The U-Bein Bridge is in Amarapura Township. The bridge spans across Lake Taungthaman. The U-Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teak wood bridge in the world. It is about three-fourths of a mile long and was built around 1850. It’s an important passageway for the local people but is now also a major tourist attraction and consequently a big area for souvenir vendors. The bridge features 1,086 teak pillars and the wood all came from the former Royal Palace at Inwa when King Mindon decided to move the Royal Palace to Mandalay.

1. This photo was taken from some distance back to give an idea of the size and scope of the lake and bridge. Much of the bridge is still to the left of what can be seen in the photo.

2. Vicky is on the bridge and now the rest of the bridge can be seen stretching to the far shore of the lake.

3. The roofed areas of the bridge were mostly for sitting and of course, many vendors located there as well. In this middle area of the bridge, the lake was covered with water weeds.

4. I took this photo from our boat ride. This is what most of the bridge was like…and yes, no walls or guard rails.

5. We were told that sunset is the most popular time for the bridge, primarily due to the fabulous sunsets…and the sun didn’t let us down.