The Eastern & Oriental Express and Thai Island Getaway

You’ll begin in style with a complimentary VIP airport lounge access before your overnight flight.

Arriving into ultra-modern Singapore, you’ll be met at the airport and whisked to your luxury accommodation. The perfect introduction to the city’s colonial charm, it’s a National Monument that was once hosted the prestigious Singapore Club. Expect neoclassic columns, dark-wood accents and opulent facilities.

You’ll also be perfectly poised on Singapore’s eponymous river, with everything from glistening skyscrapers to giant steel “super-tree” gardens on your doorstep. There’s also plenty of the traditional to take in, whether you’re admiring multi-tiered temples or indulging with the mouth-watering street food.

After a private transfer, you’ll settle into your plush cabin aboard Southeast Asia’s most luxurious train, admiring the rich fabrics and polished-wood marquetry. And, as you cross the Strait of Johur and into the countryside of southern Malaysia, you’ll admire the view through your picture window and perhaps change for dinner. Indeed, this evening you’ll be treated to the first of your full-board gourmet meals, heading to the crisp linens and sparkling crystal-ware of the restaurant carriage.

Expect the four courses to span from foie gras to aromatic curries. Then, you’ll want to cap off your evening with a drink in the bar car, where open-bar indulgences are sound-tracked by a live jazz ambience.

This morning you’ll awake to a continental breakfast, served in the intimacy of your private cabin. You’ll then arrive into the regal town of Kuala Kangsar, where you’ll start your included series of off-train excursions. Here, you’ll be brought out to a nearby village, where you’ll be warmly greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony.

There’s then the opportunity to sample some of the local produce with a tour of the lush-green rice paddies, while those more active might enjoy the naturalist-led trek, capped by hilltop views. You’ll then return to the train for a refreshing cocktail before a glamorous final dinner. Be sure to also find some time to enjoy the jungle view from the open-air observation car.

After another intimate breakfast, you’ll roll into the Thai town of Kanchanburi – famed for its superb Thai-Burma Railway Museum and, yes, the River Kwai Bridge. While both are showcased on your exclusive tour, you might prefer to join a bike trip through the rice fields, culminating with a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, visit a wet market and rice noodle house before joining a cooking class, held on a raft river cruise.

It’s then time to rejoin the train for lunch, with pan-fried barramundi and lemongrass panna cotta among the highlights. It all concludes in Bangkok, where you’ll be met at the station by a private driver for the short journey to your luxury accommodation.

With two nights in Bangkok, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the electric energy of the Thai capital. Alongside the burnished gold of the Royal Palace and the evocative mantras that echo among its traditional temples, be sure to also sample the city’s most famous export – its food. You can expect the finest of pad-Thai noodles showcased across street-food sellers and fine-dining restaurants.

Then, all the buzz of the city is contrasted by nights spent in your luxury hotel. Although positioned in the middle of it all, the Sukhothai offers a slice of indulgent calm, provided by acres of gardens, fine-dining restaurants and a superb spa. 

Your flight to Phuket, bookended by private transfers, will see you onto a speedboat journey – surely the most evocative way to arrive at your island idyll. And, you’ll take in the white sands and bathtub waters from your handcrafted villa’s very own private pool terrace. For further indulgences, look no further than the cocktail beach bar, spa treatments and indulgent dining.

Those wanting to stay active will also enjoy a full range of complimentary activities, from yoga and Muay Thai boxing to dance lessons, kayaking and paddle-boarding. Consider also booking onto a cooking class, or exploring further with visits to local villages and snorkelling sites, hidden among green-dappled islets.

Retracing your steps, a speedboat and private driver will see you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.