The Most Stunning Train Journeys in Myanmar

The train trek from Myanmar’s royal city of Mandalay to hilly Hsipaw promises gorgeous views and perhaps the most exciting ride out of all railway expeditions in Myanmar. This route passes by the summer getaway city of Pyin Oo Lwin, and inches over the Goetik Viaduct about halfway between Pyin Oo Lwin and Hsipaw.

The Goetik Viaduct was considered one of the world’s most astonishing structures of its time when completed around 1900. It remains Myanmar’s highest railway bridge to date, but due to disrepair over the years, trains crossing it must slow to a crawl for nearly half a mile of pure thrills.

Book round-trip tickets or plan to take the train one way and bus the other. An upper class seat costs about US $5. Mandalay to Hsipaw is approximately 130 miles and takes roughly 10-15 hours.

Journeying from Mandalay to Myitkyina gives true train enthusiasts the chance to experience a railway very few have gone on before. A bumpy, rough ride from Shwebo, the first main stop, through thickly forested patches of jungle, leads to Indawgyi Lake.

Disembark at Hopin to get to Indawgyi Lake, among Southeast Asia’s largest inland bodies of water and one of Myanmar’s most underrated natural wonders. A foggy sunrise view of the Shwe Myitzu floating pagoda or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of Kachin State might be enough to make Indawgyi the final stop.

Book a standard sleeper compartment if possible, as the approximately 340-mile stretch to Myitkyina may take well over 24 hours. The price for an upper class sleeper section is under US $25. A train ticket to Myitkyina and back to Mandalay might be the best option, or fly in one way and out the other.

Taking the train from Yangon to Bagan gives passengers a truer sense of Myanmar’s agricultural side. The tracks pass by farms and through rural villages, next to tall palms and across rugged landscape dotted with golden stupas. Ride in ordinary or first class to chat with locals while watching an unforgettable sunset through wide-open windows, together.

This ride lasts anywhere from 16 to more than 24 hours depending on what happens along the bouncy way. An upper class seat is around US $12, and an ordinary class spot is less than US $5 for comparison.

Looking for the perfect day excursion from Yangon by train? Venture in comfort to Taungoo via the Yangon to Mandalay route, stopping briefly in Bago to see the Mahazedi Pagoda. Once in historic Taungoo, a former dynasty capital of Myanmar, tour several of its famous sights. Among them are well-known bridges, markets, gardens and pagodas.

Getting from Yangon to Taungoo takes just over six hours and costs less than US $2, not including a quick, optional stopover in Bago. An early morning departure from Yangon and a late afternoon train or bus back allows for a very full day of exploration and change of pace.

Branch off the main Yangon to Mandalay train route at Thazi, and then head to Kalaw and stop at Shwenyaung, Inle Lake. This rail journey slowly rolls through hills upon hills of colorful scenery to get to Shwenyaung, not to be confused with Nyaung Shwe – Inle Lake’s main hub approximately seven miles away.

The distance between Thazi and Shwenyaung is only approximately 150 miles, but the tracks wind up and down several switchbacks along the way making this one of Myanmar’s slowest rail jaunts. Sit back and relax for the 10 to 11-hour duration, or consider getting off at Kalaw to hike to Inle Lake.

Curve around Yangon by exploring the city and surrounding area aboard its circular railway. Primarily used for commuting, this nearly three-hour train experience gets up close and personal with bustling markets lining the tracks, and the more rural outskirts of Myanmar’s booming commercial city.

Tickets for less than US $1 can be bought at any of the 38 stations found on the circuit, or at platform six or seven at Yangon’s Central Railway Station. The main train station in Yangon is great for people-watching, and a large railyard nearby—usually full of rusted, vintage-looking train cars and locomotives—is quite the sight to snap a photo!

The Yangon to Mandalay express train is one of the most ridden routes, since it connects Myanmar’s two largest cities. The degree of cleanness, luxury (think air conditioning) and timetable are much more reliable. This train commute works well for a punctual trip to Mandalay and back to Yangon. It isn’t necessarily the most spectacular of train journeys across Myanmar, but more so practical to get to the good stuff.

Stops along the way include Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital city. The total distance is approximately 400 miles and lasts 14-15 hours. Taking the overnight option works well for saving precious daytime for short trippers to Myanmar and money on accommodation. Definitely splurge on a sleeper compartment for only US $15!

Since most of Myanmar’s amazing train adventures take many hours to complete, it’s best to dress comfortably, pack a pillow for extra support and bring plenty of food and water in case the train doesn’t come with a restaurant car.

Additionally, locals selling anything from pineapple slices to individual cigarettes usually hop on for a few moments when the train rolls through towns, or jump off to grab a quick bite at a near-to-the-tracks teashop if time allows.