1

We've recently returned from a fantastic 4 week trip. We took the train from Thazi to Kalaw - which goes on to Shwenyaung. The train left Thazi at 5.30 am and was due in to Kalaw about 1 pm- i think it arrived about an hour late and I'm pretty sure this was the only train. I think it was about another 3 hours to Shwenyaung so you should arrive in daylight - just - though can't see any problem arriving later
The journey was absolutely beautiful - one of the (many) highlights and I would definitely recommend it
Have a great trip

2

We took the train from Thazi to Kalaw a few weeks ago. It leaves at 6am (not 5 as in the LP) - there is one train a day. our train wasw on time and took 6 hours exactly arrived in Kalaw at 12.

the trip was spectacular - but I was glad to get off at Kalaw - the section onto to Inle I did by bus. - its not the spectacular part of the trip - I'd suggest you do the section from (or to) Thazi or take the bus.

The following day I saw the train arrive at Kalaw at 11:30 - so you would need to be at the station by 11am just in case the train is early !

3

I took the Thazi-Kalaw train on 24th November. It left at 6 am and arrived at approximately 1pm.

A tip for anyone considering it: the railways are pedantic and will not sell the ticket until the morning; advising me to be there at 5 am if I wanted "upper class" which cost $5. That gives you a ''soft" seat which is permanently laid back because the mechanism is broken and is due for it's once-a-decade clean.

I enjoyed the ride, but I'm glad I didn't go in "ordinary class" :)

There are two guest houses side-by-side in Thazi. The Wonderful is basic and twice the price of the Moonlight, but three times as good. I looked at the rooms in both and happily paid more for the Wonderful.

If you decide to go direct to Nyaung Shwe by car, that cost me 35,000 kyats and takes about two hours for a reasonably scenic trip. Walk down to the Central Hotel in Kalaw where the cars congregate out the front to arrange a car.

4

I took the Thazi-Kalaw train on 24th November. It left at 6 am and arrived at approximately 1pm.

A tip for anyone considering it: the railways are pedantic and will not sell the ticket until the morning; advising me to be there at 5 am if I wanted "upper class" which cost $5. That gives you a ''soft" seat which is permanently laid back because the mechanism is broken. It is also overdue for it's once-a-decade clean.

I enjoyed the ride, but I'm glad I didn't go in "ordinary class" :)

There are two guest houses side-by-side in Thazi. The Wonderful is basic and twice the price of the Moonlight, but three times as good. I looked at the rooms in both and happily paid more for the Wonderful.

If you decide to go direct to Nyaung Shwe by car, that cost me 35,000 kyats and takes about two hours for a reasonably scenic trip. Walk down to the Central Hotel in Kalaw where the cars congregate out the front to arrange a car.

Edited by: alan_s

5

Thanks very much for the useful info. Was going to go by train for the scenery, but seeing as the best parts seem to be from Thazi to Kalaw, then will probably take the bus and get to Inle Lake earlyish to have more time there.

6

How long is the bus trip from Kalaw to Inle Lake?

7

about 2 hours - there are 2 buses the later one leaves at 7:45am - I can't recall the other one exactly - about an hour eariler - buy tickets the day before = about 2000k from memory

8

hi all, i'm planning for train journey in burma but concern on time spending. somewhere i found that most beautiful path should be Kalaw to Shwenyaung but look like everyone would take only from Thazi to Kalaw here. why? what different between this two path of train journey? pls share. tks.