Trains are no longer just about getting from point A to point B – they’ve become journeys in themselves. Beyond the cushy seats and on-board entertainment, it’s often the scenery rolling past your window that defines the experience. Travel platform Agoda has pulled together a shortlist of Asia’s most scenic train journeys, each offering views that make the longer travel times more than worthwhile.
It’s a compact list of just five services, but every one is a standout. Topping it is India’s Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s also known as the Toy Train. Running through tea gardens and the mountain landscapes between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, this train journey offers breathtaking glimpses of the Eastern Himalayas.
Second on the list is Japan’s Sagano Romantic Train – hardly surprising, given the country’s numerous rail services. What sets this one apart is its open-air carriages, which let you soak in the forests and valleys of Kyoto on a short yet stunning 25-minute ride.
Indonesia’s Argo Wilis Train also gets recognition on the list. Connecting Surabaya and Bandung, the journey treats passengers to views of volcanic peaks and rice paddies, with giant side and ceiling windows providing sweeping panoramas.
The ultra-luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express comes next. Winding through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, it combines lush rainforest vistas with plush amenities – including a Dior Spa wellness cabin. Read our full experience here.
Rounding off the list is Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway, a perennial tourist favourite. Despite the crowds, the route between Chiayi and Alishan remains irresistible, thanks to its dramatic views of mountain passes and dense forests.
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