KUALA LUMPUR, November 2025 — A group of ten senior citizens, self-dubbed "old backpackers," recently completed an ambitious 20-day, 2,000-kilometer rail journey from Seremban, Malaysia, to Beijing, China, highlighting the growing potential for extensive cross-border train travel in Asia. This adventure underscores the increasing connectivity facilitated by new railway infrastructure, such as the China-Laos Railway, which opened in 2021, transforming long-held travel aspirations into tangible experiences.

The expedition, led by 78-year-old retired teacher Toh Hon Leong, saw participants aged over 60 traverse Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and finally China. Their route included stops in numerous cities and towns, such as Hat Yai, Bangkok, Vientiane, Kunming, and Zhengzhou, offering a diverse experience of landscapes and cultures. While border crossings proved to be a more time-consuming aspect of the journey, the group was particularly impressed by the efficiency and vastness of China's modern railway network, including its high-speed lines.

This journey serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of rail tourism in Asia, demonstrating that significant distances can be covered comfortably and adventurously by train. It highlights how improved rail infrastructure can open up new avenues for travel, particularly for demographics seeking unique and immersive experiences. The trip also underscores the appeal of rail travel as a mode that allows passengers to witness the changing scenery, akin to a "slow-moving film," and to appreciate the comfort of sleeper berths as a "moving hotel."

The seniors described their trip as a "brave northbound journey" and a "tribute to freedom and to life itself," aiming to prove that dreams do not have an expiry date. Their experience, marked by a sense of rejuvenation and excitement, reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking meaningful travel experiences that challenge perceptions of age and capability. This undertaking, from the initial planning to the final arrival in Beijing, showcases the increasing feasibility and desirability of extensive rail expeditions across the Asian continent.

Source: Sin Chew Daily