Tha Chompoo Bridge

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: All Day

 

Tha Chomphu Bridge, also known locally as the White Bridge, is one of Lamphun’s most distinctive railway landmarks. Located opposite Wat Tha Chomphu in Tha Pla Duk Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, the bridge stands on the Northern Railway Line between Khun Tan Station and Tha Chomphu Station. With its elegant white arches rising above the Tha River and open fields, the bridge has become a memorable sight for travelers heading toward Chiang Mai by train.

 

The bridge is historically important because it differs from most railway bridges in Thailand. While railway bridges are commonly built with steel to absorb vibration and movement from passing trains, Tha Chomphu Bridge was built with reinforced concrete. The structure is 87.3 meters long and features a white arched form influenced by Western architectural design, giving it a graceful and unusual appearance in the rural landscape of northern Thailand.

 

Construction began around 1918, continued through the important construction period of 1919, and was completed in 1920 under the supervision of Prince Kamphaeng Phet Akarayothin, a key figure in the development of Thailand’s railway system. The use of reinforced concrete was a practical response to wartime conditions, when steel was difficult to obtain. Careful engineering and supervision allowed the bridge to remain functional and visually striking for more than a century.

 

The setting of Tha Chomphu Bridge adds greatly to its appeal. The bridge crosses the Tha River amid open fields, with hills and local communities forming a calm rural backdrop. For train passengers traveling on the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, the bridge appears after the dramatic mountain section near Khun Tan Tunnel and before arrival in Chiang Mai. It is often seen in the early morning, making it one of the scenic signals that the train has passed the complex mountain terrain of northern Thailand.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car. From Mae Tha District, take Highway 106 toward Hang Chat District in Lampang for about 1.5 km, then turn right toward Ban Tha Chomphu. Continue past Ban Si Sai Mun School and Wat Tha Chomphu. After passing the station area for about 1 km, visitors can park safely near the community area around Wat Tha Chomphu and continue on foot to a safe viewpoint near the bridge. Motorcycle taxis are also available from Mae Tha District.

 

Visitors should remember that Tha Chomphu Bridge is still an active railway bridge. It is best appreciated from safe viewing areas rather than from the railway tracks. Standing on the rails or walking onto the bridge is unsafe when trains are operating. Travelers should also respect the nearby temple, local community areas, and railway property.

 

 

A: Tha Chomphu Bridge is located in Ban Tha Chomphu, Tha Pla Duk Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province, opposite Wat Tha Chomphu.

 

A: It is called the White Bridge because of its distinctive white arched railway structure, which stands prominently in the open rural landscape.

 

A: Construction began around 1918, continued through 1919, and was completed in 1920.

 

A: The bridge is 87.3 meters long and is built with a reinforced-concrete frame.

 

A: Yes. It remains an active railway bridge on the Northern Railway Line, so visitors should view it only from safe areas.

 

A: The easiest way is by private car from Mae Tha District via Highway 106, then turn toward Ban Tha Chomphu and continue to the area near Wat Tha Chomphu.