Amarapura

Amarapura is a city in Mandalay Division in Central Myanmar. It was the capital of Burma in the early 19th century and is the home of a famous bridge.

Literally meaning the "immortal city", Amarapura was the capital of the Konbaung Dynasty from 1783 to 1859. Today the township is a popular day-trip destination from Mandalay for its dependence of silk, cotton weaving and bronze casting.

• 🌍 U Bein's Bridge. Spanning the width of Taungthaman Lake, this winding 1.2 km marvel is 200 years old but still sturdy (a testament to the strength of the teak used in its construction). Pictures of monks crossing it are almost a stock image of a visit to Myanmar. It is best to visit around sunset when the setting sun frames the bridge and the trees that stand in the lake. 

Though there is a small town at Amarapura, and there are a few hotels, none are licensed for foreigners. Amarapura is usually visited on a day trip from Mandalay.