1

Here in Mandalay we don't see any damage of the earthquake. The train was still running as far as we can see. We were in Inle lake when the quake hits the northern part but didn't know anything till now. Think you will be okay!

2

NO! you won't be OK lol
The track you are referring to is Sth of mandalay so not affected and anyway rather you than me it rides like an earthquake anyway Ha! Ha! after you'd wish you took the bus. I personally would take the overnight bus from Yangon and if you, must take a train ride do it from shweaung Inle junction to Kalow

3

Mmmm...yes I hear conflicting reports on whether the train is good or not. Am travelling with a 6 year old so need an on-demand toilet...was going to travel in the day so we could see stuff (rather than getting on the plane) as 6-year old won't sleep sitting anyway (unless this trip will fix him!)...

Which junction are you referring to to getting off at? Are the buses reliable (ie don't break down too often). I'm not keen on standing by a broken down bus for hours with said 6-year old!

4

Haven't been on the Yangon-Thazi train, so can't comment on that. But the train from Thazi-Kalaw, which continues to the Inle junction, was a good experience, interesting scenery through the mountains, a "zig-zag" line, and some stops at small villages along the way, where you can buy snacks. It was worth paying the bit extra to go first class, in an uncrowded carriage with comfortable but worn seats. My daughter was 9 at the time, loved Burma and enjoyed the train trip.

5

Thank you - yes that was part of my reasoning for getting the train - my son loves trains!

How did you get to Thazi then?

6

if you do the ordinary class it will put him off trains for life Ha! Ha! especially as some of the carriages in front at times seem at right angles to the one you are in and hence the squat loos have excrement all across the walls yuk! a mice family were nesting in one of the trains and mum and dad would rush around gathering the sunflower seeds that were strewn over the carriage also the dumped food for their babies. At least on the bus your son will be entertained by the karaoke and that awful soe brothers show where the fat lady sings and they all flirt and joke with her as she flashes her trailing skirts around, bringing the bus to hysterics or maybe a film or two where they all go to Chaungtha beach and romance falls apart Ha! Ha! I used to be afraid of Yorkshire & Scottish women but after these films you would fear marrying a Burmese woman lol and at 4 in the morning you are woken up with 1 hrs Bhuddist Monk chanting his Tantra.
keep the train rides short and every kid falls asleep in the car /bus he'll sleep more soundly on the bus than you lol it is also a lot shorter journey as the trains in Burma are far removed from EU and Japanese 150kmph equivalent and trundle around like a broken funfair ride at about 20kmph you will see ! take the bus and report back your impressions of both also where you stayed and the cost B&B

7

By hired car. Back in 2007 it was less than $50 a day. We drove to Thazi, caught the train from there, the driver collected us at Kalaw.

8

Some photos of the Thazi - Kalaw train and local stations in this set.