Festival coming up at Sarasin Bridge in Phuket and Phang Nga
A festival is coming up at Sarasin Bridge, which connects Thailand’s island province of Phuket with Phang Nga province. This will be the 13th time the festival, called the ‘Baan Phi Muang Nong’ project, has been held. The festival will start on Friday, February 17, and last until Sunday, February 19.
The festival will dazzle attendees with fireworks shows, live music concerts, balloons, and heart-shaped tunnels lit by LED lights. Meanwhile, stalls on the bridge will sell local foods and goods.
More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the festival, according to Phuket Administration Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob.
The PPAO first launched the ‘Baan Phi Muang Nong’ to build friendly relations between the people of Phuket and Phang Nga. Rewat stressed how important Sarasin Bridge is in connecting the people of both provinces. He said…
“The Sarasin Bridge was the first bridge between Phuket and Phang Nga to be built, connecting Baan Thai Chatchai in Mai Khao, Phuket, with Baan Tha Noon in Khok Kloi, Phang Nga.”
Rewat went on to explain that Sarasin Bridge was closed to traffic, and converted into a pedestrian bridge. Since then, it has turned into a tourist attraction and even has a Sino-Portugese-style viewing tower.
Local government channels promoted the festival to the media yesterday, and the PPAO led a press launch in Phuket. Meanwhile, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phang Nga office director led another press launch in Phang Nga.
TAT Phang Nga Office Director Uthit Limsakul noted the importance of the Sarasin Bridge for tourism between Phuket and Phang Nga. He said…
“We have integrated with various agencies to promote tourism with a marketing strategy connecting the Phang Nga tourist route with Phuket under a ‘City to City’ campaign to welcome both Thai and foreign tourists by presenting our cultural identity and products and services in the area through this event.”
There are currently efforts to set up tourist attractions in Phang Nga’s main city district, including ‘check-in points’ where tourists can take scenic photos.
Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are influenced by the island’s rich cultural heritage.