Posted by geemiz | Posted in Byahe International, Myanmar | Posted on 04-03-2017
Tags: Travel Guide
There are so many things to do in Myanmar and on top of the list is visiting the various Hindu temples and structures in the country which vary from city to city. You can go to Bagan for old brick massive temples, Mandalay for white stupas, and Yangon for the highly acclaimed ones.
Being overwhelm of the beautiful temples and stupas is normal and not to be ashamed of. Even I was engulfed of the temples in Myanmar. Good thing, my friend decided that we take a break from temple-hopping and get some fresh air 100km away northeast of Mandalay.
The Largest Railway Trestle in the World: Gokteik Viaduct
Known as Gohteik viaduct is a railway standing in Nawnghkio, western Shan State, Myanmar. It is between the towns of Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio. The Gokteik viaduct is the highest bridge in Myanmar and the largest railway trestle in the world.
The viaduct stretches 689 metres (2,260 ft) from end to end with 15 towers which span 12 metres (39 ft) along with a double tower 24 metres (79 ft) long. The 15 towers support 10 deck truss spans of 37 metres (121 ft) along with six plate girder spans 18 metres (59 ft) long and an approach span of 12 metres (39 ft). Many sources have put the height of the bridge at 250 metres (820 ft). – Source Wiki
How to go to Gokteik Viaduct?
- In Mandalay train station ask for the ticket going to Hsipaw.
- Choose between two accommodations:
- Upper Class – Fare is 3,950 Kyat. Cushioned seats with white seat covers.
- Ordinary Class – Fare is 1,700 Kyat. Wooden seats where most local ride.
- Choose between two accommodations:
- The train departs at 4:00am.
- Travel Time to Gokteik viaduct is 8 hours.
- If the train go slow motion and you see a tower railway, then that is the Gokteik Viaduct.
- Drop off at Nawnpeng Train Station. This is the first train station after Gokteik viaduct.
| Train Route | Mandalay to Hsipaw but drop at Nawnpeng Train Station |
| Cost | 3,950 Kyat |
| Departure Time | 4:00am |
| Distance | 100km |
| Travel Time | 8 hours |
What to expect on this trip?
- Long train rides.
- A beautiful rural and mountain side of Myanmar.
- Train is not sparkly clean.
- Burmese food sold on the train and train stations.
- About 5 minute viaduct crossing.
- Short tunnel before Nawnpeng train station.
How to go back to Mandalay from Gokteik viaduct
- In Nawnpeng Train Station buy a ticket to Pyin Oo Lwin
- Choose between two accommodations:
- Upper Class – Fare is 1,600 Kyat. Cushioned seats with white seat covers.
- Ordinary Class – Fare is 700 Kyat. Wooden seats where most local ride.
- Wait for the train that will depart at 12:30pm
- Travel Time to Pyin Oo Lwin is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Drop off at Pyin Oo Lwin train station. Outside the train station there are bus going to Mandalay.
- Bus fare to Mandalay is 1,500 Kyat.
- Travel time Pyin Oo Lwin to Mandalay is 2 hours.
- Choose between two accommodations:
| Train Route | Nawnpeng Train Station to Pyin Oo Lwin Train station |
| Cost | 1,600 Kyat Upper Class and 700 Kyat Ordinary Class |
| Departure Time | 12:30pm |
| Distance | |
| Travel Time | 3.5 hours |
Travel Tip
- Choose the upper class seat of the train because it is more comfortable and you may need a good rest.
- Seat at the left side on the last 3 seats of the cart to get a good photo of the viaduct and train.
- Going back to Mandalay, seat at the right side of the train to get good photo of Gokteik viaduct.
- The bus going to Mandalay is not an express bus but the truck type bus.
- If you have more time then you can ride the train straight from Nawnpeng train station to Mandalay.
- The train from Hsipaw that you will ride from Nawnpeng train station has a very long lay over at Pyin Oo Lwin and will arrive in Mandalay late at night.
- Bring food and water for the long train ride.
- Roam around Pyin Oo Lwin. Visit National Kandawgyi Park (Maymyo Botanical Garden, Anisakan Falls, Maha Ant Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda and many more.
If you travel to Myanmar make sure to experience the Gokteik viaduct train ride. You will not just see one of the greatest stunning engineering marvel of the world but you will also get to see the other side of Myanmar.
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Hi Geemiz, very helpful guide!
Is the train safe to ride though? Especially passing the bridge, that train looks ancient to me.
The train slows down in the bridge.
In my experience it is safe.
The height of the tracks look a little alarming for someone who is afraid of heights. Those views along the viaduct would make it all worth it though!
I am afraid of heights but this one is bearable. 🙂
It contains helpful information thanks for the post dear
fabulous post and photos
An interesting article and cool pics
Thanks for the detailed explanation! It is really helpful!
I’ve never even heard about this place! Great pics and thanks for the information!
Looks like such an awesome trip! Very useful tips and info! Thank you 🙂
What a cool experience! I remember taking the train a lot while in Europe. I have never been to Asia though. Thank you for the wonderful tips! And I love the Go Pro photo you took!!
Thank you for sharing! I haven’t heard of it until i come across this post. Im glad you shared 🙂
Crossing that bridge was quite of an adventure though. Parang nakakatakot hahaha. Thanks for sharing this, kasi hindi ko ito alam. Never ko pa na-visit ang Myanmar. 😉
Include this when you visit Myanmar in the future.
I’ve actually read a few tripadvisor reviews about this bridge and they were talking about some people taking selfies on the bridge.
Anyway, thanks for this guide! If I ever get the chance to visit and see this place, I’ll make sure to try this magnificent old train!
Travelers, Tourist, and even locals take photos and videos of this train ride experience when reaching Goktiek Viaduct. it is one of a kind for me.
I’d like to try that long train rides! very nice post Mam! 🙂
That’s definitely different from what I expected from a train in Myanmar. I have to say it looks very nice! Can imagine how beautiful the views are during these 8 hours…
The view is spectacular and the train is really fine.
The Gokteik Viaduct is such a great sight to see. I can understand how you were overwhelmed by seeing all the temples as I can get overwhelmed seeing similar sights. It’s good to mix things up.
My parents are actually visiting Myanmar soon, so I’ll be sure to suggest this to them! 😉
Hope you could come with them. It would be really fun.
I just love trains and everything that surrounds them. This looks like an awesome journey to make and that viaduct crossing would be such an experience.
Have you ever tried tracing the old rail tracks in Cebu?
Hi, Dave. The viaduct crossing was indeed an experience for the book.
I have not tried tracing the old rail tracks in Cebu, but if you will do I would love to come along.
Fun fact, I live where the last old Cebu train station of the north is situated.
I like how detailed this post is. Very helpful especially about the transportation. I’ve never thought of visiting Myanmar before, but now I might in the future. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Gracie. Myanmar is a really beautiful and interesting place. I hope you can visit soon.
The bridge trip looks breath-taking! I love taking train trips wherever I go, they always have so much character, and very often amazingly beautiful routes.
I agree with you, Ana. I love long trips and this by far is the longest train ride I had.
Thanks for the details.
i’m gonna follow what you did since this is farmost the latest reviews i saw online
You’re welcome, Rizza. Share your experience with us after our visit.
Thanks for your very helpful travel guide of Gokteik Viaduct and Pyin Oo Lwin. I’ll be in Mandalay this February and before I proceed to Nay Pyi Taw for a conference I will be going to the Shan State first to visit the viaduct and will also try to see and experience the horse carriage in Pyin Oo Lwin. So, it is possible to have this two activities in one day? And the idea is just to alight at Nawnpeng Station and ride the train going back to Pyin Oo Lwin which is expected to arrive at around 4:00 p.m.? Thanks in advance..
Hi Chris
I suggest that you stay overnight at Pyin Oo Lwin after Gokteik Viaduct. But you also have the option to rent a truck by yourself or if there are others after your activity in Pyin Oo Lwin. The truck we rode is the last trip that day.
Do you know, when is the last bus from Pyin OO Lwin railway station leave for Mandalay. Hope there are more than one bus.
Thanks
Than Hla
Hi Than
The bus/truck we ride on was the last trip it was 4:00 pm.