21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The Morning of U Bein Bridge

Capturing the enchanting morning ambiance of U Bein Bridge, a historic masterpiece in Mandalay, Myanmar, this photograph unfolds a timeless scene bathed in soft sunlight. As the gentle morning breeze weaves through the air, both locals and travelers traverse the aged teak planks of U Bein Bridge. The bridge, steeped in history, tells tales of a bygone era when it was constructed in the mid-19th century, using reclaimed teak columns from the former royal palace during the move to Mandalay. Against this historical backdrop, the image encapsulates the convergence of past and present, where the rhythmic footsteps of those who traverse the bridge echo the passage of time.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Mandalay, Myanmar
Camera: Hasselblad X1D
Copyright: © Pyae Phyo Thet Paing