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Gokteik Viaduct
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The Gokteik Viaduct is a historic railway trestle located in Nawnghkio, northern Shan State, Myanmar. Completed in 1900, it was once the largest railway trestle in the world and remains the highest bridge in Myanmar. The viaduct was commissioned by the Burma Railways Company and constructed by the Pennsylvania Steel Company using imported American steel. It spans 689 meters across a deep valley, supported by 15 steel towers that reach a maximum height of 102 meters. The bridge was a significant engineering feat of the British colonial era, designed to connect the cities of Mandalay and Lashio. Today, it serves as a vital part of the rail line and a popular destination for travelers seeking dramatic views.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Goke Hteik Viaduct · Gokteik view point · နောင်ချိုလွတ်လပ်ရေးကျောက်တိုင်
- Nearby: Inle Lake (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 31 | 53 | 43 | 44 | 29 | 29 | 8 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Gokteik Viaduct can be viewed from designated viewpoints along the gorge rim. Walking on the bridge is not permitted, but trains still cross it regularly.
Typical hours
As an active railway bridge, there are no fixed visiting hours. Trains typically run during daylight hours; early morning has the best light for viewing.
Photography
Photography from the viewpoints is allowed and yields impressive panoramic shots. Drone flights are generally not permitted due to the bridge's structure.
Time needed
A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours including travel from the nearest town. For the train ride across the viaduct, allow half a day.
Combine with
Nearby are the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin and the trekking hub of Hsipaw. Both make excellent additions to a multi-day itinerary.
Getting there
The viaduct is reachable by train from Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin; the journey takes several hours. Alternatively, drive to a nearby viewpoint.
Insider tip
Book a seat on the right side of the train when coming from Mandalay for the best view of the bridge. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it gets very hot in the gorge.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the viaduct was completed in the year 1900.
- The total length of the railway trestle is 689 meters (2,260 feet).
- The bridge reaches a maximum height of 102 meters (335 feet) above the valley floor.
- It was built using approximately 5,000 tons of steel imported from the United States.
- The structure is supported by 15 massive steel towers.
- It is located 54 kilometers (34 miles) northeast of the town of Pyin Oo Lwin.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gokteik Viaduct (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Gokteik Viaduct special?
It is a historic, very high colonial-era steel trestle bridge spanning a deep gorge.
Can you cross the bridge by train?
Yes, the train between Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio runs directly over the viaduct.
Is the journey safe?
The bridge is old, but trains travel very slowly to minimize stress on the structure.
When is the best time to travel?
The weather is most pleasant during the dry season (November to February).
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
It is advisable to buy tickets at the station a few days in advance.
Gokteik Viaduct: where is it located?
Gokteik Viaduct is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Gokteik Viaduct: what is there to see?
Highlights include Goke Hteik Viaduct, Gokteik view point, နောင်ချိုလွတ်လပ်ရေးကျောက်တိုင်.
Gokteik Viaduct: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Gokteik Viaduct: why is it worth visiting?
The Gokteik Viaduct is a historic railway trestle located in Nawnghkio, northern Shan State, Myanmar.
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