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JapanHistory and Background
U Bein’s Bridge, the longest teak footbridge is spanning in the width of the Taungthaman Lake. This winding which has 1.2 kilometre marvel long is 200 years olds. However, U Bein Bridge is still sturdy, in particular, a testament to the strength of the teak used in its construction. The story began in 1859 when King Mindon decided to move his capital from Amarapura to Mandalay. As wanted to reuse as much material from Amarapura as possible for the construction of Mandalay.
During the relocation of the new capital the local mayor of Amarapura was able to salvage some of the teak wood from Inwa Palace. With over 1000 pillars, U Bein began constructing the bridge across Taungthaman Lake. This reduced the time people took to move between two banks of the lake. Then the name U Bein was set as the name of the bridge. The structure of the bridge seems to be flat type but actually slight curve. The U Bein Bridge is supported by over a thousand teak pillars. However, time after time, some pillars have been worn by the water and need concrete supports. The surface planks are from the old royal palace of Inwa, a former Myanmar capital; therefore, this U Bein has a great historical story. 
Why should visit?
At 1.2 kilometres, this is the oldest teak bridge in the world. And it’s an impressive structure. While many tourists come to take some photographs of the bridge and the sunset since it’s got to be one of the most snapped places in Myanmar, it was the people who I found most enchanting. Despite its increasing status as a tourist location, the U Bein Teak Bridge is an important and practical part of the daily movements for people who live in this area. And as the sun slowly drifts towards the horizon over the watery fields around, the residents of Amarapura use it to head home from their day’s activities.
When
The best time to visit U Bein Bridge is around sunset when the setting sun frames the bridge and the trees that stand in the lake. This U Bein Bridge links the village of that name: Amarapura- the old and ancient capital of Myanmar. Early in the morning and late in the evening is the most crowded time with visitors, and, it provides a popular atmosphere image for photographers.HOW TO GET THERE
- From Mandalay, you can easily get to U Bein Bridge by car, motorcycle taxi or pick up the bus. It takes about 45 minutes to travel from downtown Mandalay to the bridge.If you travel by taxi, it costs around 10000 Ks for a return taxi (8 USD/person).Traveling by motorcycle taxi, it costs around 6000 Ks for a return trip, and it is really worth trying as you will have a chance to marvel at the scenic scenery along the way.If you want to travel by pick up bus, there are guest houses at 83rd or 25th street where you can catch the bus. However, the final bus leaves Mandalay at 6 pm, so if you want to catch the sunset on U Bein Bridge, you need to take a taxi to go back to Mandalay.
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