SCENIC Gokteik Viaduct Train: Mandalay to Lashio (Myanmar) Journey
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- 👀Watch this EPIC rickety train ride 🚂 going over the AMAZING 100m high Gokteik Viaduct Bridge 😱, encountering authentic local life and beautiful scenery along the way. Starting at 4am in Mandalay, I travel all the way through the mountains to the Lashio near the China border.
As part of my December 2018 adventure in Myanmar (one of THE most fascinating countries you'll ever visit btw), I decided to skip the touristy Inle Lake and get myself off the beaten track to Lashio. The Gokteik Viaduct is somewhat known, but few others take the train the entire way from Mandalay to Lashio because it is such a long journey. Most tourists would only ride up to Hsipaw (just beyond the Gokteik Bridge), or even just go from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw.
It was certainly worth going the extra distance (even if my sore bum didn't agree at the time) since some of the scenery past Hsipaw were even more beautiful and authentic than the earlier parts.
Snacks and food were aplenty during the way as well, and the vendors roaming with their goodies-filled baskets were as iconic as the Gokteik bridge and much tastier.
Check out more details (including timetable, logistics, tips) my blog: www.xennialtra...
Ha ha if I tried to carry those snacks on my head - disaster!! Lol I loved this train journey- loved it so much! Great video - you have a new subscriber 😉💪
I was struggling to even walk down the train without carrying anything! Crazy skillz... It was a super fun train ride, so I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for subscribing and maybe we can go on an adventure together sometime! 😀
Thanks for video. I hope you have had good time at our country.
The best time!!! I'm so so sorry to know of what's happening in Myanmar now. My thoughts are with you all 🙏
@@XennialTraveller thank you
This is an excellent video mate
Thanks man!
Beautiful journey
What an great adventure. My stomach turned when the train went over the bridge and you panned down lol. Worthwhile idea to travel there.
Haha, I was being very very careful to grip my camera/gimbal in one hand and the window frame with the other. Like honestly, the closest thing to that feeling/view was when I went bungy jumping at the Nevis in Queenstown, New Zealand. Happy to have stay put though 😉
Wow...impressive, carrying that tray of food on her head on a moving train, what??? Such beautiful bridge views. Was it hot on the train? Haha, you really had to hunt down those snacks. Step carefully between train cars...goodness. Bummer of a snack choice ;p What a full day, sunrise, sunset, and local life in between.
I know right - crazy skills. When I went for a wander on the moving train I could barely balance myself haha. Nah, with the windows open it was generally really pleasant on the train, plus we were up in the hill. Actually, it was a bit chilly when nightfall came. I really want to have those samosas again - they were YUM!! Thanks for watching :D
Love from Lashio! ❤️
Ohhh no! I am homesick😭
Are you in HK now or Lashio? :)
I study in Hongkong now but I am from Lashio
@@ThisIsKK Ah nice. I really enjoyed travelling in Myanmar. Hope the situation there is ok. HK isn't too bad right?
wow the country is very raw. The best way to see the country is to do the local public transport! And the bridge... holy cow...
Yeah, raw is a good way to describe Myanmar. Which makes it really exciting to travel in. What would you say is the most 'raw' place you've ever travelled to?
@@XennialTraveller I would say some rural part of Cambodia & China. I have not been to India yet, but I heard it has that Raw feel.
It is kinda hard travelling with kids to those places. So I usually to choice places have more kid friendly activities and better infrastructures.
How do you make a decision on where to go?
@@davyc3 Ahah, I'm 'lucky' that I don't have kids I guess. And India is definitely on my list.
Deciding where to go is a mix of I just so happen to hear of somewhere and it's on my list to consider, or I'm actively searching for more unusual places and experiences. Now that I've started vlogging, I do sometimes search here on TH-cam and judge by the amount of videos about a place on here (i.e. if there are tons of videos already, then it's hardly 'off the beaten path', whatever some of us vloggers might say).
What about you? How do you decide?
@@XennialTraveller Yes, do as much travelling as you can before you decide to have any kids!
That's a great way to determine where to go by looking at youtube! Great tip, thank you!
I usually have a list of places I like to go for 2 years in advance. Look for opportunities when I can get away with kids, then book our flights. :D
Just Subscribed! Looking forward to exchanging some tips for future travel.
@@davyc3 Also subscribed to your chan. And yeah! Let's inspire each other. Plus, if you're ever in HK (or wherever in the world I am), then give me a shout!
Beautiful, scenic train ride. Well decorated video, hoping to see more in the near future. Good work **new**
Thanks! Definitely more coming up. Thanks for watching...
Amazing video and great vlog. Liked and subbed.
This train looks like it's about to break down any day. Wow. The views are amazing for sure but I would be a bit afraid to ride across that bridge! What a journey tho... How much does a 14-hour train ride cost there?
The bridge was built in 1901, so I imagine the train has been going since then! Well, at least it kinda feels like the original haha. And yeah, I thought I was used to trains rocking around from the ones I encountered growing up in Malaysia, but this one is a whole different level. They literally bounce up and down as well as swaying (actually more violent than swaying side-to-side). Hmmm, I think I paid about US$10 for my ticket, but that was including the various agent fees and delivery of ticket to my hotel. I think the actual cost of the ticket is around US$5 or less for the Upper Class seats. Have you taken any crazy train trips like this?
Such a long trip, i want to experience to ride that kind of train It looks same in the cinematic movies and the views from the bridge looks amazing!
It really was a beautiful, authentic experience. These things need to be enjoyed before they all change and 'modernise'.
Traveling by train is always the best, you get to see so much of the country! Nice video!
Oooh that was awesome. That viaduct....! Very high indeed. Loved the organised chaos at each station. I so enjoyed watching. Great music too by the way.
Thanks. Organised chaos is a great way to describe it. I love how it has this raw energy from everyone there that is not usual to find in cities, especially in the West. Music is always important to me, so if I do include it I spend ages finding the right track.
@@XennialTraveller Time well spent ( the music)
A train at 4am?! Wowie! That would have killed me off 😂 I love all the open windows on the train. Reminds me a bit of Sri Lanka but even more rugged as they don't seem to have window frames at all. So cool to see all the street vendors selling through the windows. How on earth was he carrying the plate on his head at 1:28?! Especially on a moving, wobbly train. There's some gorgeous views out the train window! I love that huge bridge at 2:07. Crazy how there's no railings though. The lunchtime food looks amazing!
4 am... and I fell asleep like 1:30 am? I was not awake in the morning when trying to find my train! "Rugged" is definitely the word. We kept worrying that someone was going to get decapitated by a falling window or shutter. Myanmar really is a whole new world! Thanks for watching :)
What a scary looking train!!!😱It was fun to watch how all sorts of life revolved around it. From the cool views over the river to people selling stuff onboard or on the platform. Cool to see another part of the world like that.
It really is one of the best train rides I've ever been on! Not scary except the part crossing the bridge - just don't lean out the window (like I did) ;) Thanks for watching.
Wow, we love this video! We haven't been to Myanmar yet but the day we will go we rewatch all your Myanmar videos. We love to travel off the beaten path and experience local daily life. 16 hours is a lot but for us, it seems absolutely worth it. The view from the train is amazing and love all the street food you can buy along the way. Btw, you really deserve to have more subscribers! We always love watching your videos!
Thank you for saying so!!! Honestly, it's a kind of my own fault because I don't have the time / focus to put out videos more regularly, but I'm going with the slow, steady, quality route for the long run. I think we chatted about Myanmar previously, and I really hope you do get to go one day! I really want to go back in the near future too. 😀
1...six...nine Im here to stay😊
Meo Negado 🙌 Enjoy your stay!
Really excited to have found your channel, looking forward to watching more of your videos! What a great journey!
Thanks so much. I see you're going places too! Maybe our adventures will cross paths someday 😀
I have subscribed because you really take us to the heart of the journey. That is one hell of a bridge, and lovely video of real people. 🎥🌈❤️
Thank you so much! That really is what I aim to do with my vlogs and videos, so I'm really happy to hear that that's how they come across. 😃 If you ever have the chance - do visit Myanmar, it really is a fascinating country full of adventures.
I love such train journeys. It might be tiring but adventurous
Great video matt! Exciting train trip! Amazing culture with the locals!
Thanks! It was a really interesting and fun train ride. Going off the beaten 'track' ;)
wow that train looks so diffrent form the ones i know. It made me realise that the world has so many diffrent places. Really made me wanna explore asia a bit more to open up my mind a bit more to all the diffrent places in the world.
I'd rate it as one of the best train rides I've ever done! Where in Asia have you been to?
wow nice
Thank you :)
Gotcha back with a sub! Great adventure and love these adventures!!
Thank you.... Offbeat adventures are the best! ;)
❤️ Myanmar! But those snacks look suspect. 😂 is there an over night train? Can’t wait to see your MAO tour video!
amazing... traveling by train in Myanmar is one of the things I have always wanted to try... what is the station before the bridge for? is there some village or is it just for people who want to get off the train and take pictures? :D amazing video btw, you have a new sub here :)
I can totally recommend that train journey. It's definitely an experience, and a really great way to see 'authentic' real life in Myanmar. I think all the stations are there because there are small villages at each. I don't think they built it just for photos :p Thanks for watching and hope you get your wish of travelling by train in Myanmar :D
LOL, showing off by using no hands! The corn looked tasty--was it? Cute little boy making faces for the camera. What kind of leaf snack was that? How were the other snacks you got? This seems like a cool adventure! Like you said, sometimes the long & hard days make for the best kinds of adventures. We were reminded of our train ride from Bucharest to Bulgaria while watching this. What was your favorite part of the ride?
The corn was ok - from memory a bit dry. But the samosas were the best ever!! The leaf was actually betel nut wrapped in betel leaf - it's kind of a stimulant traditionally chewed in south/southeast Asia. Not my thing at all (I've tried it a couple of times before that). Mmm, I'd say my favourite part was between Pwin Oo Lwyn and just after the bridge - mostly the most popular part. But I also did enjoy late afternoon when it was mainly just us and local and the sun turned everything golden. :D
Bummer that the corn was dry...hmm, now I am thinking I want to grill some corn to eat... 😋 I don't know if we have ever heard of the betel nut/betel leaf before...how come you don't care for it? Gotcha...and golden hour with the locals sounds amazing!
@@GoTravelOnTheCheap You'll have to try some and you'll know... it's VERY bitter and a bit acidic and somewhat tannic feeling (makes your mouth numb). Then after you spit it out, it leaves your teeth all red, as if you've just been eating brains. People do it because it's a mild stimulant, not because of the taste. Imagine chewing tobacco, but even more pungent.
Gotcha. Doesn't sound worth the mild stimulant effect
Wow, this looks like such a fantastic train ride, just seeing all the delicious food and snacks you ate along the way makes it seem worth the 15 hour ride! Btw, are you sure you were supposed to eat the leaf of that leafy snack? Maybe you're supposed to unwrap it and eat whats inside? What even was inside?
The snacks were amazing. Like seriously THE BEST samosa I've ever eaten in my life (even if it was cold). And yeah, the wrapped thing was betel nut wrapped in the betel leaf thing. Basically they chew on it and it's a mild stimulant. Leaves your teeth and gums looking blood red. It's a thing throughout southeast asia - sort of an alternative to tobacco. Have you ever been on a train ride like that?
@@XennialTraveller I can imagine! The best samosas I ever had were on a trainride in Sri Lanka, which reminded me a lot of your train ride. Oh wow, I didn't know betel leaf was a stimulant - I've had it a few times in Vietnamese cuisine. Haven't heard of this type though!
@@ButtPacker I'm not sure whether it's the nut or the leaf that is more of a stimulant. Even some of the older natives in Malaysia used to do it so I think it's pretty much all over southeast asia :)
that's quite an experience.... 16 hours...would look for another mode of transpo hhahahah do you really need to eat the green leaf on the last snack you ate? we have a snack like that here in philippines but we remove the banana leaf and eat the sticky rice inside... thanks for sharing :D
As they say, it's the journey not the destination 😉 Actually I would happily do the 16 hours again. But maybe I would load up on snacks in the first half. The green leaf wrapped thing is betel nut, so I think it's different to what you describe (which we also have something similar in Malaysia). Do you guys (probably more the older generation) not chew betel nut in the Philippines?
It's amazing how similar Myanmar is similar to Nigeria with regards to the landscape, the people, and our food. I can def carry that food tray on my head, no hands, and walk for a bit without it falling off! We used to do it for fun as kids because street hawkers do it here. 15hrs though, good job man. I think my longest ride was 17hrs or so, but it started at sunset, so it was spent mostly in a restful state.
WOW - that's impressive!! You know what you need to do in your next video right? ;)
@@XennialTraveller lmao!!! hellz na!
Stuff you tried is betel nut. After chewing, it releases slowly liquid and you have to spit it out.
Myo Thant Euu Yeah, I realised that after I bit into it 😂 Still feels and tastes too weird for me. Saw other people on the train chewing on it.
I have to admit it does look an interesting place. I'll definitely consider a visit on my travels. Nice video too by the way... deserves more views! What you using to vlog out of curiosity?
Thanks man - very kind! You look like you're up for adventures and Myanmar is full of them, so definitely go (before it loses that as it is changing fast). I'm using an LX10, which does have a bunch of limitations/annoyances but I'm growing fond of it. What do you film your videos with?
@@XennialTraveller Yeah looks a great country. For the most part these days I record them on my phone, Samsung S8 but using the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal which makes a big difference
@@ChrisGouge Ah yes, I use a Zhiyun Crane-M for recording. Small cameras have awful camera shake otherwise if you're walking around. :D I'm trying to concentrate more on the story and experience rather than trying to be 'cinematic'
@@XennialTraveller Yeah I'm the same with my videos
Gokteik has the same height, half the length of Lethbridge viaduct in Canada.
That's an interesting fact, thank you! Have you been on both?
@@XennialTraveller I'm a native Shan and was born in Lashio.I've never been to Canada.I get the facts from my studies.
@@yawaihan7449 That's great! You have a fascinating country. And Shan food is great. I especially love the pickles - I couldn't stop eating those at every meal when I visited some villages near Lashio (you can see in some of the other videos I made :)
Wow! It's really a scenic train journey. How long does the train stays at the stations that people can get off and do shopping?
Depends on the station. Some of the smaller stations it's mainly people get off and other people get on (plus any loading/unloading) but some of the larger stations we stopped 20-30 minutes to get lunch and things. Super fun way to experience the country. I'd totally do it again.
What is this is the egg?
我想说的是你吃的那个是槟榔不能咽下去的....