Experience Mandalay's Spectacular Sunsets at U Bein Bridge

Among the thousands of temples and pagodas scattered across Myanmar, U Bein Bridge in the ancient city of Mandalay stands out as one of the most distinctive landmarks when exploring this mystical land.

Experience Mandalay's Spectacular Sunsets at U Bein Bridge

During the early days of the year in Mandalay, visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset at the same location on Taungthaman Lake, with the iconic U Bein Bridge as the focal point, hailed as one of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots in the world.

U Bein Bridge is approximately 12km away from Mandalay city. You can choose to reach here by taxi, tuk-tuk, or motorcycle taxi. However, if you're an adventurous traveler, a motorcycle taxi is the most exciting mode of transportation, taking only about an hour with 20,000 kyats (around 200,000 VND) for a round trip.

Friendly drivers will help you explore the roads along Taungthaman Lake.

The construction of U Bein Bridge commenced in 1851 and took a span of 3 years to complete. Craftsmen employed 1,068 teakwood posts – sourced from the Amarapura palace during King Mindon's capital relocation to Mandalay – driven into the shallow waters to mold this 1,200-meter long bridge into a gentle curve.

To this day, U Bein holds its title as the longest and oldest teakwood bridge globally, standing firm and integral to the daily lives of local residents and visitors alike.

U Bein Bridge greeted me on the beautiful sunny days of early dry season in Mandalay. Seizing the opportunity, I strolled around the temples at the entrance to the bridge and wandered beneath it as the water level in the lake was significantly low.

I traversed through the vineyards of local farmers, admired the shimmering white Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda casting its reflection on Taungthaman Lake, observed local youths casting nets for fish along the lake's edge, or rented a boat for a leisurely cruise, admiring U Bein Bridge from the water.

For landscape photography enthusiasts, visiting Mandalay means capturing the stunning sunset as the sun slowly descends behind the bridge.

Hence, it's no wonder that from the early hours, hundreds of photographers have chosen the best spots from the sandy shores on the opposite side of the bridge, eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to capture the scene.

To capture truly captivating sunset photos, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the entire bridge and a telephoto lens to depict the scene of people crossing the bridge against the backdrop of the deep red setting sun.

According to Vuong Kha Thinh/Tuoi Tre

***

Reference: Travel guide Mytour