Amarapura Things to Do

4 more images

THE TEAKWOOD BRIDGE AT AMAPURA
I only found this bridge by accident when talking to a German traveller at the monks breakfast gathering in the town that morning. The U-Beins Bridge I do not know of the names origin but it is a strange one. This apparently is the longest "teak" bridge in the world, containing over a thousand teakwood piles supporting the walkway and supposedly, all this teakwood was removed from ancient Temples. and I can believe it being the longest as it surely is a long walk to the other end and back .Upon reaching the other end of the bridge there is a little village called Taungthaman . also at the end of the bridge and by the river's edge is located a "cool"straw roofed cafe where we sat in the welcomed shade and enjoyed a few cold beers to compensate for some of the heat of the day. Myanmar is an exceptionally hot place This also a nice place to be when the sunsets across the river and is quite a nice scene to be enjoyed..

4 more images

There's a temple which is located near U-Beign Bridge. There's an open air reclining buddha and very nice enviroment. It's along the way to U-Beign bridge and worth a visit.

And you can take some of the bridge from the temple.

4 more images

Guys, if you're into photography just like me. You probably feel the stress when yuo see U-Beign Brigde full with tourists. Just be a little patient and wait till they leave the area. Most travel group won't spend long time in U-Beign bridge, just wait a bit longer and you will have your very own masterpiece then.

3 more images

My guide took me to see this tmeple which is close by the U Bein bridge and lakeside restaurants (see seperate tips).

This complex is primarily a place of religious study, and it was founded in 1914, although the actual temple temple is much more modern than that. It is dominated by a huge, and I mean huge, Buddha image. The main photo with the man standing in front of the image gives some idea of just how big it is.

To be honest, I didn't think the temple was that special although the guide seemed very proud of it. As with all of Amarapura, you are supposed to have the $10 Mandalay "combo" ticket, but I wasn't asked for it.

4 more images

Obviously, the highlight of any travellers trip to Amarapura will be a visit to the famous U Bein bridge, a magnificent teakwood structure which spans Taungthaman Lake for a distance of about three-quarters of a mile.

Built in 1849, it comprises 1060 teak posts, most of which are original, and it is certainly an impressive structure. Although historical, it is still in daily use by the local villagers who cross back and forth all day. there are several ideas as to where the name originates, the most popular being that U Bein was the name of a mayor of amarapura in the mid 19th century.

There are a few shaded areas along the length, which are very welcome in the heat of mid afternoon.

Theoretically, you are meant to have the Mandalay $10 "combo" ticket (see tips on Madalay for details) to visit Amarapura at all, but I wasn't asked for one anywhere.

The photos show a few of the things you can expect to see from the bridge.

Amarapura the "City of Immortals" was the capital of upper Burma until
1850. As was the custom, most of the important wooden palaces and
monasteries were taken down and transported to the new capital in
Mandalay. Apart from Pagodas that have survived, the ancient art of silk
and cotton weaving, using handlooms, is very much alive.Visit U Bein
wooden bridge, over 150 years old and 300m long, which is still in use.
On the bridge you will find many hawkers, trying to sell you caught birds with the promise, to let them free for a payment of a few USD.
Better do not pay them, as to avoid further catching (and killing) of those animals

The U Bein Bridge is THE sight in Amarapura. There are plenty of other interesting things to see but the bridge is certainly the main drawcard.

If you get there by taxi, you can walk across and back - just make sure you give yourself plenty of time. There are some memorable views of the countryside and some neat things to see and do at the village and pagoda on the other side.

The bridge is 1.2km long and was made with 984 teak pillars. It is the longest teak bridge in the world.

This is situated next to U Bein bridge. Many of the young monks in Amarapura study here and there is a large image of the Buddha inside. With all the excitement of the bridge, noone seems to go in here, so you'll more than likely have it to yourself. If anything else, it's a good meeting place if you are doing the walk and traveling in a group. It can get quite chaotic with all the taxis, vendors and rickshaws by the end of the bridge ;-)