I’m writing to you from Nay Pay Daw, the new capital built from scratch just 10 years ago in a fertile area of rice fields, lakes and rolling hills. The whole government apparatus has been moved here much like Canberra was 100 years ago. It’s a surreal and oddly fascinating place. The albino elephants at grand pagoda are a treat and the hotel here is pure luxury, only a year old and a destination in itself.

This afternoon I will continue, by train north toward the next iconic location, Inle Lake. All this “work” is in preparation for the tour I plan to run here in just over a years’ time. Polishing the itinerary and meeting all the players such as the entertaining Mr Akar who will be one of our guides, is the mission. Meetings at the popular Lucky Seven tea house in the colonial area of Yangon yesterday proved most fruitful as I have been offered a steam locomotive and some private coaches to do a charter on Yangon’s only suburban railway – the 45 km circle line. This could make a great first day on the tour so look out for the news on that one.

Mandalay, Pyion Oo Lwin, and Bagan are also on my list and I look forward to ‘inspecting’ the Pandaw, a luxury river-boat as I’m of the opinion that a two night pampering cruise in comfort down the mighty Ayeyarwady River is the ideal way to complete this eye-opening adventure. I expect that our brochure for this February 2016 tour will be out early in the New Year so please give us a call and we’ll put your name down for one. 

Also in this e-newsletter edition:

• 2015 tours selling out




• Sri Lanka testimonials




• New brochures OUT NOW




• Other ways to get your Railway Adventures fix

Seasons greetings to everyone and looking forward to an exciting 2015!