The number of visitors dropped for a while in December 2015 before jumping to this level this month.

“There were 300 to 400 visitors a day in December. The lake is busiest in February. The number should dwindle in April as usual,” said Soe Win, the chairperson of the association.

French, German, American, Chinese and Korean tourists make up the majority of the bridge’s visitors.

“The view of the sunset over the Taungthaman Lake is memorable. I think that’s the major tourist attraction. Visitors to Mandalay gather at the lake in the evening; it’s like an assembly point for them,” said a local tour guide.

Some tour guides advised that July was the best month to visit the bridge. It is one of Myanmar’s most-photographed sites, the 160-year-old bridge runs 1.2 kilometres, across Taungthaman Lake. With the lake rising to its highest level in the monsoon season, especially this and next month, the bridge basks in the reflected glory of the reservoir’s crystal-clear rainwater.

The association has 45 boats and 16 ancillary boats for visitors to rent. Each boat can carry two to four passengers.

“There are barely enough boats this time of year. We need to take care of the customers’ safety, too,” said Soe Win.

Tourists also end to visit the monks at the local Maha Gandayone Monastery on the west side of the lake.