Great Asian Railway Journeys
We checked 8 streaming services in India on 04 Jun 2026 at 21:00 IST
About
Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques.
Cast
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Kowloon to Wan Chai
In Hong Kong, Michael Portillo investigates how Britain won the island and Kowloon from China after two drug wars. He straddles a bamboo pole to learn the traditional Cantonese art of noodle making.
Hong Kong University to Lantau Island
Michael Portillo continues his exploration of Hong Kong aboard the impressive MTR metro system, which handles six million trips a day. In Wan Chai, he discovers why Hong Kongers are protesting all over the city and asks them about their hopes and fears. At Hong Kong University, Michael learns about the father of modern China, Sun Yat Sen, who was a student there at the time of his Bradshaw’s Guide. In the walled villages of the New Territories, Michael meets a descendant of one of Hong Kong’s oldest dynasties.
Chiang Mai to Lampang
Steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a four-part rail adventure through Thailand from the northern city of Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai, and from Bangkok to the southern beach resort of Hua Hin. On this leg, Michael tries his hand at the art of umbrella making and learns about northern Thai cookery. He explores the walled and moated city of Chiang Mai, former capital of the Lanna Kingdom before it was annexed by the King of Siam. Travelling south to Lampang, Michael discovers the former centre of the teak wood business and investigates how successive Thai kings preserved their independence from the rival colonial powers of Britain and France. He discovers the history of a British governess at the royal court, who was made famous on stage and screen, and discovers how King George V kept elephants at the British Consulate.
Ayutthaya to River Kwai
Michael Portillo continues his rail journey through Thailand from Lampang, stopping to help at an elephant hospital, where they care for animals wounded by landmines. In the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, Michael admires gigantic ruined temples and finds out about what was one of the greatest cities in Asia. He makes a trip to an unusual market - a must for any self-respecting train-lover. Michael finishes this leg of his Thai journey at Kanchanaburi, close to the border with Myanmar, to ride one of the world’s most notorious tracks and, for him, the most poignant - the Death Railway.
Bangkok
Michael Portillo is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, midway through his rail tour of Thailand. He learns how the late 19th-century King Rama V built a grand palace and introduced railways to his country. He discovers the fine terminus commissioned by the king and meets a historian and designer who shares family roots with the present royal dynasty. Michael learns that King Rama V’s love of steam engines was inspired by Queen Victoria. At the colossal new station under construction in the city, Michael hears how its four levels and 24 platforms will transform Thailand’s transport infrastructure. He circles the Grand Palace by tuk tuk, then boards the 21st-century skytrain for a wonderful view of the city. Michael dines on the water in a floating market, where purchases are made from boat to boat. Following in the footsteps of writers such as Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene and John Le Carre, Michael checks into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, built just before his guide.
Bangkok to Hua Hin
Michael Portillo continues his exploration of Thailand by rail, steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s guide. He steps into the ring under the guidance of champion trainer Master Toddy to learn Muay Thai boxing. Can he perfect the cobra-inspired right hook? Taking his courage in both hands, Michael confronts his dread of snakes to assist in a surgical operation on a deadly venomous king cobra. He discovers the lifesaving work of Bangkok’s Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, established at the time of his guide by the royal family after the death of a young princess. Striking south to the resort of Hua Hin, Michael learns the history of the Southern Railway and hears how royal patronage kickstarted today’s Thai tourist industry. He meets the niece of the present king, Rama X, at the Palace of Love and Hope, created by their ancestor, King Rama VI, to hear about a colourful restoration project.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet
Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo boards the Unification Railway for a thousand-mile journey from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to the northern capital, Hanoi, and finishing in the beautiful emerald seas of Halong Bay. Michael’s Bradshaw’s unlocks for him the traumatic 20th-century history of today’s Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a former French colony. On this leg, Michael braves the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a motorbike, one of 8.5 million people to do so daily. He attempts the national sport, da cau, and samples the French-Vietnamese fusion food banh mi.
Da Nang to Hoi An
Michael Portillo continues his thousand-mile journey through Vietnam aboard the Unification Railway from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi. Leaving what locals still call Saigon, Michael heads to the fishing port of Phan Thiet, where he learns how to make Vietnam’s signature fish sauce. In the Annamite Mountains west of Da Nang, Michael joins modern Vietnamese on holiday in a quirky facsimile of a medieval French village. And in the tailoring capital of Hoi An, Michael discovers the favourite food of the region’s silkworms and sees how Cham weavers make their distinctive brocade. Can he resist a colourful new jacket?
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Watch Great Asian Railway Journeys Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream Great Asian Railway Journeys online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A well-rated documentary series originally produced in English and released in 2020, it's earned a solid 7.8/10 from 4 viewers worldwide.
About Great Asian Railway Journeys
Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques. Across 1 season and 20 episodes, originally airing on BBC Two.
Great Asian Railway Journeys Cast and Characters
The cast features Michael Portillo (as Self - Presenter). Their performances are a major reason Great Asian Railway Journeys has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch Great Asian Railway Journeys Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch Great Asian Railway Journeys free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch Great Asian Railway Journeys NowWhy People Are Watching Great Asian Railway Journeys
There's a reason Great Asian Railway Journeys keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Asian Railway Journeys
Where can I watch Great Asian Railway Journeys online for free?
You can watch Great Asian Railway Journeys online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does Great Asian Railway Journeys have?
Great Asian Railway Journeys has 20 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is Great Asian Railway Journeys good? What's the rating?
Great Asian Railway Journeys holds a 7.8/10 rating based on 4 reviews — well above average.
Who is in the cast of Great Asian Railway Journeys?
The main cast includes Michael Portillo.
Is Great Asian Railway Journeys available in English?
Yes — Great Asian Railway Journeys was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was Great Asian Railway Journeys released?
Great Asian Railway Journeys first aired in 2020.
Do I need an account to watch Great Asian Railway Journeys on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Great Asian Railway Journeys without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed Great Asian Railway Journeys, check out Railway Adventures Across Australia, Great Continental Railway Journeys, The Railway: Keeping Britain On Track, Great Rail Restorations with Peter Snow, and Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Great Asian Railway Journeys for free?
You can watch Great Asian Railway Journeys online for free on Bowood.TV. All 20 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does Great Asian Railway Journeys have?
Great Asian Railway Journeys currently has 1 season and a total of 20 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is Great Asian Railway Journeys about?
Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques. It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is Great Asian Railway Journeys originally available?
Great Asian Railway Journeys was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was Great Asian Railway Journeys first released?
Great Asian Railway Journeys first premiered on January 27, 2020 (2020). The series has since concluded its run.
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