Yangon by Circular Train: Life Along the Loop
4.5
Yangon by Circular Train: Life Along the Loop
By Yangon Urban Adventures
About
Exploring Yangon without a guide may mean skimming the city’s surface—missing out on its key places, way of life, and off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods. Delve deeper on a small-group tour that takes you on Yangon’s circular train line, with a guide to explain local life and culture. Pass through often-overlooked districts, stop to visit a local market, savor lunch at a Burmese restaurant, and disembark downtown to see St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Ages 6-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Ride Yangon’s circular train line on a revealing small-group tour
- Feel the city’s pulse rather than just sightsee, with a guide for insight
- See off-radar districts, visit a market, and view St. Mary’s Cathedral
- Capped at 12 for personalized experience, with local lunch included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Train fare
- Lunch with tea or coffee
- Entrance fee of St.Mary Cathedral
- Entry/Admission - Yangon Circular Train
- Entry/Admission - Yangon (Rangoon)
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Start:
- Independence Monument, Q5F5+6QX, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)At Independence Monument In Maha Bandula Park, Downtown Yangon
End:- Yangon Central Railway Station, Kun Chan Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)Yangon Central Railway Station (Kunchan Road) in Downtown Yangon
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5060MYUB- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Dress in Myanmar is conservative, so lightweight, long-sleeved clothing is appropriate. Skirts, dresses, and shorts should be knee-length or lower. Wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather before you leave
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a raincoat if necessary
- For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
- Most travelers can participate
- Effective Sept 1, 2021, travelers 18+ must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Children 6-17 must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or lateral flow) conducted maximum 72 hours prior, proof of recovery dated up to 9 months or proof of vaccination. View full policy on our website.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5060MYUB
Itinerary
- You'll start atIndependence MonumentQ5F5+6QX, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)At Independence Monument In Maha Bandula Park, Downtown YangonSee address & details
- 1Yangon Circular TrainStop: 3 hours - Admission includedSee details
- 2Da Nyin Gone MarketStop: 45 minutesSee details
- 3St. Mary's CathedralStop: 30 minutes - Admission includedSee details
- You'll end atYangon Central Railway StationKun Chan Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)Yangon Central Railway Station (Kunchan Road) in Downtown YangonSee address & details
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Taytaypuff0 contributionsGreat Tour!Had a great time on the tour. I lucked out and it ended up just being me on the tour. Myo was great! Very informational and got a true local experience with him as my guide. The driver (I forgot his name) was so nice and genuine too! Would recommend 10/10!!Written January 9, 2020
- mac89150 contributionsStreet food tourThis was a bit of both looking around the night markets and food stalls as well as a city tour. The guide (sorry I forgot your name) met us in Independence Square and explained to us the surrounding buildings and the history behind them before taking us through a food market, he pointed out the types of food here before taking us to a local restaurant to sample some local dishes, these were all very nice but the coconut curry was the best! After an hour or so we moved on to the night market and on the way we were informed by our guide of the history that was surrounding us. We walked through the night market, no food here, before moving on through the Indian and Chinese parts of the city. We then had a BBQ and a beer and a good talk about food and Yangon. All in all it was a fantastic night and I highly recomend this trip.Written January 8, 2020
- heidisally0 contributionsGreat introThis was a really good way to start a trip here alone in Yangon. Got an overview of local food as well as how to walk the city using the grid system, the food was more than enough to eat and nice to have a beer at the end. Guide Myat was very nice and helpful. I tried some food I probably would not have given a go and walked through the food markets gave a new perspective.Written December 20, 2019
- shivangi s0 contributionsthe trip never happenedif possible i would have rated them zero bcoz its been an hour & v r waiting at independence monument but there is no one to attend us. these urban adventure people dont pick up d call that v made to their office and dont even bother to give us a call on our local numbers which.v hv mailed them yesterday. They unprofessional and irresponsible. dont ever plan a trip with themWritten November 16, 2019
- conqueringexplorer0 contributionsThey cancelled and I’m still being chargedI booked two tours through this company. The Circular train on the 10th and this for the 11th. They told me through my guide on 10th that because of festival on 11th they couldn’t find a guide. I had no time to book something else. They knew there was a festival that day it happens every year. If they had any foresight they would have switched my two tours to have made them both work. BUT the bad part is They did not send a notice on TripAdvisor where I booked it, they did not send me an email. My guide told me he would email me when money re-issued but I’ve waited two days and heard nothing. Instead on TripAdvisor it says my e-ticket was accepted. I get limited service so only able to deal with this in a limited capacity. Now while trying to travel I have to contend with my credit card company.Written November 12, 2019
- Metmarthasari0 contributionsa golden trip in YangonThis trip is very recommended if you have only couple days in Myanmar. As they will take you to famous spots, you will see lots of GOLD colour during this trip haha and also learned about some culture in Yangon. Loved the story about Buddhism too. Peter (the tour guide) was so friendly, attentive and communicative during this trip and a credit also to his reliable driver. They both done the great job and i feel so safe specially for first timer and solo traveller in this country. Overall was a nice memory made😍Written September 19, 2019
- Mary N0 contributionsThis Tour Overflows with ExperiencesIt's a wild understatement to say that this tour was fun and constantly provided interesting experiences. The guide, Myo (see picture), was very knowledgeable and friendly and was great at answering questions on every level--history, customs, food. Both the market and train ride were the highlights for my friend and me. We were amazed at the number of interesting and beautiful scenes--definitely bring your camera or sketch book, and if you bring your sketch book, leave the charcoal at home and bring your most vibrantly colorful pens for the mounds of small bright limes, piles of red rambutan, rows of pale green mangoes. The market is vast and even train tracks can't get in the way--there are green leafy offerings right up to the rails, and since the train is a bit high from the ground, there were even a box or two of young chickens in the middle of the tracks that the train sails over. Vendors' and shoppers' cheeks are decorated with pale green-gold sunscreen. If they don't mind (offer them a little money to be fair), get a few pictures of the variety of passengers sitting across the aisle from you on the train--their dress and beauty are subjects of National Geographic quality. A woman came on the train carrying a small pink plastic chair and with a towering tray of food on her head. She tossed the small chair on the ground without looking or bending over and had a seat and began to prepare tea leaf salad. I was delighted because I had wanted to try to make this at home. I didn't eat much because of the concern of eating vegetables that might be contaminated, but a passenger helped me to finish it! This place overflows with experiences.Written September 3, 2019
- yayoikusamalulu0 contributionsFirst time to YangonA short getaway to Yangon and we wished to know more about the city and its culture. We started our first day with a half day Tradition and Culture tour. Much thankful to Myo and the driver who took us around the city and the Pagoda. Myo was very informative and knowledgeable. We do not know much about Buddhism and Myo had opened our eyes to the Pagoda. The Pagoda are very attractive and are well chosen for this tour. A memorable tour and we liked it very muchWritten June 15, 2019
- iruwa0 contributionsTake You For a Ride - great tour!!We were so lunky to meet our guide Peter, and had a great experience in Yangon. Really appreciated for his help and having him as our tour guide. He was so kind and informative to make our day. We learned a lot about Myanmar from him.Written June 15, 2019
- Irish_Kiwi770 contributionsVery informative tourI decided to take this tour on my first day in Yangon (and Myanmar), as I thought it would be a good way to get a feel for the place and also get my bearings. The tour starts at the independence monument, which is very impressive. Myo, my guide, told me the history of the monument and surrounding buildings and he did a great job throughout the tour. The first food I tried was in the market right beside the monument, I had a sugarcane pancake and sugarcane juice, both were very enjoyable and I was surprised that the sugarcane juice wasn’t as sweet as I expected. We then continued down towards the river and Myo explained the different markets, buildings and the range of religions represented in the area. The last stop of the tour is in the Chinatown area where I got to try more of the street food and a local beer (and better still we got a free beer as there was a new beer been promoted that night). Overall a very enjoyable tour and a great way to get a feel for the city in a short space of time.Written June 10, 2019
- Go3668030 contributionsGreat tourHad day tour with Peter. He was so knowledgeable and showed us great time. Learned a lot about Myanmar and really enjoyed tour. They offered you enough water throughout tour which was nice. Strongly recommended.Written May 22, 2019
- Donnie Praditya S0 contributionsExciting TourIt is very interesting. My tour guide take me to every important tourist place in Yangon and he has good knowledge about the place that we visitWritten May 21, 2019
- bandiesel0 contributionsWell organized tour of Yangon with a lot of background and historyOur guide Peter, I believe his real name is Htut, was fantastic and took us around some of the most culturally significant places in Yangon. He also gave us a detailed history of Myanmar along with some of the more recent challenges faced by this charming country. Along the way, we learned a lot about Buddhism and its importance to Myanmar people. We also had to reschedule this tour and they were very accommodating. We highly recommend this tour.Written May 20, 2019
- bernadettep7750 contributionsExcellent tour guideWe joined the Yangon tour on April 20 after visiting Tokyo. We stayed in Myanmar for 2 days basically to see Shwedagon Pagoda and spend easter Sunday in St Mary's Cathedral before heading back to Sydney Australia. I decided to get a half day tour so my 2 kids will not become bored and tired. We are very fortunate to be with an excellent tour guide Peter Htut Htut Kyaw. He gave us very relevant history of Myanmar and story behind the Shwedagon pagoda and their religion. His English accent is good and even my 10 yrs old son can clearly understand him and learned a lot. He is very knowledgeable. I appreciate his patience and even tried to calm down my son when he was crying and accompany me back to do pouring of holy water even if it is past 4 hours already. He also advised us of the cab fare on our way back to hotel. The car van is also comfortable. I am highly recommending this tour with Peter. Thank you very much for a memorable visit to Yangon.Written May 8, 2019
- D_Christianto0 contributionsDoddy ChristiantoI booked last minute half day tour. The booking process was smooth and I met the guide - Peter (Htut). He was really nice, depth knowledge about history of Myanmar. I felt like I had travelled in Myanmar for a week since the information given from Peter (Htut) was very thorough. Thank you so much Peter for really nice experience of Yangon.Written March 18, 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
14
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Bobbi-Jean
Kelowna, Canada62 contributions
Dec 2019
...but a great way to see parts of Yangon you may never get to. As of December 2019, it was more of a semi-circle train as parts of the line were under maintenance. We would have loved to experience the full track but it was still worth the effort.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janelle
6 contributions
Dec 2019
So much fun seeing people and vendors on the train. The train is very old and run down with broken seats but that's part of the charm. it drives quite slow and you can even seat on the stairs near the door (there is no doors) You can buy some snacks and salad on the train the locals are also very friendly. $200 Kyat for the ticket witch is nothing in western standard. Definitely a highlights of Yangon
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janna
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Great experience!
We had a wonderful day. Walking through Yangon, driving with the circle Train with everybody. That was really exciting, an adventure. Also the visit of the foodmarket. I can recommanded that tour. On top we had a super lunch at a local restaurant at Yangon! Ist was a fantastic day!
We had a wonderful day. Walking through Yangon, driving with the circle Train with everybody. That was really exciting, an adventure. Also the visit of the foodmarket. I can recommanded that tour. On top we had a super lunch at a local restaurant at Yangon! Ist was a fantastic day!
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith H
51 contributions
Jan 2020
Enjoyed the train ride- not for the scenery but the constant flow of life on the corridor of the train. Vendors, shoppers, monks, nuns - al life is here! Huge new wholesale market also worth a visit.
Mr Myo was very helpful and enjoyed lunch with him after the tour. worthwhile trip. But don't expect fireworks!
Mr Myo was very helpful and enjoyed lunch with him after the tour. worthwhile trip. But don't expect fireworks!
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew H
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Had a great day travelling on the circle train with our guide Myo.
Such an interesting experience seeing life on the train as it worked it's way around the city.
The Fresh fruits market was the highlight of the trip.
Would definitely recommend.
Such an interesting experience seeing life on the train as it worked it's way around the city.
The Fresh fruits market was the highlight of the trip.
Would definitely recommend.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dieter A
Schaffhausen, Switzerland10 contributions
Nov 2018
Just the two of us, together with our guide boarded the train at Yangon Main Station at about 09.00 in the morning.
We traveld for about 40 or 40 minutes, rogether with the local people and after getting off visited a market. According to our guide some of these market people have never seen a foreigner. This prooved to be true. When I arrived with video camera and tripod I got some strange looks. But all the people were always friendly without any objection to be filmed. A very interesting local market with fruits, vegetables and different meats.
We traveld for about 40 or 40 minutes, rogether with the local people and after getting off visited a market. According to our guide some of these market people have never seen a foreigner. This prooved to be true. When I arrived with video camera and tripod I got some strange looks. But all the people were always friendly without any objection to be filmed. A very interesting local market with fruits, vegetables and different meats.
Written November 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy to hear that you got a great local experience.
Hope to see you on another UA tour in another city.
Thanks,
Phyoe
Written January 15, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kieran11
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia223 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Rode this train last week - it's mildly interesting for the first ten minutes then its just monotony. The view is of slums either side of the train with rubbish strewn everywhere. The train is full of local people going about their daily lives - its pretty noisy as there is only one volume setting for everything in Myanmar - max ! Rubbish carelessly being tossed out of the windows as well as spitting of betel nut juice is not the most attractive scene I have ever witnessed. We stopped at a local wholesale food market - I have been to many markets all over the world and this is the only one that had me almost gagging - it's not fun at all and I couldn't wait to get out of the place. We decided not to ride the train anymore as it would have been another one and a half hours of the same thing.
I can see why some would find this a novelty trip but if you are an experienced traveller in developing countries it's really not offering anything new. If you want to experience the train...buy a ticket at the central station for the 9 am train and ride a few stops then take a taxi to the next place on your list.
I can see why some would find this a novelty trip but if you are an experienced traveller in developing countries it's really not offering anything new. If you want to experience the train...buy a ticket at the central station for the 9 am train and ride a few stops then take a taxi to the next place on your list.
Written January 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy our train trip.
We will try to develop our program more.
Thanks,
Phyoe
Written February 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R4V1
Hong Kong, China16 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
A very nice trip if you are free for the morning. I joined others and it was a nice way to meet travellers. The train ride was great, the doors are open and so you are able to relax and enjoy the view in the hallway too. At the end we visited a market where you are able to get a glimpse of suburban daily life and see a huge variety of vegetables, fruits and flowers. All together rich experience
Written April 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review and we are also happy that you have a great experience with us.
Thanks,
Phyoe
Written April 29, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SaltLakeCityStuart
Salt Lake City, UT181 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
This was a wonderful way to spend the day. Riding the train and seeing the everyday life of the local people was special. I sat on the train with some young Buddhist nuns, who were all smiles. The walk through the market is one of those travel moments that I'll never forget. The hustle and bustle and the interaction with the vendors was amazing. Our guide, Htut Htut (Peter), was just outstanding. He was so knowledgeable about everything we were seeing, and gave us a thorough history of his country during our tour. There was also a delicious lunch included in the tour. I highly recommend this tour, and hope you are lucky enough to get a great guide like Peter to show you the "real" Yangon.
Written April 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your recommendation and we will also let Peter know about your reivew.
Thanks,.
Phyoe
Written April 29, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cnawan
Minneapolis, MN35 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
You won't understand Yangon unless you experience the train and the reseller's market. An incredible experience. Myo was very accommodating and attentive. He tailored the tour and shared insights in the areas I was most interested in. Our lunch was at a nice local place with a nice selection. I recommend the tea leaf salad and lamb curry. Myo shared a lot of background information on Buddhism during our tour of several pagodas.
Written June 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank your so much for your review. Yes, Myo is one of our best UA guide in Myanmar. Hope to see you on UA tour in another city.
Thanks,
Phyoe
Written June 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rahul Vijay
San Francisco, CA4 contributions
What time will the tour end? I have another tour at 1 pm
Tara H
Atlanta, GA5 contributions
Hello ! We ended the tour with lunch, so the actual train part probably ended at noon but I don't remember exactly. We were the only people on the tour, so we were able to have flexibility and our guide adjusted as we went along to suit our interests. Chances are you may be the only ones on this tour as well. My suggestion would be to book the tour and make a note that you have another tour starting at 1pm. The actual tour company representative will send you a confirmation email within a day or two at most, and you can communicate directly about your needs. They are incredibly accommodating and will work with your schedule.
Does the child need to attach a certificate to prove the age?
Faith Thong
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia163 contributions
No you don't need any certification to prove the age
kissane
Perth, Australia943 contributions
Is the train still running? Is it possible to just catch the train at the station or is it only available as a tourist guide thing? Thanks for any advice.
Ngai S W
Hong Kong, China76 contributions
The train is still running but there is not announcements when reaching stations. The train we took didn't reach our destination but it stopped. We had been told by other passengers that it was already the terminal and we had to get off the train. So it shorten the route with no ideas. Luckily we had a tour guide with us so he grabbed a taxi to go on with our journey.
How far from Pan Pacific Yangon Hotel to the new meeting point?
Dieter A
Schaffhausen, Switzerland10 contributions
I must give you the same answer as Stephen above. Your Travel agent can surely find out.
Sorry and have a good trip
traveler
54 contributions
I will be in town only 1 day with no hotel stay. What are my options to take this tour? Where could I join the tour?
Renu Velu
7 contributions
You will be able to find quite a few tour agencies offering this tour online. Or you could just head on to the Yangon main train station to get a ticket and do it yourself. However, I would recommend getting a guide as there are some nice pit stops you can make along the route. Also do take into consideration that the whole route takes about 3 hours to complete (more if you alight at some of the stations). The Circular train was one of the highlights of my trip. Hope you get to experience it. Have fun :)
yvhilge
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
Hi! I'm planning to visit my daughter and her family in Yangon in November. She has two young children ages 3 and 5. Would they we allowed to come if we booked this trip?
diamond_voyage
51 contributions
No need to make a book for your circular train in Yangon. You can buy your ticket at the ticket counter and ride a train. There are also many kids on the train, so don't worry for it. But just noted that there will be very crowded at their office time. (bet 8-9 AM and bet 5-6 PM)
Dear Sir, I am visiting Yangon in November 2018. I have read reviews regarding Circular Train. I am very fond of travelling by train. How much cost will be train fare for one journey ? Can I use the same ticket getting off and riding again in another further points in the same day ?
Hem Shakya
P W
New York City, NY4 contributions
I don't know how much the tickets are as our guide bought them. We did get on and off with the same tickets. It's a great experience, but may be very crowded. Great way to meet the locals!