Nothing compares to an atmospheric train journey. Who doesn’t love gazing wistfully out of the window of a speeding locomotive, feeling the trundling wheels beneath you as you chug through beautiful, evocative landscapes?

Hyperbole aside, travelling by train is a great way to get to know a country and turn journey time into an experience in itself. When it comes to train journeys in Asia, there are myriad fantastic routes to choose from. Certain trains can provide a more comfortable, ‘upscale’ experience in first-class carriages while others are much more basic but often capture the true spirit of a destination and are great fun (mostly!). If you’re looking for the best train journeys in Asia, we’ve compiled our top ten scenic, culturally significant trips guaranteed to enrich your holiday.

10 of the best train journeys in Asia

1. Ella Odyssey, Sri Lanka
2. Private Train Journey, Cambodia
3. Toy trains, India
4. Bamboo train, Cambodia
5. Eastern and Oriental Express, Singapore
6. Monkey train, Rajasthan
7. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
8. Train through Java, Indonesia
9. High-speed train, Laos
10. Sleeper train, Thailand
    (Plus, some honourable mentions)

1.Ella Odyssey in Sri Lanka

The Ella Odyssey train takes you on an evocative journey through some of the country’s most cinematic countryside. As the train chugs along, you’ll pass through the town of Ella – known for its verdant valley views – to the picturesque Demodara Nine Arch Bridge – an engineering marvel that spans the lush green hills – before continuing through the mist-laden Tea Country. En route, you’re likely to see tea pickers in action in pretty spots like Haputale. The journey carries on to the bustling town of Nanu Oya, then reaches the city of Kandy, where you can explore the fascinating culture and history of Sri Lanka. 

The Ella Odyssey train is a brilliant way to experience the beauty and magic of this incredible island– here’s everything you need to know about the journey.  To get a proper feel for it, have a read of travel writer Adrian Bridge’s article in the Telegraph – who travelled with us and called it ‘a new contender for the world’s most scenic rail journey’.

2.Private Train Journeys in Cambodia

If you’re after something a little out of the ordinary, you can charter your very own private train in Cambodia. Yep, I mean it — just for you and your crew. Fully staffed, fully catered, and blissfully devoid of crowds, it’s an exclusive way to see the country at a gentler pace. Sit back, let the rhythm of the rails do its thing, and watch the landscapes shift from city sprawl to open countryside.

Most journeys begin in the capital, Phnom Penh, with routes sweeping south to the coast — taking in Kampot, Kep, or Sihanoukville. Alternatively, strike out on a less frequented line to Battambang and even as far as the Thai border — ideal if you prefer off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Credit: Royal Railway Cambodia

How best to do it: during an ETG-Classic Cambodia Holiday

3.The Toy Trains of India

India’s legendary “toy trains” run on historic mountain railway lines that once provided access to colonial hill settlements. Today, three of the lines—Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the Kalka-Shimla Railway,  and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

These journeys show off India’s varied terrain in slow, scenic style — the latter two lines, in particular, wind through mesmerisic mountainscapes. Read more about our favourite train journeys in India (there are plenty throughout this vast country that’s a whole world in itself).

How best to do it: during ETG’s ‘Tea & Happiness in Darjeeling & Bhutan’ adventure

4.Bamboo train, Cambodia

Not your traditional train, this bamboo vehicle has neither motor nor engine; in fact, with the introduction of improved infrastructure across Cambodia, 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. 

The Bamboo train is still operating ad hoc daily as before Covid, I’m sure as rail traffic continues to increase this activity will stop. There is also a new and slightly kitsch tourist bamboo train which, in our opinion, is nowhere near as exciting and authentic as the original. 

How best to do it: as part of ETG’s ‘Grand Journey through Cambodia’

5.Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia

On one of the most luxurious trains in Asia, namely, Belmond’s Eastern and Oriental Express, you’ll travel in serious style with fine dining and 24-hour steward service in your private cabin.

The current routes set off from Singapore to snake through Malaysia – either through the jungle of the East or West coast, depending on the season – more details here.  There are also specialist journeys, too, like ‘Tastes of Tomorrow: A Culinary Gathering’ with Michelin-starred guest chefs and acclaimed bartenders.

How best to do it: as part of a wider ‘Luxury Voyage through South East Asia’

6.Monkey train, Rajasthan

So-called because of the monkeys that congregate 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. It’s a short ride (only around an hour), which has been operating since 1930 and is still an essential line for many of the local villagers.  Be prepared, a monkey may hop aboard with you!

The ‘monkey train’ crossing a bridge in the Aravali hills of Rajasthan

How best to do it: as part of a personalised Rajasthan holiday

7.The Reunification Express, Vietnam 

The Reunification Express runs the length of Vietnam from north to south, connecting Hanoi and Saigon and celebrating the country’s reunification in 1976.  

Travel through little towns and villages at dawn, catching small glimpses into other lives. Palm trees, water buffalo, and far-off islands pass by as you sip on a rice beer from the dining car.

Bonus: The Vietage Carriage is a luxury rail car for a maximum of 12 passengers that is added onto the train travelling between Nha Trang, Quy Nhon and Danang (for Hoi An) and vice versa. The best direction to travel is south, departing from Hoi An at 8 am and allowing you to take in the views of coastal Vietnam. 

Riding the train in vietnam

How best to do it: on ETG’s ‘A Different Side to Vietnam’ holiday

8.Train through Java, Indonesia

Roll through lush paddy fields and impressive volcanic peaks on this rail route through the Java countryside.

We usually book it for clients travelling east from Yogyakarta — which is just near the ancient temples of Borobudur — towards Malang or Surabaya. It’s a lovely, scenic stretch. If you’re up for more adventure, you can keep going east by rail to Mt Bromo. The nearest station is called Probolinggo, and from there it’s not far to the volcano itself (and yes, it really is as dramatic as everyone says).

And don’t worry, if the idea of basic train travel doesn’t tempt you hugely, there’s a first-class carriage with comfy seats, decent air con, and — if you’re travelling at the right time — a surprisingly tasty lunch.

How best to do it: during ETG’s Journey Across Java & Bali

9.High-speed train journeys in Laos

The Laos-China Railway is the most significant shift in travel in Laos — ever. Opened in 2021, the high-speed railway now connects the northern border town of Boten to the capital, Vientiane. This sleek new train is slashing journey times considerably: places that once took a full day or more to reach are now accessible in just a few hours.

ETG’s Jamie travelled the route from Vientiane and Luang Prabang in around 2 hours — a bit of a shock to the system in a country famed for its slow pace. It’s not the most scenic of journeys, as it whizzes through tunnels in the mountains, but what it lacks in charm, it makes up for in pure convenience.

And more good news in terms of convenience: The Bangkok Post reports that passengers can now book and manage their tickets using a new Laos railway mobile app — making the process much smoother than the original cash-only system.

How best to do it: as part of ETG’s ‘Journey through Laos’

10.Sleeper train from Bangkok – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Train travel in Thailand is both practical and a proper experience in itself. From the capital, Bangkok, you can hop on an overnight sleeper train and be whisked out of the urban jungle to patchwork rice paddies and rural towns in Chiang Mai — all while you snooze the 11 to 12-hour journey away (and save on a hotel for the night).

While The Northern Line is no Orient Express, it’s comfortable enough with the air-con and seats that convert into sleeper beds in second-class class. And even more comfy if you manage to snag a first-class ticket (they’re like gold dust).

Also: If you’re after a bit of history on the tracks, venture to Kanchanaburi to take a train across the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ — part of the infamous ‘Death Railway’ built during WWII. It’s a poignant ride through dramatic scenery, with the option to stop off and visit Hellfire Pass, the war museum, and the POW cemetery nearby.

How best to do it: as part of ETG’s ‘Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Rail’ Thailand trip

Honourable Mentions: More Unique Train Experiences in Asia

British North Borneo Steam Railway

A rather romantic relic of Borneo’s colonial history, the British North Borneo railway is Borneo’s oldest running steam train. Running Wednesdays and Saturdays, the route trundles along from Tanjung Aru to the ‘Rice Bowl of Sabah’, Papar and takes approximately four hours. Brimming with nostalgia, its appearance both internally and externally mirrors a typical train of the 1900’s.

Yangon to Mandalay sleeper train, Myanmar

Not for the fainthearted and one of just two overnight journeys to make our Top 10 list of train journeys in Asia, this 13-hour trip offers little by way of creature comforts, but is a truly unforgettable experience. One ETG traveller who took the trip summarises the experience: 

“Would we do it again? Probably not a 13-hour journey. Are we glad we decided to experience it? Absolutely, 100 per cent yes. We all agree it was one of the best adventures we have had and we wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Read their full blog post.

YANGON, MYANMAR – 9 Januray 2010 – A Circular Railway Train leaves Yangon Central Railway Station in Yangon (Rangoon) on Myanmar. Yangon Circular Railway is the local commuter rail network.

Updated for 2025 travel

CURIOUS ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL IN ASIA?

If you wanted to talk to an expert about planning your next adventure, do call 0203 993 2054  or email us with your questions here. To see an example of the kind of trip you could have, do take a look at our example holiday itineraries. They’re just a starting point, all our holidays are tailor-made so we can tweak all elements to suit your exact interests.