It isn’t the oldest bridge in the world, but U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Crossing the naturally beautiful Taungthaman Lake from East to West. The 1.2km (0.75mi) bridge was built around 1850 and the construction began when the capital of Ava Kingdom moved to Amarapura, build by Bodawpaya’s eponymous mayour using timber from Ava. The bridge was built in curved shape in the middle to resist the assault of wind and water. The main teak posts were hammered into the lake bed seven feet deep, supported by more than 1,000 poles. Earning its rights as a must visit while in Mandalay. Many photographers flock here to take photographs of the bridge silhouette and the setting sun as the backdrop. It may be the most photographed spot in Myanmar. The morning view was quiet, peaceful and also spectacular. Drove down to Amarapura early in the morning around 4:45am and managed to reach the bridge just right before the sun began to rise. The calm atmosphere in the early morning is exactly what I was looking for and you can only see monks from the near monasteries crossing the bridge. Great photography opportunities if […]