Asia's Most Scenic Train Journeys

Once you make your way over to Asia for a multiday trip throughout the continent, you need to figure out how to get around. Unlike other parts of the world, some of the best ways to see Asia and get the most out of your travels is to travel by train! Asian countries have breathtaking, absolutely beautiful countrysides, with hills and mountains, lush crop fields, and crystal blue waters. And many of these train rides are also very luxurious and the preferred way to travel by those in the know. They also can be fairly cost-friendly and offer many amenities on board.

Now that you've made the investment to go on a trip to Asia, it's time to make the most out of it. Keep on reading to find out information and highlights of some of Asia's most scenic train rides!

Reunification Express, Vietnam

Lang Co Beach, Hue

The 1072 mi long North-South Railway gives tourists and Vietnamese alike a trip across Vietnam, highlighting the beauty of the people and history found here. Located between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Express isn't a singular train, but rather the whole ride and experience you will get on your journey. Twice a day, two trains leave from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (there are timetables with schedules, but these are rough suggestions). The entire ride, from north to south, is about 30 hours. You of course can bring your luggage, where you can place it on overhead racks or in your room, depending on your ticket. And while you definitely can try to catch a few moments of sleep while on the train, try not to miss the beautiful views and scenery outside your window.

Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka

While all of these suggested rides are beautiful, the train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka's Hill Country may be the most special. And one of the cheapest! You can do this 7-hour train ride for an extremely cheap fare, whether you decide on first, second, or third class. And while it may be tempting to go for the first-class ticket, you won't get the windows open, looking out over the fields experience that a lot of people come on this train for. It is only 87 mi long but every moment on it is special. You will see the lush, green countryside, thanks mainly to tea plantations. This was all jungle not too long along, but when the British came, they changed the landscape in order to produce crops. You will be cliffside, passing waterfalls, with options to stop and hop out for some photos along the way.

Jungle Train, Malaysia

The official name of this scenic train ride is the East Coast Railway Line, but more aptly known as the Jungle Railway, this ride will take you from the Singapore-Malaysia border in the south to the Thailand border, in Tumpat. Now as the name hints at, you will be traveling through the jungle on this adventure; be careful though, some of the trains will travel overnight so you'd miss out on the beautiful sights! Much of the ride is adjacent to rivers and goes through the mountains. It is in your best interest to book your tickets ahead of time. There may be some stops where you have to transfer trains, and you don't want to be without accommodation if that transfer happens overnight. It may be best to pack a snack for your journey and a sweatshirt—the air conditioning can get a little cold!

Toy Trains — Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Known playfully as Toy Trains due to their smaller sizes, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is something you do not want to miss! There are about a half dozen trains that operate on the line currently, some diesel but some are stream engines with billowy white puffs of smoke coming out. The best way to experience this journey is by taking the ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, about an hour away. When you're leaving the station in Darjeeling you can see Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain. In Ghum you can see the brightly colored monastery and visit during the monk's afternoon prayers. UNESCO named this railway a World Heritage Site.

Eastern and Oriental Express, Singapore

This railway is for those looking to travel in luxury. The Eastern and Oriental Express runs between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. To get from Bangkok to Singapore, a four day three night journey, it is an expensive fare, which includes everything but alcoholic beverages. The train does not do this extensive of a route more than a couple times a month, so it's important that you plan ahead for your travels. This train has all the features of a five-star hotel, so you can plan on traveling with a lot of comfort and relaxation. There are two dining carts, and you pick your dining times before departures. There is also an open-air observation deck in the rear car that many people visit while on the journey.

Fuzhou to Hefei, China

Bullet Train, China

Departing from the southeast Fujian Province and heading east to Hefei in Anhui Province, this high-speed bullet train gets you from start to finish in about four hours. And while that fast of a ride may seem like a lot, many people regard this as China's most scenic railway as it travels past three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Mount Huangshan, Mount Wuyi, and Mount Sanqingshan. You will see mind-blowing large rock formations, which have been depicted in traditional Chinese art for centuries. You will pass granite peaks and pillars that look like animals and humans. And you'll see sandstone hills of red. And then you're at your destination, feeling awe-inspired and ready to adventure in a new city.

Written by: Tim Smith Tags: Asia, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam