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U Bein Bridge, Burma - Oldest Bridge Made Out of Tropical Hardwood

U Bein Bridge in Burma is the oldest teakwood bridge in the world, spanning the Taungthaman Lake. This iconic bridge, stretching nearly a mile, has a unique charm but also an unsettling fragility. The wooden planks, some of which are centuries old, creak and bend underfoot, while the lack of handrails adds to the sense of exposure. During the dry season, the bridge stands high above the ground, but in the wet season, it seems to float on the water, creating a surreal and potentially dangerous scene.

Shutterstock/Kadagan

The combination of age, weathered wood, and busy foot traffic makes this crossing a delicate balance between history and risk.