Best Train Journeys Around the World in Sha Tin, Hong Kong
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
A epic journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through the vast expanse of Siberia and offering stunning landscapes and cultural experiences.
- Length: Covers a distance of approximately 9,289 km, making it the longest railway in the world.
- Cultural Diversity: Travellers can witness the diverse cultures and landscapes of Russia from European Russia to Siberia and the Far East.
- Duration: Typically takes seven days, offering ample time to enjoy the journey.
2. Scenic Express (Hong Kong - Guilin)
A picturesque train ride from Hong Kong to Guilin in China, passing through lush green hills and rice paddies.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the karst landscapes, rice terraces, and bamboo groves.
- Crossing the Border: Includes a border crossing between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
- Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and tradition along the way.
3. Trans-Mongolian Railway
A thrilling journey from Moscow to Beijing, traversing Siberia and Mongolia with breathtaking landscapes and nomadic culture.
- Nomadic Culture: Allows travellers to witness the traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle.
- Length of Journey: Covering a distance of about 6,802 km, it is one of the longest railways in the world.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Passes through vast expanses of taiga forest, steppe, and the Altai Mountains.
4. Japan's Shinkansen
A high-speed train ride through Japan, showcasing the country's modernity and natural beauty.
- High-Speed Travel: Offers fast travel between major cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Modernity and Tradition: Allows travellers to experience both modern Japanese cities and traditional culture.
- Reliability: Known for its exceptional punctuality and safety, making travel stress-free.
5. Bernina Express (Switzerland)
A scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps, featuring glaciers, mountain passes, and charming villages.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Historic Significance: Runs along a route that has been in operation since the early 20th century.
- Biodiversity: Travels through a diverse range of habitats, including alpine meadows and forests.
6. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
A luxurious train ride from London to Venice or other European cities, offering a taste of the Golden Age of travel.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a high-end travel experience with fine dining and elegant accommodations.
- Golden Age Atmosphere: Recreates the atmosphere of the Golden Age of travel, including Art Deco interiors.
- European Cities: Allows travellers to visit iconic European cities such as London, Paris, and Venice.
7. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
A train journey through the Canadian Rockies, featuring stunning mountain landscapes and wildlife sightings.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and its various landscapes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles.
- Crossing the Continental Divide: Travels across the Continental Divide, showcasing the geographical diversity of Canada.
8. The Ghan (Australia)
A train ride from Darwin to Adelaide, passing through the Outback and offering a glimpse into Australia's pioneering spirit.
- Outback Experience: Allows travellers to explore the vast and remote Australian Outback.
- Cultural Diversity: Provides insights into Aboriginal culture, as well as European settlement history.
- Diverse Landscapes: Travels through a variety of landscapes, including tropical savannah and desert.
9. Tsingling Gezokou Railway (China)
A challenging train journey through the Tsingling Mountains in China, featuring narrow-gauge rails and steep gradients.
- Engineering Marvel: Showcases impressive engineering feats to overcome the mountainous terrain.
- Remote Beauty: Travels through remote and beautiful areas of the Tsingling Mountains.
- Adventure: Offers an exciting and unforgettable train journey experience.
10. Rovos Rail (South Africa)
A luxurious train ride through South Africa, showcasing the country's history and wildlife.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a high-end travel experience with fine dining and elegant accommodations.
- Historical Significance: Allows travellers to learn about South African history, including the apartheid era.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos.
11. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
A scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps, featuring glaciers, mountain passes, and charming villages.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Historic Significance: Runs along a route that has been in operation since the early 20th century.
- Biodiversity: Travels through a diverse range of habitats, including alpine meadows and forests.
12. Sapphire Train (Thailand)
A train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, passing through lush jungles and hill tribes.
- Cultural Experiences: Allows travellers to learn about the culture of Thailand's hill tribes.
- Natural Beauty: Travels through lush jungles and offers views of Thailand's rural landscapes.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable accommodations and dining facilities for a pleasant journey.
13. El Transcantábrico (Spain)
A luxury train ride through the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain, featuring stunning coastal and mountain scenery.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a high-end travel experience with fine dining and elegant accommodations.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers stunning views of Spain's Atlantic coastline and the Cantabrian Sea.
- Historic Significance: Travels through areas rich in history, including Roman and medieval sites.
14. Palace on Wheels (India)
A luxurious train ride through India's Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambore), featuring palatial accommodations and cultural experiences.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a high-end travel experience with opulent interiors and world-class dining.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travellers to immerse themselves in India's rich history, culture, and tradition.
- Iconic Landmarks: Visits iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the forts of Jaipur.
15. The Sunset Limited (USA)
A train ride from Los Angeles to New Orleans, passing through the diverse landscapes and cultures of the American Southwest and Deep South.
- Cultural Diversity: Travels through areas showcasing the cultural diversity of the American Southwest and Deep South.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastal regions.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in history, including the route of the Old Spanish Trail and Civil Rights Movement landmarks.