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Discover the variety of cultures and climates that you can encounter on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Thailand Thailand is described by travellers as “the most exotic country in Asia”. Its distinct culture, rich and varied heritage and scenic beauty bring this all together in a kaleidoscope of wonders. Thailand stretches 1860 km north to south, giving it one of the most diverse climates in South East Asia. From high mountains in the north come river tributaries, which flow, into central Thailand and drain into the Gulf of Thailand via the Chao Phraya Delta near Bangkok. The diverse flora and fauna include an incredible variety of fruit trees, bamboo, tropical hardwoods and Thailand’s national floral symbol; the orchid. Tigers, leopards and elephants are to be found in many of the 32 wildlife sanctuaries and 66 national parks. From the golden spires and soaring roofs of Bangkok’s temples to the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient cities, the marvellous sights give definition to a kingdom with an independent history stretching back more than 700 years. The heart of Thailand centres on the delta of the Chao Phraya River and its fertile plains make a contribution to the national rice production. Across the north runs a succession of jungle-covered mountains, which form part of the Himalayan foothills. Bordering Thailand in a clockwise direction from the north are Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma). Malaysia Malaysia boasts of a rich cultural heritage, with traditional architecture and crafts, environmental splendour, a shopper’s paradise and a gastronomic haven all rolled into one. The population is a contrast of racial and cultural roots, with a predominance of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Malaysia, along with Singapore and Brunei has only existed in its present form since 1963, when the federation of thirteen states became known as Malaysia. From the early 16th century onwards, parts of Malaysia, Malacca in particular, had been colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in turn. Malaysia can today be divided into six major regions; Kuala Lumpur, the central region comprising the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca, the northern region of Penang, Perlis, Perak and Kedah, the east coast states of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang, the southern state of Johor, and finally the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Each region has unique characteristics and each of Malaysia’s ethnic groups adds a distinct heritage to this society. Singapore Singapore, linked by a kilometre-long causeway to the southern tip of Malaysia, provides Western standards alongside traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian enclaves. The downtown areas of Singapore are dense with towering skyscrapers and shopping malls, yet the island retains an abundance of nature reserves and lush, tropical greenery. In 1819, Singapore was purchased from the then ruler, the Sultan of Johor by an Englishman named Sir Stamford Raffles. With its immigrating Chinese entrepreneurs from Malaysia and Indian and Chinese labourers, it grew as a crucial crossroad for trade and shipping. Now the small island republic of only 633 square kilometres, boasts the world’s busiest port and an airport served by over 50 of the world’s major airlines. Singapore is also the clearing house for the region’s wealth, dealing in tin, rubber, coconut, oil, rice, timber, jute, spices and coffee, and her financial centre is home to the world’s major banks. Despite the modernisation of this city, visitors prepared to peer beneath the state’s surface will discover a profusion of age-old buildings, values and traditions. |
A quarter of a mile in length, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train recaptures the golden age of rail travel through one of the world's most beautiful and exotic regions. Gourmet cuisine, personal service and luxuriously appointed cabins come together in delightful harmony whilst the train gently travels through the sounds and sights of tropical forests close to the earth's equator. Accommodating 132 passengers in 66 air-conditioned cabins, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a truly unique way to explore South East Asia and a remarkable celebration of any special occasion. Bangkok - Singapore (4 days/3 nights)
Itinerary Day 1 - Bangkok The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok early evening. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, settle into your comfortable compartment. Dinner is served as the train travels from city into the countryside with its rice-fields, villages and water buffalo. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cosy bedroom by your steward.
Awake early in order not to miss the excitement of the train making its way from Wang Po along the wooden trestle viaduct beside a towering cliff. On arrival at the River Kwai Bridge station, the E&O stops to allow you to disembark. Guides escort you on the short walk down to the jetty to board a local raft for a cruise along the lush greenery of the picturesque Kwai Yai river, passing under the Bridge. On board, a local historian provides a brief overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the bridge. At the E&O landing point you board a motor coach for a brief trip past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. As you explore the informative museum, the historian is available to answer questions. There is time to visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum if you wish. Rejoin the coach for the short ride to the Kanchanaburi railway station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Later reflect on the day's sights over dinner and relax with a drink in the Bar Car before retiring for the night. Day 3 - Penang After brunch the train arrives into Butterworth. Here coaches take you across to colonial Georgetown, capital of Penang, on the local ferry. Enjoy a guided introductory tour with pre-World War II mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and colourful shophouses. Take the short ride back to Butterworth and rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express. Spend the afternoon watching the passing scenery from one of the lounge cars or from the open deck of the Observation Car. Dine again in one of the opulent dining cars and then spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car with its resident pianist. Spend your last night on board. Day 4 - Singapore
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(3 days/2 nights)
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Itinerary Thursday - Singapore The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Singapore’s Keppel Road station in the morning. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, settle into your compartment. Enjoy the passing scenery as the train crosses to Malaysia via the causeway of the Straits of Johor. Lunch is served in one of the opulent dining cars. Dress for dinner and then spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car in the company of our resident pianist. During the evening, the E&O pauses at Kuala Lumpur’s magnificent Moorish-style station where you may disembark for a stroll. Retire to your compartment which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Breakfast is taken in your compartment before arriving in Butterworth. Here coaches take you across to colonial Georgetown, capital of Penang, on the local ferry. Enjoy a guided introductory tour with pre-World War II mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and colourful shophouses. Reboard the waiting coaches for the short ferry ride back to Butterworth and the Eastern & Oriental Express for lunch. As the train crosses into Thailand spend the afternoon watching the changing scenery from the open deck of the Observation Car or relax in the comfort of the Saloon Car. Dinner is served in the sumptuous dining car. Saturday - River Kwai & Bangkok After breakfast E&O arrives at the River Kwai Bridge station where the train stops to allow you to disembark. Guides escort you on the short walk down to the jetty to board a local craft for a cruise along the lush greenery of the picturesque Kwai Yai river, passing under the Bridge. On board, a local historian provides a brief overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the bridge. At the E&O landing point board a motor coach for a brief trip past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. As you explore the informative museum, the historian is available to answer questions. There is time to visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum if you wish. Rejoin the coach for the transfer to Kanchanaburi railway station from where your E&O journey continues with lunch. Arrive into Bangkok in the afternoon.
Each morning a breakfast of freshly baked croissants, coffee or tea, juice and fruit is delivered to your compartment and for those passengers wishing to rise early to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, tea and coffee will be served for you in the Observation Car from 7.00am onwards. Our chefs can cater for any specific dietry requirements passengers may have, provided you inform us prior to your journey.
The Observation Car is located at the very end of the train. Its interior section is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails amidst a colonial ‘veranda’ ambience with its teak wood flooring, paneled walls, rattan furniture and potted plants. One-third of the Observation Car is an outdoor observation area decorated with teakwood. Offering unobstructed views, it is the perfect place to take photographs of the panoramic scenery and experience the sights, sounds and scents of South East Asia. Smoking is permitted on the outdoor area. Experience Asia Bordered by the Indian subcontinent to the West, China to the North and Japan to the East, South East Asia is an utterly captivating land that promises to stimulate each and every one of your senses. A tropical expanse of rainforest, rice paddies, diverse landscapes and colourful cultures, the region is where visitors encounter the friendliest, most welcoming people and some of the world's most exciting cuisine. |
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Dining on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Observation Car