Tinsulanond Bridge

Tinsulanond Bridge is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, a two-span crossing that links the Songkhla mainland to Ko Yo island and then on to the lake’s far shore, running a combined 2,640 metres over Songkhla Lake. It was built between March 1984 and September 1986, during Field Marshal Prem Tinsulanonda’s time as prime minister, and named for him.

The bridge is really two structures end to end: the first span runs about 940 metres from Ban Nam Krachai on the Songkhla mainland to the southern tip of Ko Yo, and the second runs about 1,700 metres from the island’s northern shore to Ban Khao Khiao in Singhanakhon district on the opposite side of the lake. It’s a low concrete road bridge on repeated piers rather than a suspension or cable-stayed structure — its distinction is length, not height or architectural flourish. Crossing it by car gives open views across Songkhla Lake, Thailand’s largest natural lake system, with fishing boats and stake-net traps visible on the water on a clear day. Insider Tip: the view from Ko Yo’s shoreline looking back at the bridge is generally better than the view from the bridge itself — pull off on the island side for photos rather than stopping on the span.

Watch out: the bridge itself carries a road shoulder that pedestrians and cyclists can use, but it’s a functioning highway link, not a pedestrian promenade — there’s no barrier-separated footpath for most of its length. If you want to experience it on foot, treat it as a brief, cautious stretch rather than a long walk, and stick to viewpoints on Ko Yo for anything longer.

The bridge sits on the Gulf coast, not the Andaman side — Songkhla Lake drains into the Gulf of Thailand, well away from the Andaman beaches on the peninsula’s west coast. It’s free to cross, with no toll, and easiest to reach by car or motorbike from Songkhla town, with parking available near both approaches. Early morning or late afternoon gives softer light for photos and cooler temperatures if you stop to look around. Pair the crossing with a stop on Ko Yo itself, which has its own cultural sites and markets on the far side.