27 Breathtaking Bridges Around the World Worth Crossing

24. U Bein Bridge: Myanmar’s Time-Worn Treasure

Stretching over 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake, U Bein is the world’s longest and oldest teakwood bridge. Built in the 1850s, it is still used by monks, fishermen, and villagers on daily commutes. At sunrise and sunset, the bridge transforms into a shadow play of silhouettes—an image that has become iconic in Southeast Asian travel lore. Despite its simplicity, the U Bein Bridge evokes deep reverence, blending Buddhist humility with timeless functionality.