Myanmar has an extensive rail network, but trains are slow and often delayed, making buses both cheaper and faster. Four to five hours behind schedule on the Yangon-Mandalay run for an express train is pretty standard. Still, a journey on a train is a great way to see the country and meet people.

The rail journey from Mandalay, up switchbacks and hairpin bends to Pwin Oo Lwin, and then across the mountains and the famous bridge at Gokteik, is one of the great railway journeys of the world.

In early 1939, when the Japanese forces gained control over entire South East Asia, they took initiative for building railway link between Thailand and Burma. Their sole intention was to use the railway as supply line for transporting army and war equipments to the Burmese front with the secret motive of invading India.

Click here for the notorious Burma Railway

Trains in lower Myanmar (Yangon - Pathein and Yangon - Moulmein) pass through small communities which have hawkers who sell everything imaginable. Sleepers are available on many overnight express trains. Food service is available on the express up and the express down between Yangon and Mandalay as well as on the Yangon - Moulmein run.

• Principal rail route in Myanmar: Yangon to Mandalay (travel time 12-14 hours)
• The Government railways have 4300km (2700 miles) of track covering most parts of Myanmar.
• First Class facility is provided. Sleeping berths are available for night journey.
• Presently, there are 9009 large and small railroad bridges in Myanmar
• The Railways have 739 railway stations. They have upgraded Yangon Railway Station and built the new international level Mandalay Railway Station.
• The Railways transports 3.55 million tons of freight each year