By Karen Espig
Whether you choose an all-inclusive luxury train tour or ride the rails like a local, train travel is a sustainable way to experience the wonders of Asia, taking in its ancient lands while exploring the many different cultures across this vast and diverse continent.
Did you know that a whopping 48 countries combine to make up this fascinating landmass? With all the mysteries, gorgeous scenery and cultural delights, selecting just a few is a daunting task.
But here we go: check out these five intriguing options that should inspire your next adventure by rail.
China
China is vast, but thankfully, it has a well-developed high-speed train system that covers much of it. This allows you to have varied experiences and view the diverse landscapes even if your vacation time is limited.
One of the best bullet train adventures is a nine-day all-inclusive tour that begins with a heart-warming panda visit and continues to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The trip includes excursions to the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, taking in local food and cultural experiences along the way.
India
If you are in the market for a luxury option, Royal Indian Trains has many to choose from. The three-day Treasures of India tour on the Maharajas Express begins and ends in New Delhi, with stops at the Taj Mahal and Jaipur. You will also experience the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, home to numerous Bengal Tigers. Note that the best time to visit the tigers is October to June, so include that in your planning.
But, if you are a more seasoned/adventurous traveller, you can hit all the same hotspots as the luxury tour on a micro-budget via India’s regular train system.
Vietnam
The Reunification Express train takes you from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south in just three days, but there are so many amazing destinations en route. I recommend breaking it up a bit. This means you will need a separate ticket or tickets, but it is well worth it.
The train traverses over 1000 bridges and multitudes of tunnels. Some possible stops are Van Long Nature Preserve, The Imperial City of Hue, and the beautiful coastal cities of Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiết.
You should be aware that this is not a luxury train by any means; there are some food services and sleeper cars, but they may be shared accommodations—think hostel on tracks. But this train trip is a treasure for the curious or seasoned traveller.
Eastern And Oriental Express–Malaysia
This is not the Oriental Express that chugged along from Istanbul to Paris but rather an inspired take on the days gone by luxury train. The Belmond group purchased some of the decommissioned cars to create new memorable rail experiences.
The luxury train cars are furnished in exotic woods, delicate fabrics and vintage themes. The 3-night Essence of Malaysia inclusive tour brings you from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and back, with unforgettable stops and world-class dining. There is even live music in the piano bar car!
There are naturally epic views of rural villages and rice paddies as you travel between Pulau Payar Park and Georgetown.
Thailand And Laos
Last but not least, if you have a longer adventure in mind, try this 14-day adventure through Thailand and Laos. The tour is limited to 14 people and includes all your accommodations, meals, and transfers.
You begin the adventure in Bangkok, and at your first stop in Phitsanulok, you will visit the Unesco site of Sukhothai. Then, you travel to the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, where you may participate in a Thai cooking class.
You will visit an elephant sanctuary in Lampang, then back on board and across the border to Laos. In Laos, you will stretch your legs and take in the glorious natural surroundings as you hike and kayak on the Nam Song River,
And these are just the major highlights! This extended rail adventure will immerse you in the beautiful Thai and Laos cultures and landscapes.
These are just a few options for exhilarating rail travel in Asia. If the luxury tours are out of reach, you may use the points along their routes to inspire your DIY rail journey at a fraction of the cost…. I suspect it would be even more memorable!
So many countries in Asia have extensive train systems that are used routinely as a means of travel. Japan, for example, has over 30,000 km of train lines! They also offer unlimited use passes for 7, 14, and 21 days.
One final point. You do not necessarily need a detailed itinerary before you set out. You could simply select your first destination and take it from there. Get planning and hop on board for what is sure to be a memorable railway trip!