Towns and cities fall asleep to the rhythmic rumble of the train, carrying you from one place to another. Is there a unique romance in that? This post highlights 10 of the world's most rewarding train journeys, offering breathtaking and ever-changing scenery.
1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Some things embody a nation, and for Vietnam, it's the North-South Railway, also known as the Reunification Express. This 1,072-mile (1,726 km) steel spine stretches the length of the country, from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Its construction and history mirror the nation's turbulent past.
Riding this railway isn't just about traversing historical sites; it's also a journey through Vietnam's history itself. As the train moves along, you see a nation in motion: yellow-hued buildings from the French colonial era, urban landmarks, and stylish street scenes gradually fading into the distance. The closer you get to the south, the more prominent the country's religious culture becomes, with pink lotus flowers floating in ponds and farmers guiding water buffaloes in rice paddies.
You'll realize that it's no longer a country from a textbook but a complex nation filled with boats, meat skewers, smoke, pagodas, and fireworks.
As you witness its winding coastline, pass through the backyards of densely populated cities, and enter rugged, lush mountains, feeling the heat, the insects, and the abundant flora.
2. Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China
Few train journeys are as awe-inspiring as the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which ascends to over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) from Xining to Lhasa. It's a journey that will leave you breathless, both literally and figuratively.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is not only the highest railway in the world but also holds numerous world records for its construction. According to Guinness World Records, the highest point, Tanggula Pass, reaches an altitude of 5,072 meters (16,640 feet), making it the world's highest railway and the longest plateau railway traversing permafrost.
China overcame immense challenges to complete this railway, the longest plateau railway in the world, opening up new and unforgettable perspectives for admiring the stunning plateau scenery.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway crosses several national nature reserves, including Kekexili, Sanjiangyuan, and Qiangtang, which have sensitive and fragile ecosystems. Therefore, environmental protection was prioritized throughout the design, construction, and operation of the railway.
To protect the habitats of Tibetan antelopes and other wildlife, 33 special wildlife crossings were built along the railway. To conserve wetlands, the world's first artificial wetland in a high-altitude, cold region was constructed. To preserve the landscape, efforts were made to minimize pollution from both the ground and the trains. To improve the environment along the route, a thousand-mile "green corridor" was created.
These unique environmental designs and operational practices have made the Qinghai-Tibet Railway China's first "eco-friendly railway." They also provide passengers with a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking and unparalleled scenery.
As you gaze out the window at the deep blue sky and snow-capped mountains, you might spot scattered yaks dotting the landscape. The natural wonders and historical charm intertwine in the winding Kunlun Mountains, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Coast Starlight, USA
Traveling from Seattle along the US West Coast on the Coast Starlight train offers a relaxing and spectacular way to see the region's scenery. The journey lasts nearly 35 hours, but it's far from boring, thanks to the train's spacious and comfortable seating and its large picture windows designed for sightseeing.
Passengers can sit in swiveling chairs, facing the train's expansive windows, sipping wine, reading, and enjoying the changing natural light as they experience the slow pace of rural life. The sunny beaches and vast ocean views of Southern California seem to stretch endlessly from beneath the train's wheels.
The route offers many stunning sights: the majestic peaks of the Cascade Range, the lush forests of Oregon, the fertile valleys and vineyards of California, the sprawling Pacific coastline, and even leaping dolphins, providing a feast for the eyes.
Passengers can simply gaze out the window for hours, enjoying the journey and witnessing some of the world's most beautiful sunsets.
The Coast Starlight, considered one of America's most beautiful train journeys, offers a relaxing way to experience nature and allows travelers to appreciate the vastness and diversity of the landscape in a short amount of time.
4. Sagano Scenic Railway, Japan
For over 1,000 years, the Arashiyama district in western Kyoto, Japan, has been a popular destination for visitors. The area's scenic beauty is at its peak twice a year: during the cherry blossom season, when the landscape is filled with delicate pink blooms, and in autumn, when the vibrant foliage creates a mesmerizing tapestry of colors.
Riding the Sagano Scenic Railway is an excellent way to explore the local scenery. Also known as the Sagano Torokko (Romantic Train), it travels through the picturesque countryside between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka, following the Hozugawa River gorge, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Imagine traveling along a railway lined with cherry blossoms in spring, surrounded by a profusion of flowers and falling petals, experiencing the ephemeral beauty of spring. It's a truly romantic experience that allows you to appreciate the fleeting nature of life.
In autumn, the warm golden sunlight and gentle breeze create a serene atmosphere. As you travel through fields and forests blanketed in golden hues, you'll experience the unique charm of fall.
This railway offers a chance to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, cool breezes and cicada songs in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. It's a poetic way to experience the beauty of all four seasons.
5. Yangon Circular Railway, Myanmar
The best way to experience Myanmar's capital is by taking the Yangon Circular Railway. This commuter rail line serves Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, and its surrounding towns. The circular line is approximately 45.9 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, with 39 stations, and runs about 20 trains daily. A complete loop takes about three hours and offers a glimpse of Yangon's cityscape.
For less than ten dollars, you can immerse yourself in the local life of Yangon and enjoy the rural scenery. When you arrive at Yangon's train station, you'll see old platforms and a rusty train. Stepping inside the thin carriage feels like traveling back in time.
As the train rattles and clanks along, you'll see scenes rarely found in cities, such as women quietly sitting with plastic baskets, monks gazing peacefully out the window, and vendors carrying food and live chickens.
The more stations you pass, the more the landscape transforms from urban concrete to rice paddies and countryside, and the more passengers the train carries. After all, it's one of the cheapest forms of public transportation.
Although Yangon is a fast-paced city, riding the Yangon Circular Railway allows you to see a more authentic side of daily life in Myanmar.
6. Trans-Mongolian Railway
The Trans-Mongolian Railway is the collective name for the railway line that runs from Ulan-Ude in Russia, through Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, to Ulanqab in China. It's the most important railway line connecting Russia, Mongolia, and China.
Taking the Trans-Mongolian Railway through the mysterious lands of Siberia offers a truly exotic and multicultural experience.
From the exquisite Baroque architecture of St. Petersburg, the opulent palaces of the Russian tsars, and the beautiful tree-lined streets to the mysterious wilderness of Siberia, the ancient buildings of Irkutsk, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Baikal...
From the mysterious nights of Ulaanbaatar, the birthplace of Genghis Khan, and the scattered yurts to the grandeur of the Great Wall...
You'll traverse three vast countries, experiencing endless birch forests, the desolate Gobi Desert, and bustling cities. It's not just a journey across geographical distances but also a journey through time, a surreal experience.
7. Cannes to Ventimiglia Railway
Cannes, France, with its renowned film festival, has become a global cinematic capital. The festival's fame has also made Cannes a premier leisure destination. Ventimiglia, just 7 kilometers from the French-Italian border, is a historic and picturesque coastal town in northern Italy. This city has various historical landmarks from the Roman era.
The journey from the dazzling glamour of Cannes to this border town is not only captivating but also offers some of the world's most scenic railway views, thanks to its coastal location.
Imagine the train hugging the Mediterranean coastline, passing rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and the azure sea, stopping at some of the world's most famous ports, and finally arriving at a border town filled with ancient stone houses. It allows travelers to experience the quintessential Italian lifestyle.
The entire journey is 69.5 kilometers (43.2 miles) long, with the train stopping at 18 stations, including popular tourist destinations like Nice and Monaco, as well as the laid-back Riviera towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Whether you travel straight through or make stops along the way, it's an unforgettable railway journey.
8. The Skeena
The Skeena, operating between Jasper in Alberta and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, offers a way to experience the pristine beauty of British Columbia. The route's name comes from the local indigenous language and means "River of Clouds."
Over two days, the train winds its way through the Rocky Mountains, following the winding Skeena River. The snow-capped peaks glisten in the bright sunlight, their reflections shimmering in the still water.
The train passes through deep canyons, rushing rivers, and several mountain ranges, including the Seven Sisters Peaks, Skeena Mountains, and Telkwa Range. Along the way, you might spot eagles, moose, golden eagles, brown bears, and other wildlife.
Particularly between Jasper and Prince George, you'll see many small sawmills, remote salmon hatcheries, volcanic rock pillars, and historic fur trading posts. These remote sights offer a sense of novelty.
Those interested in wilderness adventures will especially love this route. The section from Prince George to Prince Rupert travels through a completely uninhabited stretch of track. As the abundant sunlight streams in through the picture windows, you'll feel as if you're in the wilderness, experiencing one of the world's most tranquil and spectacular train journeys.
Smelling the fresh scent of pine trees, leaning against the half-open carriage door, watching dandelions dance in the air, and seeing a bald eagle soar overhead - it's an amazing all-daylight journey that allows you to appreciate vast wilderness areas, ranches, lakes, and rivers from a unique perspective.
Prince Rupert has a rich indigenous heritage, with many archaeological sites, museums, and totem poles for history and culture enthusiasts to explore.
9. Bangkok to Nam Tok: The "Death Railway"
During World War II, the Japanese used prisoners of war to build a railway from Thailand to Burma so they could supply their troops without relying on sea transport.
It is said that the working conditions were so harsh that one worker died for every railway tie laid. During the construction of the railway, approximately 90,000 Southeast Asian civilians and about 12,000 Allied prisoners of war died due to forced labor. Due to this tragic and horrific history, this line is also known as the "Death Railway."
Today, the section of the railway from Bangkok to Nam Tok is still in operation and passes through some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery, including the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.
The journey is divided into two parts. The first part is from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, where the train travels through flat, lush land, with the mountains of Kanchanaburi and northern Myanmar in the distance. This part of the journey is pleasant, with views of interesting temples and picturesque farms.
After Kanchanaburi, as the train slows down while crossing bridges and steep canyons, the scenery becomes even more spectacular and photo-worthy. The occasional slowdowns make this train feel like a sightseeing train, allowing passengers to witness the country's scenery and hear the echoes of history.
10. Simplon-Orient-Express
The Orient Express is perhaps the world's most famous train, a romantic journey for those who long for a return to the golden age of travel.
You may have heard countless novelists, including detective fiction writer Agatha Christie, vividly describe the luxury of this express train, akin to the Titanic before it sank. This express train is representative of the European style of the past.
The train's unique livery, luxurious interiors, and the personal butlers assigned to each passenger immerse them in pure romantic reverie, offering the ultimate in exclusive service.
Take some time to settle into your comfortable private compartment, relax, and admire the exquisite decor and stunning inlays of this elegant train before getting dressed for dinner.
Amidst the clinking of glasses, passengers enjoy foie gras, oysters, and sweet lobster tails. As the train winds its way through the Dolomites and past Lake Geneva, passengers awaken in Paris to a basket of warm croissants and fresh coffee, ready to begin their romantic Parisian adventure.
The elegant piano music and cozy afternoon tea create a relaxed atmosphere as you admire the breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como, and watch the sunset over the distant Alps.
This 5-day luxury rail journey offers a taste of Venice, Budapest, and London, showcasing the different charms of Britain and Italy, and providing an unforgettable experience aboard the Orient Express.
In this ancient yet convenient, nostalgic yet retro train journey, travelers feel like students heading to Hogwarts, embarking on a journey to explore the vast world and experiencing a magical and romantic world. It's a way to wander through a fairytale landscape in the form of a train journey.
Hopefully, one day, I'll be able to ride all the world's most beautiful train lines.
Please let the pandemic end soon. We're all going stir-crazy!