U Bein Bridge Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Landmark

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

The U Bein Bridge is a picturesque wooden bridge spanning over 1.2 kilometers across the shallow Taungthaman Lake in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma). Constructed around 1850, it is said to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. The bridge was named after the mayor who built it, U Bein. It's a prominent example of traditional Burmese engineering, using reclaimed teak columns from the dismantled Ava Palace. This iconic bridge not only connects two villages but also has become a symbol of Myanmar, often featured in sunsets and silhouettes in photographs. Visitors can walk across the bridge, interact with friendly local vendors, or take a boat ride to appreciate its structure from the water. Although it’s utilitarian for the people who use it daily for commuting, it has also become an important tourist attraction. The bridge is particularly busy during sunrise and sunset, when monks, locals, and tourists stroll across and the surrounding scenery is bathed in a golden hue.

U Bein Bridge Tourism

U Bein Bridge Tourism

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