11 kilometers south of Mandalay, the unique U Bein Bridge is a beautiful 1.2 kilometer long structure built from teak planks and said to be the longest of its type in the world. In 1857, when the capital moved from nearby Amarapura to Mandalay, the …
11 kilometers south of Mandalay, the unique U Bein Bridge is a beautiful 1.2 kilometer long structure built from teak planks and said to be the longest of its type in the world. In 1857, when the capital moved from nearby Amarapura to Mandalay, the local mayor (named U Bein) salvaged wood from pieces of the dismantled teak palace and reconstructed it into this magnificent bridge.
The bridge’s attraction is not just in the design but that it remains a central part of the community. Each and every day locals and saffron-robed monks use the bridge. You will see them walking their bicycles home along as well as fishermen going about their daily work in its shadow. Views of the bridge are said to be the most impressive at sunset and the best photo opportunities can be found by hiring a boat to get a close up view of the bridge from the water.
In addition to the bridge there is a vibrant market seeing local wares as well as food and souvenirs. You can also sample some of the local food like shrimp cakes and deep fried crab.
Next to the market, kinda hidden away, is a very impressive temple. The Thong Min Gyr Pagoda is on the west bank of the lake, on the west end of U-Bein bridge. Until recently there was no roof above the main image and it acquired the name 'Left in the Sun image" (Nay Pu Khan Ko Daw Gy). Named after its founder it is either 'Image of the White Elephant Minister" (Hsin Phyu Wun Hpaya) or 'Image of the South Minister" (Taung Min Gy Hpaya).
Now it is popularly known as the Taung Min Gyi Pagoda. It was constructed in 1786. It is a sitting image and from pedestal to its top knot it is 46 feet 1 inches high. The span from knee to knee is 36feet 6 inches and its crown is 13 feet 1 inches high.
The area is fun to see. The bridge is a bit weathered and in parts of is very rickety. If you are afraid of heights you might want to skip walking on it and take pictures from afar. The highlight to me was the temple and the main Buddha image inside. It was a v..
