June 21
TRADITIONAL boat service in Taungthaman Lake receives an increasing number of passengers at weekends and on Myanmar Sabbath days starting from early June, said U Soe Win, chair of the Taungthaman Boat Association.
The water level in Taungthaman Lake has risen along with the Ayeyawady River’s rising water level. The growing number of passengers allowed boat operators to generate daily income, he added.
There are 43 boats providing services in Taungthaman Lake. Approximately 20 boats give service are seen during the weekend and Myanmar Sabbath days. The number of boat passengers drops on weekdays.
“This traditional boat service does a roaring business with foreign tourists. At present, the tourist arrival is rarely witnessed. local visitors seldomly ride the boat so there is nearly zero income in the past months. With the water level rising in the lake, we received some passengers. About 15-20 boats regularly give services during the weekends,” he elaborated.
Taungthaman Lake and U Pein bridge are one of the famous landmarks in the Mandalay Region. Tourists and domestic travellers enjoy boat rides, strolling along the bridge and taking photos. The boat service charge is estimated at K5,000-K8,000.
“We are struggling with the traditional boat business. The local visitors do not eye boat ride so we find it hard to make ends meet,” said a boat operator.
Last May, the water level in Taungthaman Lake was low. Starting from the first week of June, the number of visitors who enjoy boat rides is up when the water level increases. The water level will continue to rise in the coming months. — Maung Aye Chan/GNLM