Each morning a train departs Mandalay and travels out over the plain, up into the hills on a winding route via Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin) and Hsipaw before arriving 12 long hours later in Lashio at the northern tip of the Shan State. For train aficionados this is not to be missed, but those who are less enthusiastic will still enjoy a shorter journey from Hsipaw to Lashio.

Gokteik Viaduct

The reason most make the journey is to cross the famous Gokteik Viaduct. Spanning a deep gorge of around 300 metres, the viaduct was constructed in just nine months between 1899 & 1900 and at the time was the 2nd longest bridge in the world. At its centre the trestle tower is just over 100 metres high and the feeling as you cross is of slow moving excitement as you look down to the valley floor and can’t believe how delicate the whole structure looks. Crossing the viaduct is the highlight of this train journey but during the journey you get the chance to watch people go about their daily life, enjoy the countryside views and admire the feat of engineering. Snacks are readily available from the women who carry enormous baskets on their heads and walk up and down the train vocal in selling their wares.

Once past the Gokteik Viaduct you can continue of travel by car to the bottom of the Gokteik Valley, with commanding views of the viaduct on the way down. Travel on to Lashio or return to Hsipaw or Mandalay.

Total journey times from Mandalay:
Maymyo - 4 hrs
Hsipaw - 8 hrs
Lashio - 12 hrs