The bridge is constructed and dismantled by hand yearly so it is not washed away by the river’s highly effective currents.
The bridge is constructed and dismantled by hand yearly so it is not washed away by the river’s highly effective currents (Picture: Getty)
Whereas the Bamboo Bridge of Kampong Cham is a masterpiece of native engineering, thrill-seekers and harmful bridge lovers typically rank it among the many most nerve-wracking crossings on the planet. Connecting to Koh Paen Island throughout the Mekong River in Cambodia and infrequently cited because the longest bamboo bridge on the planet, it’s a seasonal masterpiece that’s actually constructed and dismantled by hand each single 12 months.
Because the Mekong’s water ranges drop through the dry season – January to Might – the bridge is painstakingly assembled over the area of a month utilizing round 50,000 bamboo poles and secured with wire. Stretching roughly 3,280 ft (1,000 metres or 1 kilometer ), the bridge is surprisingly sturdy.
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Whereas it was as soon as the first route for vehicles and vans, it’s now principally utilized by pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Whereas locals have used it safely for generations, the bridge seems to defy each fashionable security regulation. For a traveller unaccustomed to it, crossing is an train in pure adrenaline.
As you progress throughout the bridge, the bamboo beneath flexes and bounces beneath strain (Picture: Getty)
As soon as the waters have receded and currents have subsided, development on a brand new bridge commences. First, tall bamboo poles are rammed into the riverbed, after which a layer of break up bamboo matting is laid on prime to create the floor. Extra poles at totally different angles brace the inspiration.
Crossing it isn’t only a heart-pumping journey – it is also a sensory expertise. As you progress throughout the bridge, the bamboo beneath flexes and bounces beneath strain, making a loud rattling sound. There are not any metal cables or concrete limitations right here. In lots of sections, there may be nothing between you and the swirling currents of the Mekong aside from a number of skinny, vertical bamboo sticks.
“Not one of the hundreds upon hundreds of horizontal-running bamboo striations are fairly degree, so it’s a slippery, bumpy journey,” wrote Emily Lush on Wander Lush.
“Rushing motorbikes ship shock waves throughout the bridge, threatening to throw unsteady travellers off their ft and onto a menacing row of blunt bamboo spikes that line the bridge’s edge.”
It was as soon as the first route for vehicles and vans however is now primarily utilized by pedestrians (Picture: Getty)
Earlier than the monsoon rains arrive and the river swells, the bridge is taken down piece by piece. If left up, the highly effective Mekong currents would merely wash it away. The bamboo is then saved or repurposed till the following cycle.
For many years, this was the one means for the round 1,000 households on Koh Paen Island to succeed in the mainland with no boat. In 2018, a everlasting concrete bridge was accomplished close by, main many to worry the bamboo custom would die out. Nonetheless, the area people has saved the custom alive for tourism and cultural heritage. Whereas the concrete bridge handles the heavy logistics and 24/7 transport, the bamboo bridge stays the soul of Kampong Cham, drawing guests who need to expertise the distinctive crossing.
Locals can use the bridge at no cost. Nonetheless, worldwide guests are requested to pay a small price of two,000 Riel (£0.37) to cross it.
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