Not only a notable symbol of Myanmar tourism and culture, U Bein – the bridge made of teak wood, is also rated as one of best places to contemplate sunset in our planet.

U Bein bridge spans over Taungthaman lake in Amarapura, 11 km south from Mandalay city, is believed as the oldest and longest teak wood bridge in the world.

In around 1850, when the capital moved to Mandalay, people here made use of teak wood from the former royal palace to create the bridge with the total length of 1.2 km including 1086 main pillars and thousands of boards.  >> see more: Myanmar history overview

Burmese engineers applied traditional methods of scaling and measuring such as counting footsteps. The bridge was curved in the middle to resist the assault of wind and water. The main pillars were hammered into the lake bed 7 feet deep. Most of the pillars were shaped conically to make sure that rain water falls down easily. The joints were intertwined. There are 9 passageways in the bridge, where boards can be lifted to make way for big boats and barges.

Every afternoon, this unique bridge is really crowded. Both local residents and travelers come and go here to return home or admire sunset on the lake. Two sides of the bridge are villages and pagodas so it is easy to encounter shadows of crimson frocks setting off in magnificent sunlight. Hundreds of locals and Buddhist monks walk or cycle from shore to shore on their way to home; and fishermen silently give whole mind on their daily work.

Photo: CitizenFresh

Daily life activities occur on the bridge. Sitting leisurely on U Bein is the greatest way to observe and feel peaceful rhythm of life of the local Burmese.

On the bridge, there are long benches for all to rest, sight-see and chat. Therefore, this is a dating location for couples and gathered place for friend groups.

Plain moments of locals’ daily life in glorious sunset.

The bridge is one of the most memorable images of this Buddhism country.

Rustic boats carrying travelers on magnificent sunset.

Photo: Wisdom Waterly

Standing to the side and watching the world go by, ambling on the bridge or sitting on a boat floating among the lake to contemplate splendid sundown.