In a few weeks from now, I'm returning to work again in Yangon. This time, my employer is located in the Yankin area, as opposed to my previous employer who was near to Sule Pagoda.

My problem is that accommodation prices in and around Yankin are high, and I much prefer the cheaper and bustling area around Sule Pagoda.

It's too far to walk from Sule to Yankin, and I don't like to take taxis. I recall seeing the circular railway on many occasions, and the track goes within a few hundred metres of my new employer's location.

It seems to me that I could rent a cheap room near Sule, and use the railway to commute to/from work - it's only 5 stops from central railway station.

Has anyone used this train system on a regular basis? I know that it starts operating very early in the morning, but I've never seen a foreigner on the trains...

Simon

My post won't be of much help - have been meaning to give the circle train a try for years but never got around to it.

Have to say if it works out, it will be a very interesting and quirky way to commute between downtown and Yankin. You would see a lot more of the local flavour of Yangon than anyone who is stuck in a taxi twice a day.

Let us know how you go, would be very interested to hear your report.

I took the circular railway once. It was pretty crowded but if you don't mind that, it might serve well as a commuter train. I'd say give it a try before putting down your rent deposit though. It might be slower than taxi.

Hi Tim16, thanks for posting that timetable, but I don't actually believe it!

I've seen passenger trains as early as 5am. I think the best thing for me to do is to drop into the central station and ask for the latest train times.

Simon

If you have access to the BBC World News channel, they are showing a story today on the Yangon Circular train route.

It is being repeated at regular intervals in each news program.

Found it on their site - embedded video in the link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25582061