A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun > 20 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
Sunrise at Dubai International Airport. An early morning arrival in Dubai at 6.15 a.m.
Day 30 (July 20) Dubai to KL 
Sunrise at Dubai International Airport. An early morning arrival in Dubai at 6.15 a.m. 
Getting down from the plane at Dubai International Airport.
Getting down from the plane at Dubai International Airport. 
Getting down from the plane at Dubai International Airport. 
Our connecting flight from Dubai to KLIA.
Our connecting flight from Dubai to KLIA.
The Hard Rock Cafe at Dubai International Airport.
Our connecting flight from Dubai to KLIA.
Our connecting flight from Dubai to KLIA.
We touch-down at KLIA at 10pm. The first thing that comes to mind is to go eat all of the Malaysian hawker food that we have been missing for the past 30 days. It took us roughly 12 hours to fly from St Petersburg to Dubai to KL on Emirates.
I am here at the KL International Airport bus station, waiting for the bus back to Ipoh, and I have been reminiscing over my last 30 days in Russia. I am thinking about how I gained the right to state that I have traveled from the most eastern to the most western part of Russia. My goal of traveling from Vladivostok to St. Petersburg by Trans Siberian train came true and ended after 30 days.
Traveling nearly 10,000 kilometers, passing across 7 time zones, carrying our baggage up and down the stairway, and becoming experts at making beds and taking baths on the train is an experience you will not find anywhere else. Of course, traveling with 19 other individuals from various backgrounds and in close proximity causes tension and the formation of cliques.
Places to see, culture, and transportation exceeded my expectations, and I am grateful to be able to experience all of the places that I had previously only read about in novels. FOOD: Since we encountered it around 28 days earlier in Vladivostok and the towns/cities along the Trans Siberian Train, some of us had developed a liking for Russian pre-cooked food offered in canteen-like environments.
What have I learned? Patience, understanding, tolerance, and never accept everything you read in the media. Russia is a great country, and you should visit if you have the opportunity.
How would I define my feelings? Surprisingly, it is both sad and joyous. I am sad because I have to leave this lovely and misunderstood country, but I am also pleased because I get to accomplish my goal. However, the sadness we feel now reflects how special this moment was. Those 30 days will stick with us, and the bonds we created will not simply vanish. Whether we reunite someday or take the memories forward, this chapter will remain a part of our story.
A fresh day represents a new beginning. Regardless of what happened yesterday, each day is a new opportunity to pursue your dreams and become a better person. The light beams on the planet and warms my heart.
Ching Neng Bin’s 30-day, 9,938 km Trans-Siberian Railway adventure (21 June – 20 July 2024) from Vladivostok to St. Petersburg was an epic journey across Russia’s vast landscapes, cultures, and history. Here’s a glimpse into his incredible trip:
The Route & Key Stops
Vladivostok (Start: 21 June)
Began at the "End of Russia"—Vladivostok’s iconic railway station. Explored the Russky Island Bridge, Soviet-era submarines, and fresh seafood at the local market. The trip began in Russia’s eastern port city, where Ching explored the
bustling harbor, the iconic Russky Bridge, and the historic
Trans-Siberian terminus.
Lake Baikal (Irkutsk) (3-5 July)
Stopped in Irkutsk, gateway to Lake Baikal (world’s deepest freshwater lake). Took the Circum-Baikal Railway, a scenic detour along cliffs and tunnels. Tried omul fish (a Baikal delicacy) and dipped in the icy waters. A major highlight was the stop at Siberia’s jewel, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, where Ching enjoyed pristine nature and local Buryat culture.
Ulan-Ude (6-7 July)
Visited the Ivolginsky Datsan, Russia’s largest Buddhist monastery. Saw the giant Lenin head statue (largest in the world).
Novosibirsk (10-11 July)
Explored Siberia’s unofficial capital, including the Trans-Siberian Railway Monument. Visited the Akademgorodok science hub.
Yekaterinburg (14-15 July)
Crossed the Europe-Asia border. Learned about the Romanovs’ execution site (Church on the Blood).
Kazan (17 July)
Admired the Kul Sharif Mosque inside the Kremlin. Tried Tatar cuisine—echpochmak (savory pies) and chak-chak (honey dessert).
Moscow (18-19 July)
Detoured to Red Square, Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Took the Sapsan high-speed train to St. Petersburg for the finale.
St. Petersburg (Finale: 20 July)
Ended at Moskovsky Railway Station, then explored the Hermitage, Nevsky Prospect, and Peterhof Palace. Celebrated with a Neva River night cruise under the "White Nights" (near-midnight sun). St. Petersburg is a city that creates an indelible impression on the soul, and when shared with others, the ties made can feel unique and irreplaceable. The beauty of the city—the canals, the art, the history—combined with the warmth of shared experiences, makes leaving extra difficult.
Unique Experiences
Train Life: Total 11 nights on trains, bonding with travelers over instant noodles, vodka, and card games. Wild Siberia: Saw endless taiga, the Ural Mountains, and remote villages. Cultural Mix: From Buddhist temples in Buryatia to imperial palaces in St. Petersburg.
Challenges
Language barriers (few English speakers in remote areas). Long stretches without showers (train bathrooms were basic). Adjusting to 7 time zones!
Challenges & Triumphs
Endless Landscapes: From Siberian taiga to the Ural Mountains and European plains, the ever-changing scenery was mesmerizing.
Cultural Immersion: Ching interacted with locals, sampled Russian cuisine (pelmeni, borscht, blini), and navigated language barriers with determination.
Train Life: Adapting to long hours on the rails, sharing cabins with fellow travelers, and embracing the slow, rhythmic pace of train travel.
Final Thoughts
Ching Neng Bin’s Trans-Siberian odyssey was more than just a train ride—it was a test of endurance, a cultural deep dive, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the world’s largest country. From the remote Far East to the imperial splendor of St. Petersburg, this journey proved that the real magic of travel lies not just in the destinations, but in the people, stories, and unexpected moments along the way.
Would he do it again? In a heartbeat—but for now, the memories of Russia’s vastness and beauty will last a lifetime. �🚂
Why This Trip? Ching wanted to experience "the world’s greatest railway journey"—a slow travel adventure through Russia’s soul, from Pacific shores to European grandeur. Would you ever take on the Trans-Siberian? 🚆🌍
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Ching Neng Bin embarked on an extraordinary 30-day journey across Russia from June 21 to July 20, 2024, traversing nearly 10,000 km aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. This extensive adventure spanned from Vladivostok on the Pacific coast to St. Petersburg in the west, offering a deep dive into Russia's vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
🚆 The Trans-Siberian Experience
The Trans-Siberian Railway, the world's longest railway line, stretches over 9,000 km and spans eight time zones . Ching's journey was meticulously planned, incorporating scenic stops and cultural explorations.
🗺️ Key Highlights of the Journey
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Vladivostok to Khabarovsk: The adventure commenced with a walking tour of Vladivostok, exploring landmarks like the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and the Vladivostok Opera House. Subsequently, the group embarked on an overnight train journey to Khabarovsk, immersing themselves in the local ambiance. chingnengbin.blogspot.comchingnengbin.blogspot.com+3chingnengbin.blogspot.com+3chingnengbin.blogspot.com+3
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Khabarovsk to Chita: During this leg, the travelers experienced the camaraderie of train travel, sharing meals and drinks, and engaging in lively conversations. Stops at various stations allowed for brief excursions and interactions with local vendors.
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Irkutsk and Lake Baikal: A significant detour took the group to Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal, where they explored the pristine waters and unique landscapes before continuing their journey to Irkutsk. chingnengbin.blogspot.com
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Krasnoyarsk: In Krasnoyarsk, the travelers enjoyed local cuisine and beverages, including the renowned Hamovniki Bavarskoe beer. They also visited the train-themed restaurant, savoring traditional Russian dishes. chingnengbin.blogspot.com
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St. Petersburg: The journey culminated in St. Petersburg, where the group explored the city's architectural marvels and cultural treasures, reflecting on the vastness and diversity of Russia.
📸 Capturing the Essence
Throughout the journey, Ching documented the experiences through photographs and narratives, capturing the essence of each destination and the shared moments among travelers. The images showcase the camaraderie, the scenic vistas, and the cultural encounters that defined the adventure.
For a detailed account and visual documentation of the journey, you can explore Ching Neng Bin's blog: 2024 Trans-Siberian Train Adventure.
This journey not only traversed the expansive Russian landscape but also offered a profound exploration of its cultural and historical tapestry, making it an unforgettable adventure for all involved.
The
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk (1st overnight train)
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1 (2nd overnight train)
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2 (3rd overnight train)
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude (4th overnight train)
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk (5th overnight train)
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk (6th overnight train)
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk (7th overnight train)
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg (8th overnight train)
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan (9th overnight train)
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow (10th overnight train)
Day22 Moscow (day 1)
Day23 Moscow (day 2)
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg (11th overnight train)
Day25 St Petersburg (day 1)
Day26 St Petersburg (day 2)
Day27 St Petersburg (day 3)
Day28 St Petersburg (day 4)
Day29 St Petersburg to Dubai
Day30 Dubai to KLIA
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