Enchanting Rail Journeys in Asia

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted family reunions and the much-anticipated #teamKlook trips. While many temporarily pack their travel passion into a compartment of 2019 memories, some wanderlust enthusiasts are ready to completely transform their travel style.

According to the 2021 Global Travel Trends survey of over 8,000 travelers worldwide by American Express, 68% express interest in more sustainable travel; 78% say they are seeking travel experiences to relieve stress; and 61% indicate a desire for slower and longer trips than before.

A long train journey might be the 'universal ticket' for those anticipating an Asian adventure in 2022. From winding paths up treacherous mountains in central Taiwan to the opulent Rajasthan experience reserved for India's elite,  Asia's dreamy rail routes offer a splendid opportunity to sightsee, relax, experience culture, indulge in cuisine, and connect with those who matter. 

#teamKlook surely has heard of the Thong Nhat train route in Vietnam - connecting the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Despite passing through poetic landscapes like the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, and endless rice fields, convenience and luxury remain unfamiliar concepts on the 30-hour journey of the Thong Nhat train. 

If you're seeking a more comfortable rail experience, The Vietage is the perfect choice, priced around 350USD/person/way (about 8,000,000VND). Launched in 2020 by Anantara Hotels, The Vietage accommodates no more than 12 passengers, spanning about 6 hours, traveling between Da Nang and Quy Nhon. Onboard, jade stone tables, flowing curtains, and private stalls evoke the romance of classic train travel. You can immerse yourself in the scenery of peaceful villages, with grazing buffalo in the fields, glimpses of distant villages, and golden rice fields under the vibrant sun.

#teamKlook might have heard of the Orient Express - a romantic long-distance rail journey between Paris and Istanbul (though different routes) running from 1883 to 2009. After the discontinuation of this rail service, the Belmond hotel group acquired the train cars and created a similarly named romantic rail adventure. 

In Asia, travelers can indulge in nostalgic charm on the Belmond Eastern and Oriental Express, a four-day journey between Bangkok and Singapore with stops at River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, and Kuala Lumpur.

The train provides a hotel-on-wheels feel with premium dining experiences, panoramic windows, beautiful cherry wood partitions, and silk embroideries from Malaysia. The observation area at the rear of the train is also a highlight. At teak tables, #teamKlook can enjoy a top-notch cocktail on plush seats while marveling at the picturesque scenery unfolding before their eyes. 

Day by day, the journey unfolds numerous cultural experiences. Passengers can admire Peranakan architecture in George Town; later, take photos or bike through the Thai rice fields. Breakfast in bed, afternoon tea, time for cocktails and live music, or a four-course dinner—all reminiscent of the romance and luxury of the original Orient Express.

The railway journey has long been a highlight of Taiwanese tourism, where a harmonious blend of mountains, forests, and the sea exists. One of Taiwan's most beautiful rail routes is the Alishan Forest Railway. Originally used for timber extraction, this route was revitalized as a tourist experience in 1933. 

The Alishan Forest Railway departs from the city of Gia Nghia in central Taiwan to the Alishan mountain region, continuing to the Chushan station. In the three-hour journey, passengers will pass through over 50 tunnels, 75 bridges, and admire various hidden gems, from rivers and waterfalls to dense bamboo forests and misty mountain peaks. With winding paths, impressive slopes, Alishan Forest Railway is a favorite choice for railway enthusiasts, offering an experience similar to trekking to observation decks, visiting oolong tea plantations, or lakeside camping.

Rail travel is an essential 'spice' when exploring Japan. If you're seeking beautiful scenery and near-absolute comfort, then the Seven Stars is undoubtedly an excellent candidate. 

Differing from Japan's famous high-speed trains, Seven Stars moves at a slower pace, gently traversing seven districts of Kyushu, allowing passengers to gaze at the impressive landscapes of mountains and oceans in tranquility.

With a four-day itinerary, travelers will leisurely soak in hot springs in Beppu, experience traditional Japanese-style inns (five-star standards), explore local crafts in Oita city, and much more. 

This wine-red train journey accommodates a maximum of 26 people per trip, with 12 sets of rooms across 5 carriages. The aesthetic appeal of each carriage varies, subject to each passenger's perception. Some find them classic, while others appreciate the romance—undeniably enchanted by the panoramic views from the cabins. True to Japanese style, the train plays the role of a living art and craft museum. Travelers will be surrounded by beauty and details, from exquisite kumiko woodwork to aritayaki, the art of Japanese pottery.

The Sri Lanka Main Line connects the ancient kingdom of Kandy to Ella, a mountain village in the south (a.k.a a must-visit destination for every traveler). It's the perfect railway journey for #teamKlook seeking novelty and a bit of 'chaos.' 

The first-class compartment on the air-conditioned train features large windows welcoming bright sunlight, allowing passengers to enjoy sweeping views of rolling hills, stone bridges, dense forests, and vast plantations.

Second and third-class compartments will be more crowded as there are no assigned seats. But it's in these cabins that travelers can stretch their legs out of the open door or lean their heads out the window to feel the breeze through their hair. 

Along the journey, you can buy samosas, baked sweets, and tea from street vendors. The trip lasts from seven to nine hours, and ticket prices range from $0.80 to $20 (equivalent to 20,000đ to 500,000đ), depending on the fare class: overall, it's an unforgettable day-long experience.

Few train journeys can compare to the Palace On Wheels, traversing most of the northern states of India. Palace On Wheels debuted in 1982, owning many private carriages formerly used by the royal Rajasthan; post-independence, it was refurbished in 2009. 

With a total of 14 train cars - 2 dedicated to dining, 1 spa, 1 bar, and a luxurious common lounge area - each carriage is named after a former Rajputana state. Riding this train, passengers can expect silk carpets, glossy high-quality wooden interiors, intricately detailed craftsmanship, and silverware. 

Not to mention royal details like chandeliers, oil paintings, exquisite silverware or finely embroidered silver. Most cabins have 2 single beds, except for the Super Deluxe Cabins, equipped with a Queen-sized bed.

Running from September to April each year, Palace On Wheels' journey spans 8 days starting in the capital city, Delhi, before heading to the Northwest of India, featuring historic forts, palaces, markets, UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites, and vast national parks. Stops in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and beyond ensure #teamKlook has time to explore the region's history and heritage.

Palace On Wheels has been temporarily halted since March 2020 due to COVID-19 but is expected to undergo refurbishment in May 2022 and resume regular operations in September 2022.

Train travel is a 'must-have' experience for every travel enthusiast. Less bustling than road trips or as swift as air travel, a train journey possesses a romantic allure that you can truly feel only when you experience it yourself. 

#teamKlook, don't forget, you can book various railway transfer services at many locations worldwide right on Klook Vietnam. Also, make sure to visit the Klook Vietnam Blog for additional travel tips and hacks. 

Have you selected your preferred Asian train experience? 

Article source: CNN Travel