Dechatiwong Bridge

Dechatiwong Bridge is a historic road bridge crossing the Nan River in Mueang Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Sawan city, near the confluence of the Ping and Nan Rivers where the Chao Phraya River originates. Built during World War II and opened on 1 September 1950, it was the first bridge to connect northern Thailand to central Thailand by road via Phahonyothin Road. Named after M.L. Kri Dechatiwong, it remains a city landmark and viewpoint.

Visitors can expect a functional steel truss road bridge carrying Phahonyothin Road over the Nan River with vehicle lanes and narrow pedestrian sidewalks on both sides. The bridge offers views of the Nan River, the nearby confluence of the Ping and Nan Rivers forming the Chao Phraya River, and the Nakhon Sawan townscape. The area is urban with traffic, illuminated at night, and suitable for brief sightseeing, photography and river viewing from the sidewalks.

Construction began in 1942 during World War II to provide a road crossing of the Nan River on the strategic north-south highway. Work was interrupted by the war and resumed afterwards. The bridge was completed and officially opened on 1 September 1950. It was named in honor of Mom Luang Kri Dechatiwong, former Director General of the Department of Highways. It was the first permanent bridge at Nakhon Sawan to connect northern Thailand with Bangkok by road.

The bridge is a well-known landmark and symbol of Nakhon Sawan Province, marking the gateway between northern and central Thailand. Its location near Pak Nam Pho, where the Ping and Nan Rivers meet to form the Chao Phraya River, gives it local cultural importance as a viewpoint for the river confluence that defines the city's identity.