I've read on seat61.com that there is a great sleeper train from Yangon to Mandalay, where you get a private carriage for 4 people. However, my friend thinks she's read that this train isn't running anymore.
Can anyone tell us either way?
Thanks!

I've read on seat61.com that there is a great sleeper train from Yangon to Mandalay, where you get a private carriage for 4 people. However, my friend thinks she's read that this train isn't running anymore.
Can anyone tell us either way?
Thanks!

Train was certainly running a few months ago and I see no reason why it would have stopped.
I haven't taken this trip myself (it was booked out when I tried) but you also need to be aware that trains in Myanmar can be very bumpy with consequent lack of sleep and some people have not enjoyed this journey at all. There are some YouTube videos that can give you an idea.
Done the trip a couple of months ago and can't recommend unless you really want this very special experience.
The train is certainly running and it's not too difficult to secure a seat if you book at Yangon train station a couple of days ahead. It's now actually cheaper than the bus because you pay the local price in kyat.
BUT ,I can unfortunately promise you that you are not going to sleep at all because the combination of very old cars and equally old tracks make the trip extremely bumpy.
That means that you will sometimes be thrown up into the air and land again on your very hard and uncomfortable bed.
I am really used to travel very rough and have done numerous daytime train rides in Myanmar but this time did I suffer from severe back pain for at least 2 days afterwards.
It's your decision. ....
The man in seat 61 has a great website but some very rosy glasses as far as trains go - he would probably even enjoy a derailment for the fun of it. Read a few blog or watch some youtube on trains, it is quite ... amazing.

I haven't done the trip between Yangon and Mandalay but I've done Mandalay to Hsipaw over the Gokteik viaduct and Thazi to Shwenyaung and I loved them both. I almost didn't do them because of all the negative things I'd read about Myanmar trains.
In the end you have to make your own mind up and live with the consequences.
I agree 100% regarding daytime trains from Mandalay/Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw/Lashio or Thazi to Kalaw /Shwenyaung .
I have done those trips several times and do highly recommend them to everyone travelling in Myanmar.
The night train from Mandalay to Yangon is unfortunately a different story. ...
I took the sleeper train from Yangon to Thazi two weeks ago and the price and departure time were still as indicated by the man in seat 61. Only one car (out of 14 or 15) is sleepers and it gets booked out pretty fast. You can book it 3 days in advance at the booking office which is not at the train station but opposite Sakura tower on Bogyoke road. Go in the morning 3 days before the intended trip, I went in the afternoon and it was too late. It's only 4 or 5 four-berth compartments plus another smaller one with only 2 berths that I actually had for myself. It's maybe a little less bumpy than the train from Thazi to Shwe Nyaung or the one from Mawlamyine to Bago, but I didn't sleep well and I got bitten by some kind of bedbugs. Still, I wouldn't have missed it, as I can resist night trains.
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