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Asia’s 10 most beautiful train journeys

An atmospheric train ride is second to none. The perfect way to get to know a country’s landscapes and customs, train trips transform perfunctory journey time into an experience in itself. There are myriad fantastic routes across Asia to choose from, ranging from the more upscale first-class carriages to those which are more basic, but often capture the spirit of a destination. We’ve compiled our top 10 scenic and culturally significant trips that are guaranteed to enrich your holiday. Train through the hill country, Sri Lanka Widely hailed as the world’s most beautiful train journey, this fantastic route is definitely one for the bucket list. Wind your way through densely covered tea plantations, remote villages and spectacular waterfalls on this journey from Kandy up into the highest corners of the hills. Seats in the 1st class seat observation cabin are limited, but travelling in 2nd or 3rd class allows you to encounter the vibrant, bustling daily life of Sri Lankan locals. Toy trains, India India’s toy trains run on historic mountain railway lines that once provided access to colonial hill settlements. Three of the lines- the Kalka-Shimla Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway– are now UNESCO world heritage sites and their routes showcase stunning mountainside scenery across India. British North Borneo Steam Railway The British North Borneo railway is Borneo’s oldest running steam train and a rather romantic memento of the country’s colonial past. Running Wednesdays and Saturdays, the route trundles from Tanjung Aru to the ‘Rice Bowl of Sabah’, Papar and takes approximately 4 hours. Brimming with nostalgia, it is designed in typical early 20th century style. Monkey Train, Rajasthan So-called because of the monkeys that gather around the stations to be fed by passengers, the Monkey Train is a lovely, lazy journey that takes you through the hilly Kamlighat region of central Rajasthan. This short trip has been operating since 1930 and is still an essential line for many local villagers. Eastern and Oriental Express Ideal for those wanting to travel in the utmost style, the Eastern and Oriental Express is one of the most luxurious trains on the continent. The line offers multiple routes across Asia, the most popular being that between Singapore and Bangkok. This is a three-day long excursion in which you can travel in pre-eminent luxury, with 24-hour steward service in a private cabin. Though relatively expensive, it is worthy of the price tag: its journeys take you through rural landscapes, colonial cities, tea plantations, temples and more. Bamboo train, Cambodia Not your typical train, this bamboo vehicle has neither motor nor engine; in fact, if it weren’t for significant improvements in infrastructure in recent years, this railway would have become obsolete had it not been transformed into a fun travel experience! At only 20 minutes long, this is a fun brief trip (ideal for kids) that allows you to see the countryside in an unusual way. Goteik Viaduct, Myanmar Drive north from Mandalay to board the Goteik viaduct railway in Nawnghkio, Myanmar. The bridge connects the towns of Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio and is the highest railway trestle in Myanmar. Though time spent over the actual bridge is of course limited, it’s an impressive construction and the slow trundle over is a lot of fun. Da Nang to Nha Trang, Vietnam A charming, laid-back day trip that guides you through lush paddy fields and villages. A perfect one to just sit back and enjoy the countryside. Train through Java, Indonesia Roll through verdant paddy fields and impressive volcanic peaks on this spectacular route through the Java countryside. This rail service offers a comfortable first class executive carriage with air conditioning and a surprisingly tasty lunch if travelling at that time. Yangon to Mandalay sleeper train, Myanmar Not for the faint-hearted, this 13 hour trip provides little by way of creature comforts- but is a truly unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. Sam Clark is CEO at Experience Travel Group. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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7 Comments

  1. Train journeys are one of my favourite ways to see a country or pass the time, they’re so relaxing to me! I had no clue that there were so many amazing train journeys in asia, it’s great when your journey has scenery – it makes it 10x better. The toy trains seems so cool, I’ve never been through the woods on a train before! All so interesting

  2. I did the Bamboo train ride in Cambodia Sam. Loved it. That region is pretty darn neat; lots of green, and fields surrounding with some jungle too from what I recall. The family living at the end of the train ride – or, where folks sell goods – are characters too. I recall the dad saying I looked like John Cena when I arrived. Then we chatted a bit about how I had been to MSG so many times because I live in NJ. He was floored, being a wrestling fan, always wanting to go there.

    We took the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang. About 17 hours. Not bad at all. We also took the train from North Central Vietnam to Ninh Binh but it was an overnight job in a sleeper car. My wife and I slept the entire time.

    Ryan

  3. The train through Java, Indonesia looks outstanding! I’ll need to do it one day! Who doesn’t enjoy a train ride with a beautiful view yet the comforts of a first class executive carriage with air conditioning?

  4. i have only done one of these but reading this blog i want to try all. loved reading this blog. im going to Cambodia next month so im going to look into the Bamboo train.

  5. Thanks all for your comments. Jen – glad you enjoyed! Alana – you have a treat in store. I’d stick to 2nd class up there if I were you.
    Thanks for the info Ryan – there is something about those long Vietnam train rides. I guess the country is suited to them.
    Enjoy Cambodia and the Bamboo Train May – it’s quite an expereince.

  6. All of these look incredible, I’d love to do a scenic train ride through Asia. Train through the hill country is on my bucket list. It sounds amazing with the tea plantations and waterfalls. I’ve been on the bamboo train in Cambodia, that was fun! There wasn’t a lot to see but I’m glad I did it as it was a unique experience!

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