Am I crazy to take the train from Yangon -> Bagan?
Replies: 17 - Last Post: Jul 30, 2012 2:15 PM Last Post By: KazMom
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Am I crazy to take the train from Yangon -> Bagan?
My family and I are visiting Myanmar in January.My husband is a train fanatic and we thought it might be an interesting experience to go by train to Bagan. We are a family of four so we'd have our own sleeper compartment. Our kids are 8 & 10.
Has anyone taken the train recently? How was it? Was there aircon? Did it run on time?
I'd appreciate any info. Thank you.
PS I thought it was a bit crazy to start booking accommodation already, however we have been turned away already with 7 months to spare!
2
There is extensive information on trains in Myanmar (and everywhere else in the world) here:http://www.seat61.com/Burma.htm
3
I took the line from Pyay to Bagan in the sleeper coach (it's from 11pm till 11am) and we were the only two passangers in the whole wagon (this was February). No aircon, but quite comfy to sleep with open windows. Not much of a view, mostly dry riverbeds and lone palm trees.I liked the ride from Yangon to Malamine in the south - that's where you get the bumpy ride :)
4
Yes trains in Myanmar are very bumpy rides and dirty carriages, you and the kids take the overnight bus and meet him in Bagan Ha! Ha! The two rides worth it are as said Yangon to Moulmein (take bus back) and maybe Hsipaw to Pynaloowyn or the train ride Mandalay to Myiktyna anmd from Shweaung to Kalow is also an interesting but shorter rideclick here FAQ73 basics
5
Has anyone taken the train recently? How was it? Was there aircon? Did it run on time?not western standards , may be it's just public std
but a lot of tourist did go
most complaints is time schedule
the other complaint is can't sleep on sleeper ,caz they are not fitting
some time air con , some time sleeper , sometime not
no , not at all , u will know exactly time 1 hr prior when arrive or depart the train is
roughly timetable 4:00 Pm to 11:00 Am Yangon-Bagan $50-55 with sleeper
require pre book to get seat 1 week prior through local agent
if u wanna buy yr self , can buy 2 days prior to the tour date with original passport but can't guarantee the seat availability in peak season
Regards
Judy
6
Thank you everyone for the feedback. Even though it sounds kinda rough, I think we'll do it for the experience and to satisfy my husband's interest in trains. I know what to expect! :-)We have been in touch with a local agent, who will assist us. I guess tickets can only be purchased a few days in advance?
I do know about seat61 and have consulted them many times.
Regards,
Jenn
7
from Yangon I purchased rail tickets day before and also on same morning from Mandalay to Hopin same day and also 2hrs Hopin to Myiktyina. ensure that the $'s change they give in change you is as crispy clean as the ones you give them. They tend to give you back tainted $ bills if possible as change10
squat loos with excrement all over the walls and floor (bumpy ride and jammed 3 high to ceilings, but then I do travel ordinary classovernight rail luxury Ha! Ha!
11
The sleeper will have bunk beds, the kids will love it.The open windows, the warm evening breeze wafting in, a nice bottle of beer to hand, the smell of the village fires as you speed along as night falls... Fabulous!
My wife and I travelled extensively by train in Burma, including one sleeper journey. Upper class seats and the upper class sleepers should be clean and comfortable enough, certainly by Asian standards though perhaps not Swiss!
But you're right, this will be a fantastic experience, far better than cramped bus seats on dangerous roads, or an internal flight that would show you nothing, and would be one big cop-out. Go for it!
12
Oh, have a look at the photos on http://www.seat61.com/Burma.htm , at the bottom you'll see some actual photos of real Burmese sleepers in service, taken on our trip, you can see they're pretty comfy and clean.I think the sleepers on the Rangoon-Bagan train are regular sleepers with 2 and 4 berth compartments and a side corridor, not the odd 'special' sleepers.
14
This is where I agree/disagree with Monty! I got a sleeper, and it was quite nice, although I would have liked the windows to have opened and the AC turned down! Ha! But the train does rock back and forth on the narrow gauge tracks continuously, for 14 hours! If you are prone to motion sickness, I might take some precautions. But if you like trains, and I do, I would definately go! Just stay away from the chicken and rice.......ADVERTISEMENT
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