As the Far East’s answer to Europe’s most iconic rail journey, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers the likes of open-bar cocktails, personal-butler service and all-inclusive dining by award-winning chefs. In short, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll also be treated to privileged views of rural Thailand and Singapore, as you wind past jungle rivers and far-flung villages to end in Singapore. Each stop presents an opportunity for expert-led guided tours, which range from cooking classes to naturalist-led hikes. It’s all knitted together by private transfers and bookended by ultra-luxury stays in Bangkok and Singapore – two of Asia’s greatest cities.
Begin your trip with a complimentary UK airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Thailand.
Electric Bangkok is a city that excites and beguiles in equal measure, so it pays to afford yourself a touch of luxury. As such, you’ll be met again by a private driver, who’ll see you to your luxurious accommodation; expect ultra-luxury rooms, spa indulgences, fine-dining restaurants and unmatched views over the Chao Phraya River.
It’s all an ideal respite to Bangkok’s hubbub, best experienced in its floating markets and famous food stalls. Over your two days here, don’t also miss out on the golden Royal Palace, glittering temples and neon chinatown.
Breakfast included
Following a private transfer to the Bangkok Railway Station, it’s time for the much-anticipated embarkation. The Eastern & Oriental Express – gleaming in its racing-green livery – will be ready and waiting. As will your personal steward, who’ll see you to private cabin. Settling in among the ornate fabrics and polished cabinetry, you’ll watch as Bangkok gives way to lush Thai countryside before you change for dinner.
For the first of your all-inclusive meals, you’ll enjoy the likes of foie gras croquettes and pan-friend barramundi fillet, complemented by open-bar wines. Then, there’s the opportunity to end the night with a drink in the exquisitely colonial Bar Car, accompanied by a pianist, of course.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Breakfast & Dinner included
As with each day aboard, you’ll start the morning with a Continental breakfast, served by your steward in the intimacy of your cabin. You’ll also begin your series of included touring in Kanchanaburi, a historic town in Thailand’s remote southwest. There’s a full spread of options, with highlights including a visit to the Thai-Burma Railway Museum and the famous bridge over the River Kwai.
For something more active, consider a bike ride through the bright-green rice fields or a tour of a wet market and rice noodle house, enjoying a raft cruise and culinary workshop in the process. Back on the rails, don’t forget to take advantage of the open-air Observation Car in between your multi-course lunch and dinner.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
As you wend towards the border, be sure to take in the views from the Saloon Car’s plush armchairs, cup of Cameron Highlands tea in hand. Then, after the formalities, your first stop in Malaysia will be the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, home to a sultan’s art gallery and the burnished curves of the Ubudiah Mosque. Your expert guide will also take you out for a taste of rural Malaysian life, with a chance to visit remote villages and taste their local produce.
Otherwise, join the resident naturalist for a hill trek, rewarded by superb views and a cold towel at the top. Returning to the train, enjoy your last night aboard in style, with cocktails and live piano music.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Following a last breakfast in bed, you’ll roll into Singapore where you’ll be met by your private driver for the short journey to your luxury hotel – the Fullerton. It’s a colonial gem, replete with teakwood detailing and glittering chandeliers. You’ll then have two days to explore this city great, taking in its world-famous skyline of glittering art projects and infinity-pool-capped skyscrapers.
In between it all, there’s plenty of heritage to discover, with favourites including colourful Chinese temples, mouth-watering hawker markets, and the vibrancy of Little India. You'll also be treated to complimentary heritage walking tours from your accommodation.
Breakfast included
Today, a private driver will bring you to the airport for your overnight flight home.
This itinerary is also available in reverse.
Breakfast included
"This trip is truly something of the unique. Indeed, there are few places in the world that you can marry the rich exoticism of the Orient with the excesses of luxury rail travel. Along with the dining nightly live music, the service really is second to none. To make sure everything's running smoothly, I've also added in stays in two of Asia's finest cities. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist