blends well with the quiet landscape around it. It’s a good place for a short walk, taking photos, or just enjoying the calm environment. While it’s not a major tourist attraction, it offers a nice break from busy city life. If you are nearby, it’s worth a quick visit."
Han Serhan Keser
"Nice little iron bridge. More beautiful after dark as it is illuminated using different lights with changing colours. A good place for a photoshoot. The restaurants on the west side of this bridge makes the area around it even more beautiful as they have nicely decorated their seating areas with different kinds of lights. Go there if you have time but don’t skip other things for this. After all it’s just a bridge"
Kasper Hammer-Hansen
"Spanning the Ping River, the Iron Bridge is an iconic landmark and quite a popular spot for wedding photos, selfies and Instagram shots. It is also a bit of a focal point during most festivals where you can often see it decorated in bright vivid colors.
Probably best viewed in the evenings when it’s all lit up with multicolored LED lighting and surrounding bars and cafes in the area are also decoratively lit."
Lamb76
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Iron Bridge (Sapaan Lek) is easily accessible within Chiang Mai. You can take a songthaew (red truck taxi), a Grab car, or even walk if you're staying in the Old City. It spans the Ping River, making it a central landmark.
Yes, the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a popular and recommended option for a unique travel experience. Alternatively, you can fly or take a bus.
Songthaews (red trucks) are a common and affordable way to get around the city. Grab is also widely available. For longer day trips, consider renting a scooter or hiring a driver.
Yes, Chiang Mai has bus terminals with services to various destinations. For example, a bus to Chiang Rai takes about three hours and is quite affordable.
Absolutely! Many travelers highly recommend the sleeper train for its unique experience, comfort, and affordability, especially compared to flying.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Iron Bridge itself is a public landmark and does not require an entrance ticket. You can walk across it freely.
Official Yi Peng Lantern Festival events often require tickets, which can range from $120 to $180 USD and typically include a meal and lanterns. However, viewing from public areas like the Iron Bridge is free, though very crowded.
The Iron Bridge is accessible 24/7. The surrounding restaurants and cafes typically operate from late afternoon into the evening.
Official lantern release dates for Yi Peng are typically around November 11th and 12th, but it's best to check the specific year's schedule as events can vary.
Yes, you can purchase lanterns to release near the Iron Bridge during the Yi Peng festival, but be prepared for very large crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
The Iron Bridge is most photogenic in the evening when it's illuminated with colorful LED lights. +1 Early mornings offer a peaceful, less crowded scene.
Yes, the restaurants on the west side of the bridge offer beautifully decorated seating areas that make for great photos, especially at night.
During Yi Peng, you can capture stunning shots of thousands of lanterns floating into the night sky. It's a magical scene for photographers.
Due to the massive crowds, it can be challenging to get unobstructed shots. Arrive early or find a vantage point away from the main viewing areas.
Chiang Mai offers many photogenic locations, including temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, unique cafes, and the Bon Kang Wat Artist Village. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🎒 Budget Backpackers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
If you're looking for a more organized experience, consider purchasing tickets for a dedicated festival venue. These often include dinner and better seating, but come at a significant cost.
The Charm of the Iron Bridge and Riverside
Adding to the charm are the numerous restaurants and cafes situated on the west bank of the river, near the bridge. These establishments often decorate their seating areas with vibrant lights, further enhancing the magical feel of the area after dark.
Ethical Elephant Encounters in Chiang Mai
Ethical sanctuaries often allow visitors to observe elephants in their natural environment, feed them, and walk alongside them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit