Myanmar

Yangon by Rail: Circle Line Journey

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day tour

Tour Level: Moderate

Tour Comfort: Budget

Tour Period: Morning / Afternoon

4 hours German, Russian, Spanish, English, French Yangon

tour highlights

Interact with friendly locals on the train
Catch a rare glimpse of the daily routine of Yangon's suburbanites
Make friends with fellow travellers
See a fascinating side of Yangon that you simply can't access any other way

tour details

Get an authentic Yangon experience as you travel around the Circle Line, a route used by 15,000 to 20,000 people every day. The Line will take you on a loop around the city, and will likely be filled with a mixture of travellers and locals, many laden with produce to sell at the market. Be prepared to chat with strangers throughout your journey, as both locals and visitors exhibit a level of openness rarely found in the West. It’s not at all uncommon to be forced to stand in order to make room for a farmer’s bag of vegetables as well. At each station, the train will offer you a different glimpse of daily life in Yangon and its surrounding suburbs. You’ll end your journey with a much more accurate picture of what living in Yangon is like for its average residents.

Why choose this tour?

Best way to see a slice of local life on a train carriage and experience of shaky and bumpy ride on board
Mingling with locals to see how the sellers and travellers enjoying their circular train journey

tour description

Drive to Thamaing railway station where you will take train ride on the Circle Line (the Left or northbound route from Thamaing to Bauk Htaw Station). Opened in 1961, the train carries hundreds of people daily in a loop around the city. This is like the way the locals live it - a unique, fun and authentic experience. While waiting for the train, you can stroll around the interesting local market nearby to see the bustling local daily market scene.
Then, make sure you take the old non-air-conditioned coach (and not the tourist coach). Be prepared to be thrown into the midst of local life, chat to curious travellers and maybe stand for some of the 1'bd hours journey, with priority given to sacks of vegetables heading to local markets. As the journey passes from station to station you have a great opportunity to observe the life of Yangon suburbanites. Get off at Bauk Htaw Station and continue your journey with your car.

customise the tour

Combine with half day Yangon excursion
Unlimited photo opportunity during the tour

includes

Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Transfer from/to hotel
Train ticket (non-air-conditioned train)
English speaking local tour guide (other language guides are available on request)
Filtered drinking water and wet towels during the tour

excludes

Meals

notes

Please note there will be supplement during the water festival period from 13-17 April. Price to be advised on request.

Duration (approximate):
4 hours (including 1½ hours train ride)

Tour code: EXYHYBRB