Ubain wooden bridge, myanmar Ubain wooden bridge, Myanmar What is interesting about the Goteik viaduct in Burma

Amarapura itself was once the capital, like other satellite cities of Mandalay. And now it is a suburb, in which there are not even hotels for foreigners, since everyone who wants to see the bridge comes here in the late afternoon, just before sunset. And we also arrived.

U-Bane bridge(the people of Myanmar pronounce U-Payne) - this is the longest and oldest wooden (teak) bridge in the world. Its length is an impressive 1208 meters. The Ubain Bridge was built in 1849 and connects the two shores of Lake Tauntome. The piles for the U Bein bridge (of which there are 1,086) were taken from material left after dismantling royal palace in the city, and transferred to the lake. This is how teak acquired its third life.

By the way, the famous Ubein Bridge is a unique landmark in Myanmar, which cannot be compared with any other attraction in the whole world. Just like the rock in Sri Lanka is unlike any other place on Earth.

Interesting fact: Ubain Bridge is not listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest wooden bridge pedestrian bridge for political reasons. Instead, the Horai Bridge from Japan is indicated, despite the fact that it is half the length of the U-Bane Bridge.

Yes 3 easy ways to get to Ubain Bridge from Mandalay:

• Method 1. The simplest and budget way see Ubain Bridge - take a minibus in Mandalay that goes to Amarapura. The road is on it 500 kyats... You need to catch these small buses at the intersection of 84th and 29th streets. And say that you are going to the bridge to be dropped off closer. About two and a half kilometers from it. And then just ask - where to go. Or arm yourself electronic card and act independently. If you ask the locals, then everyone knows that foreigners are here for the sake of a bridge, so they will help. Back you will have to get out to the road to Mandalay and wait for the passing bus there. Or hire a motorcycle taxi right at the exit from the bridge for 5000 kyats or a car for 10000 kyats.
• Method 2. There is one more option. Also, a visit to U-Bein Bridge is part of a tour of the three (sometimes four) ancient kingdoms of Mandalay. If you choose this method, then, in addition to the bridge, you will be taken to Sagain, Inva and V. But it is worth knowing that, despite the fact that the problem with transport has been solved, the time to get to know four different cities at once will not be enough. Moreover, such an excursion also involves a visit to a weaving factory. Worth such a day tour will be 45-55 thousand kyats, that is from 40 to 50 dollars, and within the framework of the tour, various additional costs are assumed, which will be very difficult to refuse.
• Method 3. If you do not need other cities and attractions, but you just want to get out of Mandalay only at sunset to the Ubain Bridge, then this tour will be worth 17000 kyats (15$).

How to get to Ubain Bridge from Sagain:

• It is not far from Sagaina to Amarapura, where the Ubain Bridge is located. You just need to cross the bridge over the Ayeyarwaddy River and drive a little more along the road. The cost of such a trip will be only 5-7 thousand kyats per tuktuk or 3-4 thousand per person.
• Finding transportation to the U-Bane Bridge is fairly easy. Any tuktuk or car driving to Mandalay can be stopped. For a small fee, you will be dropped off without any problems.

U-Bane Bridge on the map

U-Bane Bridge on the map located in Amarapura next to Sagain, not far from Mandalay and its main attractions.

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Legend on the map:

• Brown marker - Ubain Bridge
• Yellow markers - temples near the U-Bane bridge
• Blue markers - the location of Sagain and Mandalay relative to Ubain

Amarapura

Amarapura- the same small town in Myanmar as. However, Sagain is a cute town, and Amarapura is dirty and not very pleasant. And on this moment does not justify its name at all - "the city of immortality".

The city of Amarapura was founded by King Bodopai in the 18th century as the new capital of Burma, but already his son moved his residence to the neighboring one, which was the former capital. For some time Amarapura was the main city under King Mindon. But he also decided that it was necessary to establish new town around.

However, the city of Amarapura is also famous for the fact that there are many weaving factories, and you can buy silk and cotton products. You can go there with an excursion and, of course, buy something. The looms work here almost behind every wall, and when you walk through the city, you can hear their discordant chorus.

There are also several pagodas and monasteries in Amarapura (including one pagoda on the other side of the lake), but we did not visit any of these places during our visit. Like many others, we were primarily interested in the U-Bane Bridge. We will talk about it further.

Ubein teak bridge in Myanmar

U-Bane Wooden Bridge - Historic Site

U-Bane wooden bridge in Myanmar, it is the oldest bridge in the world on teak stilts. It was built in Amarapura almost 170 years ago. Teak is a very tough material and is renowned for its durability. For example, on the island of Java in Indonesia, century-old teak houses are known, which tolerate the humid climate of Asia well and do not rot, and teak oil repels harmful insects.

But a tree cannot live forever, especially if it has already been cut down. Now only a small part of the original bridge remains. Basically, these are logs standing upright, on which the bridge is supported. Unfortunately, the logs rot and are gradually being replaced with concrete piles. So the further you go, the less original will remain in the U-Bane Bridge. But so far it really makes an impression and is worth visiting in Amarapura for the sake of it.

We have seen a wide variety of teak buildings and structures in Asia, such as huge teak houses in and a temple in Kun Yuam in, but the U-Bein Bridge in Myanmar seemed to us the most grandiose of them all. Teak is actually a wonderful building material.

But the people of Myanmar love him very much.

The Ubain Bridge is still alive today, not just a tourist one. It sways a little from side to side and squeaks as if it’s complaining. It is used every day not only by foreigners, but also by local residents, of whom there are quite a few. Under the bridge and nearby, they live, fish, children play. They live, of course, very poorly, just in poor conditions. But this is the reality.

Now, when tourists are interested in the bridge, local residents have an opportunity to earn money. They trade everything. A fortuneteller is sitting in one of the gazebos on the bridge. Although, as it seemed to me, only Burmese who believe in astrology come to him, as we do in Newton's laws.

On the islets at the foot of the bridge, improvised cafes have been made. Well, all sorts of charlatans also come across, where without them in such a hyped tourist spot... Therefore, as many as 8 police officers are on duty on the U-Bein Bridge!

An impromptu tourist amphitheater awaits its sunset hour on the lakeside right under the Ubain Bridge

Watching life at the bridge is very interesting, albeit sad. A real drama erupted right before our eyes when the duck breeder came to sort things out with the boatmen over the killed duck. He was very upset and threatened them with a machete, and his wife ran after him and tried to calm him down. Fortunately, it cooled down quickly and no one else was hurt.

But the main thing is that we, tourists, will come and go, but people will stay here and will go about their business across the lake on the U-Bane Bridge for many years to come.

They live in huts like this and are engaged in duck breeding and fishing in Amarapura.

Photo of Ubain Bridge at Sunset

As I already said, the Ubain Bridge is most popular with tourists in the hours before sunset. At this time, hundreds of tourists (mainly from Mandalay) come to Amarapura, armed with photographic equipment of various calibers. For them, cafes are opening on the shores of Lake Tauntome, where you can have a cocktail and a little snack while enjoying the best view to the U Bane Bridge.

One of the most The best way seeing the Ubein Bridge on a sunny day is to hire one of the hundreds of boats from the boatmen who stand along the lake waiting for customers. It costs about 15-20 dollars, depending on the number of people in the boat. The boatman will take you to best point on the lake, which is the best place to take a photo of the U Bein Bridge at sunset, when the red sun falls beautifully towards the horizon.

We decided not to waste time on a boat trip, but to walk along the bridge and do beautiful pictures Ubain from different points, including the island, which can be reached by stairs.

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Goteik viaduct is one of the most amazing and interesting engineering structures in Myanmar (former Burma). Located in the western state of Shan, about 100 kilometers northeast of the city of Mandalay, it is the tallest structure in the country and at one time was considered the largest railway overpass in the world, now it is a favorite place for tourists.

Viaduct construction Goteik It was started in 1899 and completed in 1900, during the time of colonial England and then it was recognized as the largest railway overpass in the world. The bridge is 689 meters long and connects Pyin-u-Lwin (the summer residence of the British colonial administrators of Burma) and Lashio ( The largest city northern state Shang).

The Goteyk is 102 meters high and is supported by 15 pillars. The entire structure was manufactured at the Pennsylvania Steel Works. During this time, many railway bridges appeared, but only a few were able to even be equal to it in size. "Outperform" viaduct Goteik only the Lethbridge viaduct, located in the province of Alberta (Canada), was able to, which does not exceed it in height, but is twice as long. There are also equal size Joso viaduct bridges in Washington, Poughkeepsie in New York and Kinzua in Pennsylvania.

Now viaduct Goteik is a local landmark Myanmar (Burma), which, although quite noticeably staggering every time the train passes, still works. After all, a train ride over the abyss is great pleasure, you seem to be driving on a roller coaster, and it just takes your breath away!

Travel by viaduct Goteik it takes about 25 minutes and the train, so as not to shake the centuries-old structure, the train travels rather slowly and thanks to this you can fully enjoy the trip, while taking wonderful pictures, because even the landscape outside the train window at this height looks different.

Is an impressive engineering structure in the heart of Myanmar, built over a century ago. It has not only survived, but also works - we decided to get on the train and take a ride on it! Today's reportage is about Myanmar trains, the railway and, of course, about the viaduct itself.

We bought a ticket at the railway station in Sipo right before departure - we decided to go to the city of Pyin Oo Lwin. There are no computers here, there is just a ticket form where the destination and place are entered. By the way, the seats on this train are only seated - ordinary and higher class.

The fare is printed on the sheet - only $ 2 for 7 hours of travel!

The cashier told me that the usual places were over, I had to take them to an elevated one, which we did not regret. There are wide soft armchairs, which, moreover, turn right towards the window. Have you ever seen this? Cool!

On a Myanmar train

While we were waiting for the train, we watched the rest of the passengers

For local train not only a means of transportation, but also a market - immediately after the arrival, an active trade unfolded. And the colorful grandmother is looking for her car

Now we are finally going. Initially, the train goes across the plain, gradually accelerating and giving the opportunity to admire such views in the surrounding area.

Rural landscapes of Myanmar

People are working in the fields, collecting hay

Fields in the vicinity of Sipo

No harvesters for you, only small transport vehicles

In Myanmar, in the province, it is customary for the entire village to wave to the passengers of a passing train, not just tourists. Here is a small brick factory - they also waved, and we gave them :-)

When the train accelerates, it starts to sway mercilessly from side to side! So much so that the backpack, which was lying on the top luggage rack, tried to fall off - I had to tie it tightly. You can't even imagine how much it shakes, probably a glass of water will almost empty if you put it on the floor. All railway infrastructure in Myanmar is badly worn out and has not been repaired for a long time.

Bustling trade is taking place again at some stations

On the way, we saw unusual nests twisted right on the wires

Sockets on wires

Goteik Viaduct

During the times of colonial England, Britain tried in every possible way to strengthen its influence in the region, and reliable transport routes are a good help in this matter. In 1900, after a year of construction, the viaduct was completed, thrown across the gorge with the river, at that time it was the highest railroad bridge in the world.

Viaduct view

Just think: the height of the entire structure is 102 meters, and the length is 689 meters. The finished structural elements were smelted from steel in the United States and delivered to Myanmar. Despite the fact that more than 100 years have passed since construction, only a few such modern structures can surpass or compete with Goteyk.

Before leaving the bridge, the train overcomes two tunnels in a row and emerges from the rock.

The train travels very slowly so as not to overload, because the structure is already old. It only plays into our hands - we have time to thoroughly examine and photograph everything from different angles.

On a train over a precipice

Below us there is an abyss - more than 100 m, a mountain river rages in tropical thickets, and steep cliffs rise above all this.

Gorge and river

Now there are only two trains a day on the viaduct: Mandalay-Lashio and Lashio-Mandalay. However, in order to drive exactly along the viaduct, it is not necessary to cover all this distance, because such a trip will take the whole daylight hours. You can take a train in Mandalay by purchasing a ticket to Sipo for 2750 chat (just over $ 2). True, it leaves as early as 4 in the morning, so it is more convenient to make a trip in the opposite direction or to the city of Pyin Oo Lwin, which we did. Departure from Sipo at 9.40, and on the way 7 hours.

We visited a few more cool places in Myanmar, you can read more about them on the links:,.

• Location: Myanmar, Kyaukme
• Length: 689 m
• Opening date: January 1, 1900
• Tim Bridge: Viaduct, Trestle brige
• Fare: $2

In, in the state of Shan, the highest viaduct in the country is located, which at the time of construction, more than a century ago, was also the highest in the world. Viaduct Goteik in modern Myanmar does not represent strategic importance, as once, but simply performs its simple function - to help the train get from point A to point B.

Construction of the Goteik Bridge

In those days when Burma was a colony of England, she did her best to consolidate her position on the colonial lands. It was necessary to have communication routes between settlements... It was for this purpose that in 1900 the Goteik viaduct was built and put into operation, which connected Sipo and. For the construction, 15 steel supports were cast at a Pennsylvania steel plant and delivered by sea to Burma, as the state of Myanmar was then called.

What is interesting about the Goteik viaduct in Burma?

It is not often possible to see a railway bridge, as if floating in the air, and besides, such gigantic... Its height is more than 100 m, and its length is almost 700 m. The speed of the train throughout the entire road is quite high, so that the cars creak and lean heavily, but before approaching the bridge, the speed decreases to a minimum. This is done both for the safety of passengers and for the safety of the viaduct itself, after all, after all, it is already more than a hundred years old.

"Floating" over the seething river, you can admire the riot of tropical greenery below and even see the remains railroad running parallel to the bottom of the canyon. It was built in the middle of the last century as a safety net in case the viaduct collapses. But over time, such an opportunity became very illusory, and the lower railway line was no longer maintained in proper technical condition. Now it resembles a lizard skeleton entangled in vines.

Features of the trip

You can travel along the viaduct in an upgraded carriage or in a regular one. The second option provides for a very close polyphonic neighborhood with the local population. Choosing the second option, there is hope for a quiet ride, and even with a certain comfort - the cars are equipped with soft chairs that turn to the window for easy viewing.

The train runs its route twice a day. Travel time is about 7 hours, but thanks to comfortable seats and observation of the surrounding beauty, it will fly by unnoticed. While driving at the stations and right in the carriages, there is a lively trade, so that it is possible to get off the train not empty-handed, but with good buy. Locals are very friendly and look at their fellow travelers with interest.

How to get to the Goteik Viaduct?