U-Bein Bridge & Royal Cities

The longest teak bridge in the world

The U-Bein Bridge near Amarapura (11 km south of Mandalay) is the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world: 1.2 km long, built in 1850 from 1,086 teak pillars recycled from the demolished royal palace of Inwa. It crosses the shallow Taungthaman Lake, which swells in the rainy season and partially dries up in the dry season.

The U-Bein Bridge is a photo icon of Myanmar: At sunset, when monks in saffron robes, farmers with ox carts, cyclists, and walkers wander across the bridge and their silhouettes reflect in the golden water, images of surreal beauty are created. It is one of those places where even mediocre photographers can take shots that look like paintings.

Experiencing the sunset

• From the shore: From the western shore of the lake, you see the bridge as a silhouette against the orange sky — the classic perspective.
• From the boat: Rent a boat (2,000–3,000 MMK / 0.60–1 EUR) and photograph the bridge from the water. Even more dramatic, as you get closer to the silhouettes of people on the bridge.
• Timing: Be there at least 1 hour before sunset — the best spots on the shore fill up quickly.

Four ancient royal cities

Around Mandalay lie four former royal cities — each was once the capital of a Burmese empire. Together they form a fascinating panorama of Burmese history. They can be combined as a day trip:

• Amarapura: The U-Bein Bridge and the Mahagandayon Monastery, where every morning at 10:30 am over 1,000 monks line up silently for lunch — a fascinating, humble, and photogenic spectacle.
• Inwa (Ava): By ferry across the river (1,000 MMK), then by horse cart through the ruins of a 400-year-old capital. The leaning watchtower (Nanmyin), teak monasteries amidst rice fields, and an atmosphere as if time had stood still.
• Sagaing: Hundreds of white pagodas and monasteries on the Sagaing Hills on the west bank of the Irrawaddy — one of Myanmar's holiest sites. Over 600 monasteries, 3,000 monks and nuns. The panoramic view from the U-Min-Thonze Pagodas over the Irrawaddy is breathtaking.
• Mingun: By boat up the Irrawaddy (1h from Mandalay). The unfinished Mingun Pagoda would have been the largest in the world (150 m high!) if an earthquake in 1839 hadn't stopped the construction. What stands is still overwhelming: 50 m high, with gigantic cracks. Next to it: the Mingun Bell — at 90 tons, the second-largest hanging bell in the world — and the elegant white Hsinbyume Pagoda.