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Recently, CN Traveller published a list of the 10 most beautiful railway journeys in the world. This list was compiled from the book "Around the World in 80 Trains" by author Monisha Rajesh, which includes the Hanoi-Da Nang railway line in Vietnam.
According to CN Traveller, the journey of the Thong Nhat train along the length of Vietnam is incredibly interesting, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, the Hanoi-Da Nang leg allows passengers to observe the daily life of the local people, passing through quiet residential areas at night, majestic mountains, and admiring Lang Co Bay with its long stretches of golden sand before arriving at Da Nang station.
Besides the Hanoi-Da Nang railway line mentioned, CN Traveller also introduces some incredibly beautiful railway journeys around the world.
Journey from Tokyo to Osaka, Japan
The 515 km journey from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen bullet train, which passes over Mount Fuji, began in 1964. Although many other high-speed transportation options now offer time-saving choices for tourists and Japanese people, the experience of riding the Shinkansen over Mount Fuji is still considered unparalleled. Passengers on board can enjoy regional-style ekiben (bento) meals with seasonal ingredients.
The journey from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Beijing, China.
The Trans-Mongolian Railway, running from Moscow, Russia to Beijing, boasts stunning natural scenery, especially the final stretch from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Beijing, China. The landscape features arid red earths with steep hills stretching to the horizon. As night falls, passengers can witness the shimmering lights of lakes and rivers winding toward the tracks, the land glowing a vibrant orange.
The following morning, upon waking in China, passengers will see the Great Wall of China winding in the distance as the train continues its journey through the steep valleys.
The journey from Cannes, France to Ventimiglia, Italy
Embracing the curves of the sparkling Ligurian Sea, the double-decker train from France to Italy carries passengers through sun-drenched towns and villages where bougainvillea cascades down the walls of pink and yellow apartment buildings. Stopping in Nice and Monaco, the train takes passengers on a tour of yachts bobbing on the bay, teenagers playing beach volleyball, and Lamborghinis roaring along the streets, before arriving at its Italian station.
The journey from New Orleans to Los Angeles
Sunset Limited is the oldest named cruise ship in America. From New Orleans to Los Angeles, the less than two-day journey takes you across the Deep South, past the Louisiana Gulf, the cacti of New Mexico, and the deep red sunsets over Arizona. The trip is considered a meeting point for a segment of American society, from musicians and teachers to retirees, farmers, and carpenters.
The journey from Venice, Italy to London, England
The Orient Express is perhaps the most famous train in the world and one of the best in Europe. Passengers can immerse themselves in the old-world romance of rail travel on classic carriages while enjoying lunch as the train cruises through the Italian Dolomites and gazes at the Swiss Alps sweeping past the windows.
Passengers can also relax in the bar where a pianist plays Moon River, before returning to bed and drifting off to sleep as the train travels through the night.
Journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Now known as the 'Death Railway', this is a beautiful yet gloomy journey that passengers can still experience along a stretch of Bangkok, from Thonburi Station to Nam Tok Station in Kanchanaburi. Departing twice a day, the train heads west, passing through dense forests, the famous bridge over the River Kwai, along rows of ancient trees and tiny, brightly colored stations. Along the way, you'll encounter street vendors selling items like hot noodles, fish cakes, and coffee on the tracks.
The journey from Qinghai to Tibet, China
The railway line connecting Xining, Qinghai with Lhasa in Tibet, China, is the world's highest railway, reaching an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level. Waking up to the whistling sound of oxygen being pumped into the carriage, passengers will be treated to panoramic views of the deep blue sky blending with the golden plateau, punctuated by the sparkling light reflected from the lakes surrounding the plateau. As the train ascends further, the air thins and water vapor turns into ice.
On the road down to Lhasa, the terrain presents long, sloping hills, below which nomadic tents and Lungta prayer flags flutter in the wind.
The journey from Mumbai to Margao, India
The Mandovi Express train takes less than 12 hours to take travelers to the Konkan coast, where the sparkling Arabian Sea is on one side and the beautiful Sahyadri hills on the other. Departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai around 7 am, the train travels through the metropolis and heads towards the countryside.
On its journey down to Goa, the train is surrounded by stunning scenery of coconut and palm groves and crosses over 2,000 bridges, including India's highest viaduct.
The journey from Jasper to Prince Rupert, Canada
The Skeena (also known as the Rupert Rocket) cruise ship, departing from Jasper National Park in Alberta, ventures deep into the nooks and crannies of British Columbia, places few Canadians have ever visited.
Departing three days a week, the train travels northwest, passing the snow-capped Mount Robson, the highest peak in Canada's Rocky Mountains. Then, it runs along the edge of tranquil blue lakes under bright sunshine, and passengers may spot black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and bald eagles...
