U Bein Bridge is a roughly 1.2 km teak footbridge spanning Taungthaman Lake at Amarapura, just outside Mandalay, Myanmar, and is widely regarded as the world's longest and oldest teakwood bridge. Built around 1850 from teak salvaged from the former royal palace at Inwa (Ava), it is named after Maung Bein, the official who commissioned it. Still a daily walkway for locals, it is one of Myanmar's most iconic sunset spots, drawing travelers hoping for silhouette photos.
Walking the full 1.2 km span supported by roughly 1,086 teak (and some replaced concrete) posts rising out of the lake
The classic sunset scene — the bridge's silhouette against a glowing sky, one of Myanmar's signature photos
A quieter, magical sunrise with far fewer people, local fishermen and monks passing by
In the rainy season (Jul–Aug) the lake fills so you can view the bridge from a boat below; in the dry season the water recedes to expose farmland you can walk across
Nearby sights such as Kyauktawgyi Pagoda on the east end and the morning alms procession at Mahagandayon Monastery
Good to know
SafetyThe bridge has no side railings and gaps between planks. At sunset it gets shoulder-to-shoulder crowded and you can be jostled, so avoid the edges and hold hands with children or older travelers.
CautionBoatmen, souvenir and portrait sellers tout persistently. Boat rides require bargaining (often starting around 10,000 kyat for two) — agree the price before boarding and watch for overcharging. Pre-booking through your hotel or guide is safer.
MannersAt Kyauktawgyi Pagoda and other temples, remove shoes and socks and cover shoulders and knees. When watching the morning alms round, stand quietly, do not block the monks' path, and avoid pushing a camera into their faces.
SeasonFor reflections and boat angles come in the rainy season (roughly Jul–Aug) when the lake is full; for clear skies and pleasant weather come in the dry season (Nov–Feb). From Mar–May the water drops and the area under the bridge turns to farmland and dry ground.
RulesThere is no entrance fee, but you pay for transport from Mandalay (about 30 min by taxi or Grab, roughly 8 USD round trip). Prices and conditions change often, so confirm the latest; cards and ATMs often don't work in Myanmar, so bring US dollar cash plus small kyat.
SafetyAfter the March 2025 magnitude 7.7 earthquake near Mandalay, aftershocks and medical/telecom infrastructure remain fragile, and several governments maintain high-level 'do not travel' advisories for Myanmar. Check your own government's advisory and the local situation before you go.
Practical info
About 11 km / 30 min from central Mandalay by taxi or Grab; no entrance fee. Sunset is crowded, so arrive early; choose sunrise for calm. Bring easy-off shoes and shoulder/knee-covering clothes for nearby temples, and US dollar cash. Verify fees, hours and the security situation before visiting.
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