Eastern & Oriental Express: Singapore to Bangkok

Begin in style with a complimentary  VIP airport lounge access before your overnight flight.

You’ll be welcomed to Singapore by its iconic skyline and a private transfer, bringing you directly to your luxury hotel. All dark-wood marquetry and rooftop-bar views, it's a colonial jewel that's perfectly positioned to explore. And, with two days here, you’ll quickly uncover Singapore’s cutting edge in its gleaming art installations and sky-walk gardens, while its heritage shines through in vermillion temples, cultural enclaves and those famous hawker markets.

While there are complimentary heritage walking tours at your accommodation, we've also included afternoon tea at the city's colonial icon – Raffles Hotel. It's a celebration of Singapore's Bicentennial – 2019's city-wide calendar of heritage events, light shows and festivals.

After breakfast today, a private transfer will see you to Woodlands Station, where your personal steward and the Eastern & Oriental Express – gleaming in its green-and-gold livery – are waiting to whisk you way. Then, as the train crosses over the Johur Causeway and into the lush landscapes of peninsular Malaysia, you’ll be brought afternoon tea to take among the cherry-wood panelling of your private cabin.

There’s also time to stroll along to the Observation Car to watch as rural settlements rush past before you change for dinner – a multi-course affair of western and oriental specialities. Cap it all off with a cocktail in the Bar Car, soundtracked by the resident pianist, of course.

As the train weaves past coastal towns and verdant rainforests, you’ll take a leisurely breakfast in the comfort of your cabin. You’ll also enjoy the first of your included guided tours, stopping at Kuala Kangsar and a remote village surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. It’s the chance to experience Malaysian rural life, with everything from food tastings to dance performances and guided rice-paddy walks.

Otherwise, you might want to join the expert naturalist for a hill trek, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views along with cold towels and refreshments at the top. Back on board, there’s time to relax with lunch and dinner as giant limestone massifs glide past.

Crossing over into Thailand, you’ll be greeted this morning by a true icon – the Bridge on the River Kwai. Here, you’ll have a choice of guided excursions. Perhaps cruise along the river aboard a local raft, taking in the splendid teakwood houses that dot its banks before pausing at the illuminating Thai-Burma Railway Centre. Alternatively, between refreshment stops, a cycle tour will see you among bright-green rice fields and traditional farms, while a cooking tour showcases vibrant wet markets and acclaimed rice-noodle houses. It culminates with a cooking class as you cruise down the river.

Then, returning to the train, you’ll be treated to further gourmet indulgences for lunch, before you arrive into Bangkok where a private driver will be waiting to see you to your luxury hotel.

Tucked away on the river, the elegant rooms, spa treatments and waterside dining of your luxury hotel are a secluded world away from the Bangkok bustle. However, you’ll also want to take in the city’s famous highlights.

Don’t miss out on the gleaming Royal Palace, frenetic Chinatown and the energy of the markets, whether floating or landbound.

Your overnight flight back to the UK