Trans Mongolian Railway Adventure
24 Days Starting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Kunming, Chengdu, Xian, Hohhot, Ulaanbaatar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMKU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
18-90
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Trans Mongolian Railway Adventure, starting in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur and concluding in the heart of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. This epic tour takes you through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, China, and Mongolia. Experience the bustling streets of Bangkok, the serene beauty of Luang Prabang, and the historical wonders of Xian. Travel through the lush forests of the Malay Peninsula, the tranquil Mekong River, and the breathtaking karst formations of Kunming's Stone Forest. Enjoy the spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu and explore the rich heritage of Inner Mongolia in Hohhot. As you journey along the iconic Trans Mongolian Railway, witness the vast Gobi Desert and the rolling grasslands of Mongolia. Conclude your adventure with a stay in a traditional ger in Terelj National Park, surrounded by the stunning landscapes that once inspired Genghis Khan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kuala Lumpur
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Start in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. Transfer to your hotel before meeting with your Tour Leader and group for a Welcome Meeting and dinner.Â
Day 2: To Butterworth And Ferry To Penang
Location: Penang
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning we travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth by train before taking the ferry to Georgetown. There is time to relax by the beach before taking in some of the culinary delights of Penang.Â
Day 3: Penang
Location: Penang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Â
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town with fascinating street art, temples and wonderful views from Penang Hill.Â
Â
Day 4: Overnight To Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
We continue our journey up the Malay peninsula through lush tropical forest and plantations to the Thai border at Padang Besar where we join the overnight sleeper service to Bangkok.
Day 5: Arrive Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: hotel
With just a short stay in Thailand's colourful & flamboyant capital today our local guide will share some of the classic highlights as well as some less well known aspects of this amazing city.
Day 6: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: hotel
A day in the city visiting Wat Arun, Wat Pho where you will also be treated to a massage.
Day 7: Bangkok And To Laos
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
This morning we escape the city this morning to explore the calm and cool gardens and private collections of the Prasart Museum before joining our overnight train to Nongkhai and the Laos border.
Day 8: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: hotel
Tree-lined boulevards blend Buddhist temples with French colonial era architecture. Our sightseeing includes the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket. This evening enjoy a sunset stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.
Day 9: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: hotel
A day to further explore Vientiane from the unique Buddha Park with its multitude of Buddhist and Hindu statues, Patuaxi, often called the 'Arc de Triomphe' of Vientiane and Wat Phra Keo with its collections of Lao and Khmer works of art.
Day 10: To Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning we rejoin the train north to the beautiful UNESCO city of Luang Prabang. Our city tour today explores Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai which highlight the history, culture and architecture of Laos. With its headwaters from the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River was the main route of trade and conquest for centuries, today we cruise upstream and enjoy the tranquil countryside and visit the Pak Ou Cave monastery.Â
Â
Â
Day 11: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today we explore more of the city, as well as the Ok Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre. Set in lush gardens and located on the banks of the Mekong, the Living Crafts Center is the perfect place to learn more about the fascinating world of Lao textiles. This afternoon we visit the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Day 12: To Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning we board the train for the recently completed 750km rail link from Luang Prabang to Kunming, China. The journey will take us through the incredible scenery of northern Laos and southern Yunnan Province.
Day 13: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
The climate and relaxed ambience of Kunming is perfectly suited to a leisurely walk, and our sightseeing today will take us through the old alleys to Cuihu Park, with its many bridges and pagodas, and nearby the Yuantong Buddhist Temple. Â
Day 14: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
Beyond the city we visit the enchanting 'Stone Forest' - these unusual and unique karst stone formations are a highlight of Yunnan Province.
Day 15: To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Back aboard the train enjoy some stunning scenery as we travel to Chengdu (Sichuan Province) famous spicy food.
Day 16: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning we enjoy a tour of the city. Sichuan cuisine is renowned in China and internationally, we sample some of its classic dishes this evening.
Day 17: Chengdu To Xian
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
A high speed train takes us to Xian, ancient Chang'an. Once this was the glittering capital of Cathay. Old pagodas, city walls and watchtowers remain.
Day 18: Xian
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
The city still captures the romance of its rich imperial past and the glories of the Silk Road. There is so much to explore in this city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Shaanxi History Museum being some of the highlights.Â
Day 19: Xian
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
We have more time today to explore the muslim quarter, perhaps walk the city walls or wander the laneways of Xian.Â
Day 20: To Hohhot
Location: Hohhot
Accommodation Name: hotel
We journey north to Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia in China, offers a unique blend of Mongolian culture, history, and natural beauty. We arrive by train in the late afternoon.Â
Day 21: Trans Mongolian Railway
Location: Hohhot
Accommodation Name: train
Meals Included: Dinner
We spend the day exploring Hohhot famous for its contrasting bustling markets and open grasslands. We enjoy some hot pot before joining the evening train that will take us onwards towards Mongolia.Â
Day 22: Trans Mongolian Railway
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: train
Our train rumbles along the Trans Mongolian Railway. The villages and fields of northern China slip away as we head north. As the sun sets we’ll cross the Gobi Desert bound for the Mongolian border and its quirky yet friendly capital of Ulaanbaatar.
Day 23: Arrive Ulaanbaatar And To Terelj
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: ger
We arrive in the morning into the capital and we travel out across the grasslands, through the countryside that was once the home to Genghis Khan and his Golden Horde, to the pristine Terelj National Park for a night stay in a ger – the traditional home of the Mongolian people.Â
Day 24: To Ulaanbaatar - Tour Concludes
Location: Ulaanbaatar
This morning we return to the city via the giant statue to Genghis Khan. We then bid farewell after an epic adventure with tales to tell on our return home.Â
What's Included
-
Welcome Meeting and Dinner
Meet with your Tour Leader and group for a Welcome Meeting and dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
-
Train and Ferry Transfers
Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth by train and take the ferry to Georgetown.
-
UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in Penang.
-
Overnight Sleeper Service
Join the overnight sleeper service to Bangkok from the Thai border at Padang Besar.
-
Local Guide in Bangkok
A local guide will share some of the classic highlights and lesser-known aspects of Bangkok.
-
Massage at Wat Pho
Enjoy a massage at Wat Pho in Bangkok.
-
Sightseeing in Vientiane
Sightseeing includes the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket in Vientiane.
-
Visit to Buddha Park
Explore the unique Buddha Park with its multitude of Buddhist and Hindu statues in Vientiane.
-
City Tour in Luang Prabang
Explore Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai in Luang Prabang.
-
Cruise on the Mekong River
Cruise upstream on the Mekong River and visit the Pak Ou Cave monastery.
What's Not Included
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into the countries visited are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through diverse landscapes aboard trains, including the iconic Trans Mongolian Railway, with scenic routes from Kuala Lumpur to Ulaanbaatar, and enjoy ferry rides and overnight sleeper services.
Accommodation
Experience a unique stay in a traditional Mongolian ger in Terelj National Park, offering an authentic glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
-
What can I expect on the first day of the Trans Mongolian Railway Adventure?
On the first day, you will arrive in Kuala Lumpur, where you will be transferred to your hotel. You will meet your Tour Leader and group for a Welcome Meeting and dinner.
-
How will we travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
You will travel from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth by train and then take a ferry to Georgetown in Penang.
-
What unique experiences are included in the Bangkok itinerary?
In Bangkok, you will visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho, where you will also enjoy a massage. Additionally, you will explore the Prasart Museum and have a local guide show you both classic highlights and lesser-known aspects of the city.
-
What are some highlights of the visit to Vientiane?
In Vientiane, you will see tree-lined boulevards blending Buddhist temples with French colonial architecture, visit the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket, and enjoy a sunset stroll along the Mekong River.
-
What activities are planned in Luang Prabang?
In Luang Prabang, you will explore Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, cruise upstream on the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Cave monastery, and visit the Ok Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre and Kuang Si waterfalls.
-
What is the significance of the train journey from Luang Prabang to Kunming?
The train journey from Luang Prabang to Kunming covers a recently completed 750km rail link, taking you through the incredible scenery of northern Laos and southern Yunnan Province.
-
What can I expect to see in Kunming?
In Kunming, you will enjoy a leisurely walk through the old alleys to Cuihu Park and visit the Yuantong Buddhist Temple. You will also visit the 'Stone Forest', known for its unique karst stone formations.
-
What culinary experiences are included in Chengdu?
In Chengdu, you will have the opportunity to sample some classic dishes of Sichuan cuisine, which is renowned both in China and internationally.
-
What historical sites will be visited in Xian?
In Xian, you will explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum, and have time to explore the Muslim quarter, city walls, and laneways.
-
What is the experience like on the Trans Mongolian Railway?
The Trans Mongolian Railway journey will take you through northern China, across the Gobi Desert, and towards Mongolia, offering views of villages, fields, and the vast desert landscape.
-
What is the accommodation like in Terelj National Park?
In Terelj National Park, you will stay in a ger, which is the traditional home of the Mongolian people, set amidst the grasslands and countryside.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
-
Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Thursday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Sundowners Overland requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.