With its postcard-like structure, legendary sunsets and bustling local life, the charming U Bein bridge is easily one of the most photographed and iconic sites and fast becoming one of the most premier tourist attractions in Myanmar. If you are planning a visit to this unique and mesmerising teak bridge, here are the basics you need to know. Travel Indochina Myanamar
What is It?
Straddling 1.2 kilometers across the shallow waters of Taungthaman Lake, U Bein is the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world. Besides a rickety walkway, accessible to cyclists and pedestrians only, this bridge, which is supported by over 1,000 wooden posts hammered into the lakebed, also consists of four covered pavilions. Entirely constructed out of timber reclaimed from a nearby royal palace which was razed when the capital of Myanmar moved to Mandalay in 1857 this bridge is around 150 years old. Amazingly, most of its structure remains undamaged and sturdy in its original construction – concrete supports have replaced just a small handful of poles.
What To Do There?
- Take a walk and meet the locals
Take a walk and meet the locals- source: internet
bridge. Strolling along its rickety walkway, you will not only admire the charming scenery, but also enjoy various great chances to see and get immersed into the local daily life. Though U Bein remains pretty busy all day, at dawn and sunset, when it draws endless streams of people going about their daily commute and so many activities, it comes especially alive. Passing by are hundreds of people of all types, including fishermen hauling in their catch in the surrounding waters, school children, monks, cyclists as well as plenty of hawkers and travelers. There is no better way to chat with the locals than spending time on the bridge. Most of the monks and especially youngsters are keen on practicing their English by striking up a conversation with you as they cross.
- Rent a rowboat
Boat by the U Bein Teak Bridge- source: internet
To gain a different and ever-changing perspective on the bridge, it is wise to take to the water. Available for hire from the lake shore are hordes of rowing, whose owners can happily take people from one end to the other, ensuring to stop at the best positions to allow them to capture some of the most captivating shots of the lake, which is surrounded with seasonal vegetable gardens. The bridge, whose long poles are exposed, looks and feels quite high during the winter dry season. In contrast, with water levels lapping just below the bridge planks, the lake significantly expands in the wet season. Arrive early to find a free boatman and also come prepared to barter down some of the prices if you come there in high season, and especially in July/August, when it can get pretty busy. Myanmar travel tours
- Shop for great souvenirs and nibbles
U Bein, as a growing tourist site, particularly along the western bank, is home to various hawker stalls. Don’t miss to spend your free time going shopping in the souvenir markets which are filled with interesting art pieces, local jade jewellery and wood carvings. There are also plenty of coffee shops as well as several larger eateries where you can come to sample some awesome local nibbles or enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal at very end of your walk.
- Discover nearby temples and villages
Discover nearby village- source: internet
There are a couple of magnificent religious sites within easy reach of the bridge well worth your visit. Taunthaman village on the Amarapura side is home to the superb Kyuaktawgyi pagoda, which was constructed in the same style as that of the temples at Bagan, apart from its exceptional Tibetan roof. Located near the bridge is the Mahagandayon Monastery, whose doors are filed out with hundreds of saffron-robed monks every morning.
- Stay for the spectacular sunset
Meeting the sun at U Bein bridge -source: internet
Last, but surely not least, staying to witness the spectacular sunset is definitely the most worthwhile experience. Towards the very end of each day when locals make their way home and travelers venture out eager to capture the marvelous silhouettes against the blazing and ever-changing colors of the sky, the bridge becomes especially busy. Renting out a boat and approaching the bridge from a low angle then you can get the best perspective and camera shots. Since the bridge is generally less crowded in the early hours and the atmosphere more tranquil, the sunrise is also well worth catching.
See more:
EMBARK ON AN UNFORGETTABLE FLYING ADVENTURE TO LAOS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONEY EXCHANGE IN LAOS
SIEM REAP STREET FOOD YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
Asia Travel Lover
