Great Asian Railway Journeys
With only a 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook as his guide, Michael Portillo journeys across Asia by railway to explore the lasting legacy of European imperialism in six vibrant and independent nations.
With only a 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook as his guide, Michael Portillo journeys across Asia by railway to explore the lasting legacy of European imperialism in six vibrant and independent nations.

Michael investigates the impact of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, rides the cable funicular to the top of its...

Michael finds himself in Thailand, helps out at an elephant hospital, and learns about northern Thai cuisine.

Michael learns how the 19th-century King Rama V founded the city on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, built a...

Michael braves the streets of Saigon - also known as Ho Chi Minh City - on a motorbike.

Michael boards the Unification Railway from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi, and then to the northern part of...

Michael visits the island of Java in Indonesia and the mega-city of Jakarta, exploring its history and colonial past as...

In Java's royal city, Yogyakarta, Michael visits the Sultan's Palace and witnesses the ancient art of shadow puppetry...

Michael travels to Malaysia, which was once a British colony. Starting on the island of Penang, he rides one of the...

Michael continues his journey along the Malaysian peninsula, visiting the capital Kuala Lumpur and the historic city of...
