The Sarasin Bridge is the link between the island and the mainland. It was built in the late 60s of the last century, and since then it has helped a large flow of tourists freely cross the border between the sea and a real tropical paradise called Phuket.
The length of the bridge is about 500 meters, and in the old days the island was a cape under the already familiar name Jungceylon. Nowadays, in memory of the past, the famous shopping center in Patong is named this way.
After water conquered the thin edge of land, and this was approximately in the 2nd-3rd centuries. ad, local residents and guests of the island faced the problem of transportation. Communication with Phuket was carried out through the use of watercraft. Udachnoe geographical position and the strong interest of seafaring merchants greatly influenced the development of the island. And over the centuries, tin mining began in Phuket, which was found here in huge quantities in the 16th century. Over time, the tin deposits began to fade away, and then the people began to have a new monetary interest in the island—tourist interest. So it was decided to build a bridge. The first tourists to set foot on Sarasin were the American military. Over the course of three to four decades, Phuket has developed into a modern tourism center that receives several hundred tourists from all over the world per year.
Over time, Sarasin became overgrown with legends and shrouded in a mystical aura. The Thais are a superstitious people and prone to attributing magical powers to everything and everyone; this fate did not spare the bridge. A legend that still circulates among the people says that Sarasin is a favorite place for suicides, and it all started when a couple of lovers jumped off it holding hands several decades ago. And it was like that. A guy from the common people fell in love with a girl from a rich society, and she reciprocated his feelings. Soon her parents found out about the lovers’ secret affair and locked the young lady at home. The unfortunate groom stole her and offered to be together in heaven, if this was impossible on earth. Afterwards, the unfortunates tied each other with a rope and threw themselves into the whirlpool. According to legend, they were buried tied together. But people also have a more optimistic name for the bridge - “Gateway to Heaven”.
These days, the Sarasin Bridge allows easy access to the neighboring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi, which have abundant national parks and deserted beaches. The bridge also has excellent routes to many other regions of Thailand.
Recently, another bridge was built parallel to Sarasin. He bears the name Thao Тhep Krasatry. which denotes the title attributed to the heroine sisters who liberated Phuket from Burmese enemies.
When crossing the bridge, according to tradition, you need to hold your breath and make a wish. If you hold out from the beginning of the bridge to the end, then it will definitely come true. Thais don’t like to bother themselves with anything, so given that the bridge is about half a kilometer long, you won’t have to hold your breath for very long. So go ahead and make your wishes come true on the Sarasin Bridge in Phuket!
The Sarasin pedestrian bridge is not the most interesting attraction in Phuket; I would even say that not everyone would classify it as a tourist attraction. Rather, you can come here just for a walk (which is what the locals do), and not for new experiences. On the bridge you can meet fishermen, families with children, couples taking selfies.
Sarasin Bridge
The bridge was built in 1967 and for many years it became a connecting link between the island and the land. Built in 2011 new bridge(Thepkasattri), since the old one could no longer cope with the modern traffic flow. If you have been to Phuket, then you know what kind of traffic jams there are on the main road now. So they decided not to demolish Sarasin and make it a pedestrian one. In general, I am impressed by the Thai trait of making attractions from scratch. There is always something to see, even if it is something simple. True, they say that this bridge was chosen by local suicides, however, I think this is the fate of all bridges.
I have driven across the road bridge by car and bus many times, and each time I have seen the Sarasin observation deck, where people are walking. This time I specially planned a stop and stopped by to see how long it was possible to drive past. Sarasin is a not very wide bridge, tiled, with lanterns on both sides. Two levels, centrally located observation deck between two towers. On land there are shops, cafes and shops. That's all, actually. You won’t be able to see much from the viewpoint, because it is not very high: the nearest shore, Phang Ga Bay, and the exit to the Adaman Sea.
Sarasin bridge
On the map
If you are coming from Phuket, you need to leave the main road in time to the left pocket, even before the road bridge begins. This is clearly visible on the map. From the mainland, if you are driving, you need to turn left immediately after crossing the bridge and turn around under the bridge. There will be a parking lot immediately after the turnaround.
Phuket, pronounced Ruket, previously referred to in European sources and nautical charts as Thalang, Junk Sailon or Jen Sailen, is
one of the southern provinces of Thailand. This is a respectable first class resort,
“sharpened” for a relaxing holiday. Its length from north to south
is 48 kilometers, from west to east 21 kilometers. Distance from the capital - 862 km. The capital is Phuket city, it is located at west coast Thailand, in the Andaman Sea Indian Ocean. Interestingly, the very name of the resort island “Phuket” translated from the local language means “mountain”. Indeed, the island of Phuket looks like a mountain that is literally born from transparent sea waters. It is thanks to the picturesque landscapes, exotic nature, rich underwater world and the magnificent coral islands most
tourists rightfully call Phuket the best place to relax in Thailand. The landscapes of the island of Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea near the southern coast of Thailand, are extremely unique and varied: on the island of Phuket, tourists can encounter both rocky highlands and long, wide sandy beaches, regal limestone cliffs, forested rolling hills, shallow river mouths, magnificent lagoons and colorful tropical vegetation all
species. The large size of the island of Phuket results in the coexistence of different microclimates in different parts of Phuket. Despite the fact that it is inferior in size to Singapore, Phuket leads the list largest islands Thailand. The island is connected to the mainland of the kingdom by two bridges. Previously, the prosperity of Phuket, which has a rich and vibrant history, was based on the mining of tin and rubber. And since it was located on one of the main trade routes between India and China, it was constantly mentioned in Portuguese ship logs,
French, Dutch and English merchants. Today, the province receives the bulk of its income thanks to the enormous tourist popularity of the island as a seaside resort.
How to get there: Located in the north of the island international Airport, which accepts international charter flights and domestic airlines. A plane flight from Bangkok takes about an hour (a round-trip air ticket costs approximately $180.00. During the season, there are direct charter flights from Moscow and some regions, including Perm, to Phuket; the flight time from the Russian capital is about 9 hours. The duration of the transfer trip depends on resort area where the hotel is located. At the furthest distance are Cape Panwa and Kata Beach. The island is also connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge, which provides road and bus services. The bus ride from Bangkok to the island takes 12-14 hours.
Transport features of Phuket: the easiest way for tourists to move around the island is by car or scooter, which can be easily rented at the resort.
Taxi: Taxis can be easily hailed on the street, taxi cars are located at
parking lots near shopping centers. You can negotiate the price on the spot with the driver.
Also common on the island are the so-called “Tuk-Tuk” cars (or rickshaws) that ply throughout the island. Car rental: car rental is well developed, almost every local travel agency provides rental cars or
motorcycles and also bikes.
Climate
You can vacation in Phuket all year round. Thanks to the wonderful climate of this area, holidays here are popular not only among our compatriots, but also among Europeans, as well as the ubiquitous Chinese.
Phuket's climate is tropical monsoon. There are usually two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts in Phuket from April to November, during which time precipitation on the island is quite frequent, however, as a rule, rain occurs only in the evening and at night. Of course, it happens that rain can last for two or three days, but this happens extremely rarely. During the dry season there is practically no rain on the island of Phuket.
The weather on this wonderful island is always warm, sometimes even hot . The air temperature during the day averages +29...+32 °C, at night it is a little cooler +22...+25 °C. The highest daytime temperatures occur between February and April.
The greatest amount of rain falls in the month of September: about 400 millimeters. In total, about 2200 millimeters of precipitation falls per year. The sea water temperature in the Phuket area throughout the year is 28...29 degrees Celsius.
Attractions
49 meter Statue Big Buddha located on a mountain between Katha and Chalong. The height of the mountain is 350 meters, so from here you can clearly see the southern and eastern parts of the island: Rawai, Chalong, Phuket town. Construction of the statue has been underway since 2008 using donations - currently under construction Buddhist temple at the base of the Statue. Here you can buy souvenirs, as well as contribute to the construction of the temple by buying a marble tablet or a bell for making wishes.
The views from Big Buddha are simply stunning, especially at sunset. If you are riding a motorbike, be careful, the road is very steep.
Background information about the Big Buddha Statue
- Schedule: daily 09:00-18:00
- Entrance fee: for free
- How to get to Big Buddha: by car or motorbike. From Patong you need to go through Karon and Kata beaches to the Chalong Circle, at the roundabout turn left (to the road leading to the airport). After about 700 meters there will be a sign to the left at the traffic light. From the sign you need to follow the arrows for 6-7 km.
The great thing about Phuket is that there is always something to do and see, whether it's raining or the sun is shining. Range of entertainment and beautiful places to visit is huge and varied. We present you a list of the 10 best attractions in Phuket, as well as ways to spend your time. Even if you only visit half of these destinations, you will have an unforgettable vacation. Don’t forget to share your impressions, leave feedback in the comments, and post your photos.
Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket.
In parallel with tin mining, other industries developed in Phuket: growing Hevea trees, shrimp and fishing. These industries were mainly carried out by Siamese and Malays. Rubber trees appeared on the island at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the governor of Trang province, Phraya Ratsada. At that time, rubber plantations occupied 40% of the island's vegetation, but today they have declined to only 30%.
Tin mines in the 1920s
In the 20th century, tin mines were depleted, and the value of tin on the world market fell completely. During Japanese occupation trade and business in the country have declined, in Phuket a few have stayed afloat Chinese families. Thanks to their hard work and skills, the island of Phuket was reborn. In modern society, many influential people are of Chinese descent. For example, the current governor of Phuket is one of the descendants of Chinese settlers. By the 1980s, it was impossible not to appreciate the environmental damage from the by-products of tin processing, and local residents staged mass protests against the construction of new plants. The last tin mine was closed in 1992. Paradoxically, tin mining marked the beginning of tourism. Golf courses and the famous Laguna hotel complex were built on the site of the tin mines. However, there are almost no natural lakes in Phuket; all reservoirs were formed as a result of tin mining. The first few tourists began to appear in Phuket at the beginning of the 20th century. John Carrington wrote in 1906 about the island of Phuket: “One of the most beautiful and charming places in the world.” Like most Asian resorts, mass tourism in Phuket was founded by hippies in the 70s. In 1967, the Sarasin Bridge was built, linking Phuket to the mainland, and in 1976, the international airport was officially opened, allowing American soldiers, and later American tourists, to easily travel to the island paradise on vacation.
Sarasin Bridge in the 70s
In 1976, the first hotel in Phuket was built - Impiana Resort in Patong. At that time, the most developed beach now looked like a small village with bamboo huts, a dusty road and absolutely wild beach. The pass from Patong to Karon was quite dangerous due to landslides and the one who carried the clay road during the rains. Over time, asphalt was laid, traffic lights were installed, more hotels were built, shopping centers appeared - Phuket discovered a new source of income.
Bridge connecting Phuket island to the mainland, in the 70s
After Catholic Christmas, on December 26, 2004, a tsunami came to Phuket, killing more than 500 people on the island. As the Thais say, “the sea inhaled and exhaled.” Due to sheer ignorance, lack of warning systems and, unfortunately, the negligence of the Earthquake Authority, no warning was issued. “Such a warning will create negative reviews V tourism industry in case a tsunami does not happen,” the ministry decided. The beaches of Patong and Kamala, where wave heights reached 5 meters, were particularly affected. But the worst was the coast of Phang Nga province and the south of Ranong, where the wave height reached 11.6 meters. This disaster has affected the lives of every Thai resident. The grandson of King Rama IX, who was at that time on a yacht off the coast of Khao Lak, died. But through the efforts of volunteers and the Thai government, which restored the island of Phuket day after day, Phoenix rose from the ashes. At the moment, all beaches have warning signs and warning systems have been established. In recent years, the island of Phuket has been experiencing a new round of development in the tourism industry. Hotels, new shopping centers are being built, and new interesting places are opening for guests of the island. The Thai government has some projects planned to improve Phuket. A budget of US$180 million has been allocated for the development of the airport; by March 2015, it will be able to accommodate 12.5 million passengers per year. A new Conference Center will be built in the Mai Khao area, with a capacity of 5,000 people. In 2014, we are all looking forward to the underground tunnel at the intersection of the Central Festival shopping center, which will relieve traffic in Phuket Town. Two one-way tunnels through the mountain to Patong Beach are in the process of being approved by the administration. Phuket is changing for the better. For the international community, Phuket's successes do not go unnoticed. More and more foreigners prefer to invest money in the development of projects on the island. Among them are millionaires noted by Forbes magazine: New Zealanders Richard and Christopher Chandler, Hong Kong resident Alan Zeman, Finnish Formula 1 star Kimi Raikkonen, British Indian-born Gulu Lalwani, who opened the well-known port Royal Phuket Marina. International magazines in worldwide communities are vying to include the island of Phuket and its hotels in their lists best places for holidays in Southeast Asia. In 2011, the island of Phuket was ranked 10th on the list Best Destinations in the World according to reviews from readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, where resorts were evaluated according to 10 criteria, and took a leading position in the criteria of “high quality for reasonable money” and “hospitality”. The two hotels Anantara Phuket and Amanpuri have once again been included in the list of the Best Hotels in the World, and the Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket has been included in the 2012 Gold List of hotels from Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The international portal Tripadvisor noted several hotels for family vacation in Phuket: The Chava Resort, Marriott's Phuket Beach Club, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas , Marriott Mai Khao Beach , Destination Surin Resort and Spa , Andara Resort and Villas , ranked 10 best hotels Thailand. However, other awards can be listed endlessly. In conclusion, I would like to add that the island of Phuket is not just a world-famous resort, but a unique history that has passed through centuries is concentrated here. None of the popular resort destinations can boast such an interesting, brilliant, and sometimes sad experience behind them as the island of Phuket.
A special feature of Greece is its diverse natural landscape, the presence of interesting places in the mountains and sea spaces, as well as stunning landscapes. And of course, the list of special corners of Greece, famous for their uniqueness, cannot but include islands that can literally be reached on foot. Four of the thousands of Greek islands have roads that connect them to the mainland, offering another way to reach them without traveling by sea.
Lefkada
Thanks to its accessibility, amazingly beautiful mountain landscapes, beautiful international award-winning beaches, charming Mediterranean villages, and lush green hinterland, Lefkada holds a special place of honor among the most popular summer destinations in the Ionian Sea and beyond.
Here you will find sandy beaches, bustling resorts with stormy nightlife, crowded berths with dozens of yachts. However, behind this tourist decoration lies another world, less pretentious, but just as interesting and charming. You can experience it on remote beaches, on emerald islets and in the rich, lush green interior of the island. One of the main advantages of the island, of course, is its location in close proximity to the shores of the mainland of the country, thanks to which it can be easily reached by car, avoiding traveling by sea.
Kukumitsa – Vonitsa
Just a few tens of meters east of the pier in Vonitsa you can see the green island of Kukumitsa, which is connected to the mainland by a recently built stone bridge. The main attraction of the island is the Church of St. Nektarios, hidden in the greenery of huge eucalyptus and cypress trees. This little paradise makes a visit to Vonitsa unforgettable.
Etoliko - Maesolongi
Aitoliko is often called a small Greek Venice, since this area literally “emerges” from the sea. You can get here by road starting in Maesolonghi and going further to the resort town of Astakos. Two stone bridges, each 250 and 300 meters long, connect the island to the mainland. If you get along the old road, then in the town of Finikia (Greek: Φοινικιά), you will see the church of Panagia Finikias, standing in the shallow waters of the lagoon between the salt marshes. It was here that Lord Byron came by boat to relax.
Saint Achillios - Prespa
In order to visit the islet of St. Achillios, located in the area of Little Prespa, you need to cross on foot pedestrian bridge 200 meters long and you will find yourself in a seaside village that bears the name of St. Achillios. On the island you can see traces of all the civilizations that have successively changed throughout history. Byzantine churches with ancient columns are scattered throughout the island. The Church of St. Achillios was built by the Byzantine Emperor Basil II the Bulgarian Slayer (gr. Βουλγαροκτόνος) as a sign of victory over the Bulgarian army of Tsar Samuel. The island is so small that you can walk around it in an hour, but this walk around the island will bring many unforgettable impressions.
