The pillars
1,086 in the water.
kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0
U Bein Bridge is a wooden crossing over Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura, 1.2 km long and believed to be the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. It is still a daily route for local people on foot and by bicycle, as well as for visitors. It is the best-known view near Mandalay, above all at sunset, when its image lies reflected on the water. It was built around 1850, when the capital of the Konbaung dynasty moved to Amarapura, and it is named for Maung Bein, who had it built. Its wood was reclaimed from the former royal palace at Inwa. It stands on 1,086 pillars rising from the water, some replaced with concrete. There are fears for decayed pillars, weakened by flooding and changes in the lake. You walk on wooden boards with no rails for much of the way, with tall pillars and calm water below. Midway stands a timber pavilion with a tiered roof where people sit. On the banks you can hire small boats to see the bridge from the water. At sunset figures move as shadows against an orange sky, the picture most visitors come for. It is about 12 km from Mandalay Palace in a straight line. Take care as you walk, as many parts have no rail and the boards are uneven. The water is highest in July and August. Agree a boat fare first, and keep children away from the edges. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to this area, so read the current advice before you plan.
1,086 in the water.
Shadows on orange.
The bridge from the water.
Taungthaman Lake, Amarapura, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
An hour before sunset, to walk and then watch from a boat or the bank.
Many parts have no rail, so hold their hands and stay away from the edge.