1. The Danang – Hue – Danang section of the Reunification Express, Vietnam

No list of the most scenic rail journeys in South-East Asia can be complete without mention of our first place train – Vietnam’s reunification express. The section crossing the former demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam was re-opened in 1976 and is one of South East Asia’s most beautiful train journeys. If you don’t have the time or inclination to complete the full journey from Saigon in the south to Hanoi in the north, you can enjoy the line’s most striking scenery in under three hours by travelling between Hue and Danang or v.v. – an easy day trip from either city and the most scenic way to travel between the two tourist hot spots.

Approximately midway between the two cities lies the beautiful Hai Van Pass. Winding up from Danang along the coast into the mountainous Hai Van Pass, watch for views of mountains and jungles on one side, and empty tropical beaches lapped by aqua-green waters of the South China Sea on the other. There are up to four trains that run the route each day, meaning the journey is possible with almost anyone’s itinerary. The best views are from seats on the left-hand side of the train heading to Danang, or on the right-hand side travelling north to Hué. All trains between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with all trains between Hanoi and Danang pass by the scenic Hai Van Pass.

If you’re planning a trip to South-East Asia, be sure to include one of these scenic train journeys in your itinerary and to experience the very best scenery that the region has to offer.

2. Eastern & Oriental Express

In second place is Belmond’s luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express which showcases Southeast Asia’s spectacular scenery from lush jungles to the Malaysian highlands, undulating mountains, rural villages, age-old temples and the infamous Burma Railway and bridge over the River Kwai in opulent luxury on its two or three night journeys from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and v.v. The Eastern & Oriental Express is run by the operators of the Venice Simplon Orient Express and the opulence of E&O’s European cousin is not lacking onboard.

The lucky passengers on the Eastern & Oriental Express enjoy some of Southeast Asia’s best views from train’s dining, bar and observation cars, including the train’s famous outdoor viewing platform. When it’s time to turn in luxurious wood panelled suites await.

3. Argo Willis, Indonesia

Taking out third place is The Argo Willis which has recently been extended to include two of Asia’s great scenic railways – the line from Jakarta to Bandung winding up the steep interior of Java with spectacular views of Mount Priangan Barat and the Javanese highlands and the famous the Cikubang Bridge before continuing from Bandung to Surabaya via Yogyakarta running through an avenue of Volcanoes that line the train. Many travellers rank this gem of a journey in the most scenic trains in not just Southeast Asia, but in the world.

Whilst the full 17 hour journey of the Argo Willis runs all the (long) way between Indonesia’s two largest cities, almost all of the remarkable scenery is located between Jakarta and and Bandung, and between Bandung and Yogyakarta. The Argo Willis is often overlooked by travellers headed from the Indonesian capital to the tourist mecca of Yogyakarta with its famous pagodas due to its longer travel time than either air services or the direct Argo Dwipangga trains. This is a mistake. A journey on the Argo Willis should be a destination in its own right.

Travelling aboard an air-conditioned Argo Willis train not only saves an expensive domestic flight or hair-raising bus journey, but offers a unique and spectacular insight into Indonesia’s largest and most populous island. The Argo Willis takes 17 hours to complete its full Jakarta Surabaya run, and 11 hours to complete the journey from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Argo Willis trains carry ‘Eksekutif’ (in other words, Executive, or first class) carriages only. There are, of course, faster trains between Jakarta and Surabaya, and between Jakarta and Yogyakarta but trust us – the Argo Willis won’t disappoint. A stunning journey indeed.

4. Bangkok to the bridge on the River Kwai, Thailand

In fourth place is a ride on the Burma Thailand Death Railway which earns its spot not only due to its scenery, but its historical significance. Two trains a day leave Bangkok’s Thonburi station for the bridge on the River Kwai continuing over the Wampo Viaduct (pictured) to Nam Tok. (Note, Thonburi is located on the West side of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. It’s accessible by ferry, but is far away and not easily accessible from the main Bangkok Hualamphong Station). 

The journey to the bridge on the River Kwai is famous not just for the area’s natural beauty, but also infamous for its history. The Burma railway line was constructed by Allied prisoners of war captured by Japanese forces during World War Two. Over 60,000 Allied POW’s worked on the line. The topography was so challenging, and conditions so bad that over 12,000 perished in its construction – thus it was nicknamed the “death railway”.

Although the “death railway” originally continued to Burma, the line was abandoned beyond Nam Tok (the current terminus). Although the trains that run along the line today consist of only third-class carriages, these are clean and surprisingly comfortable with opening windows and spectacular views. A tourist-oriented train also operates a full day itinerary along the line from Hualamphong station (via the bridge) on weekends. For a luxurious option, the Belmond’s famously luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express also visits the line as far as Kanchanaburi.

Although many travellers depart the train at Kanchanaburi, River Kwai Bridge station is just a few minutes further along the track. It is just 200 metres from the bridge itself, which still comprises many of the original curved spans constructed by the prisoners in 1943. If you have time, it’s also well worth staying on board the train as it crosses the bridge and winds along the River Kwai passing the gorgeous scenery around the Wampo Viaduct, before reaching its terminus at Nam Tok.

5. Mandalay to Lashio via the Goteik Viaduct, Myanmar

Fifth on our list, and immortalised in Paul Theroux’s acclaimed travelogue The Great Railway Bazaar as ‘a monster of silver geometry in all the ragged rock and jungle’ it’s fair to say that Goteik Viaduct in Myanmar (Burma) is a stunning and unexpected sight as it appears out of the sea of trees on one of Asia’s most exotic and remote train adventures.

Located in deep jungle, the only way to see the Goteik Viaduct is from on board one of the trains running the 280 kilometres between Mandalay and Lashio. The Goteik Viaduct connects the valley between the Pyin Oo Lwin and the rugged and wild tribal regions of Shan State. On its completion in 1900, it was the largest viaduct of its type anywhere in the world at more than two-thirds of a kilometre long.

The train journey to see the Goteik Viaduct is steeped in mystery and excitement. After departing Mandalay, the train climbs up a series of zig-zag switchbacks that see the train stopping and reversing not once but twice to reach a plateau before the train arrives at Pyin Oo Lwin, the ex. British colonial summer capital. After departing Pyin Oo Lwin the train winds through picturesque countryside until reaching the Goteik Viaduct. The viaduct can be seen on the left-hand side as the trains leaves Gotiek station to pass slowly over the hundred-year-old structure. Have your cameras ready!

Trains in Myanmar – and particularly on the Lashio line – are rustic. The journey takes all day with an early start, so pack plenty of food and water for this simply amazing rail experience.

According to trainreview.com