Yangon Circular Railway

The circular line runs a loop of about forty-six kilometres from Yangon Central out through the northern suburbs, past the market gardens and back, calling at around thirty-odd stations and taking roughly three hours to do it. It is a commuter service rather than a tourist attraction, with wooden seats, open windows, vendors working the aisles with quails' eggs and betel, and produce loaded on and off at the market stations. For a very small fare it gives you the city from the inside rather than the centre.

What you actually see

• The suburbs - workshops, market gardens and townships the grid never shows you.
• The vendors - sellers working the carriages continuously with food, drink and betel.
• The market stations - Danyingon and others where produce is loaded in bulk onto the train.
• The passengers - a working commuter service, which is the whole point of riding it.

When to go

November to February for the weather, since the carriages are unair-conditioned with the windows open. Mid-morning avoids the worst of the commuter crush. Timetables change and are not always posted, so ask at the station on the day.

Honest expectations

Three hours on a wooden bench is a long time and the ride is rough. Sections of the loop have been under repair with services shortened or replaced, so confirm before committing to the full circuit. There is no commentary, no facilities and no toilet worth using.

Nearby

Yangon Central Station is at the northern edge of the colonial grid, ten minutes from Bogyoke Market.