Myanmar | Train from Kalaw to Inle Lake Charlie McGrath | 11 Feb 2019

The train from Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung (for Inle Lake) is a cheap, slow and wonderful way to travel. The train is old, never does more that 40 mph and provides a great way to see everyday Burmsee life. In Upper class,  which has huge comfortable swivel seats, the journey costs about $ 0.80 and will take about 3 to 3.5 hours.

If you don't want to tek from Kalaw to Inle Lake (which is well recommended and will take 2 to 3 days) then the train is a nice quirky alternative. A bus will be much faster but not nearly as interesting. The train will probably be delayed, chugs along at a slow rate but it provides a terrific way to see everyday rural Burmese life. It stops occasionally for people to get on and off, 3 schedulted stops of which Heho is the prettiest station. My train was delyed an hour, left at 1430 and arrived at around 1800 hours. You can sit with the door open and just observe the scenery - but don't get scratched as the vegetation is very close. Take your own food and water although you will be able to buy banana etc on the way.