7 days / 6 nights
Bangkok • Singapore
This exceptional journey offers unique insights from local people who reveal the magic elements of Asia's charm.
HIGHLIGHTS : Tham Kasae Viaduct, River Kwai, Trang, Penang, Kuala Lumpur.
Day 1 : Bangkok
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Bangkok's central station. As you arrive and step on board you are welcomed by stewards in their beautiful Thai uniforms, hands pressed together in a gracious "wai".
A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows and the train sets off through the city, and out into the glorious countryside beyond. Make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests.
After a gastronomic dinner in one of the opulent dining cars, enjoy the on board entertainment: you might have your fortune told by the astrologer and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies as the train rolls along.
Day 2 : Tham Kasae Viaduct & River Kwai
Why not take your early morning coffee in the open air Observation Car while the E&OE crosses the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct - one of the most scenic stretches of the railway - to arrive at Wang Po. After breakfast, choose from a variety of tours such as a visit to the elephant camp, or join an excursion to the memorial at the Hell Fire Pass Museum, a moving testament to this region's turbulent history.
Return to the train and depart Wang Po at midday. Lunch is served on board as you travel towards the River Kwai Bridge where you disembark for a leisurely cruise along the scenic gorge of the Rive Kwai aboard a local barge. This afternoon you will also have the opportunity to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and Don Rak War Cemetery.
The train will depart Kanchanaburi station in the late afternoon. Enjoy an aperitif and then move on to a memorable dinner of dishes based on the region's produce. You might choose to have a foot massage by the on-board reflexologist to relax after this action-packed day.
Day 3 : Trang and Anantara Si Kao Resort
After a gentle morning enjoying scenic views of southern Thailand, a sumptuous brunch will be served on board. The Eastern & Oriental Express pulls in to Trang mid-afternoon. Situated beside the Andaman Sea, Trang boasts some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. Disembark for your transfer to the deluxe Anantara Si Kao Resort.
Setting off from the station, enjoy a brief tour en route to the resort. Relax and watch the sun setting over the Andaman Sea while sipping cocktails on the beach. Dinner will provide an opportunity to taste a selection of regional specialities, while enjoying local entertainment. You may wish to stroll beside the sea before retiring to your room in this delightful hotel.
Day 4 : A Day in Trang
After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, choose from a wide variety of excursions for your day in Trang. You may like to relax at the resort's private Beach Club on the shores of Koh Kradan, a picturesque island just a 45 minutes boat ride away. Or choose a truly memorable activity such as dugong trekking on a boat trip to Libong Island. Other options that make the most of the tropical scenery and its flora and fauna include sea-kayaking, bird watching and bicycling. Or take a tour of Trang with a visit to the Raindrop Foundation to learn of its work to protect the fascinating mangrove swamps nearby.
If you prefer to stay within the resort then you may choose to be pampered in the spa, or discover a new world of taste sensations at a beachside Thai cooking class. Or just stretch out and enjoy the cooling breeze by the pool with your favourite book.
Check out of this luxurious resort in the late afternoon and return to the E&OE for a casual dinner on board. This evening will see the train crossing over the border into Malaysia: rice paddies gradually segue into jungle and rubber plantations.
Day 5 : Penang
After breakfast you are invited to disembark for a morning in bustling Penang. Several excursion options are available including a tour of colonial Georgetown with its rich blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Peranakan Heritage Museum or the Tropical Spice Garden Gallery which hosts a display on the origins of the spice trade, historical spice routes and how spices are processed and produced.
Lunch brings the opportunity for you to dine at one of several specially-selected restaurants which offer some of the best dining experiences available in Penang: discover why the island is renowned for its distinctive cuisine.
After lunch, return to the train and continue your journey south. The route travels across exquisite Bukit Merah Lake before climbing into the lush highlands of Malaysia. Enjoy an aperitif while looking out at this dramatic scenery. Dinner will be served on board and you may wish to chat to other guests in the Bar Car.
Day 6 : Kuala Lumpur
Following breakfast, the Eastern & Oriental Express arrives at the impressive Mughal-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, built in 1885. Immerse yourself in the bustling capital of Malaysia through a choice of activities such as a city tour, a heritage walking tour or a visit to the National Museum. Full details of available options are provided on board.
For your final night aboard the E&OE, the train manager hosts a farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner. This is a chance to exchange travellers' tales (and addresses, perhaps) with fellow guests and then get together in the warm night air of the Observation Car for a last glimpse of Malaysia's star-studded sky.
Day 7 : Singapore
The train leaves Malaysia to travel into the dazzling heart of Singapore. Arrive mid-morning and disembark as the on board team wave you on your way.
Timetable
|
Arrive |
Depart |
|
Sunday |
Bangkok (Hualampong Station) | - | 16:00 |
| Check-In at Mandarin Oriental Hotel for transfer to station. Welcome cocktails reception. |
|||
Monday |
Wang Po | 08:00 | 11:30 |
|
Choice of optional tours. | ||
| River Kwai | 14:30 | 17:30 | |
| Local barge cruise on River Kwai. Thai Burma Railway Museum, Don Rak War Cemetery. |
|||
Tuesday |
Trang | 14:30 | - |
|
Overnight at Anantara Si Kao Resort with a sunset dinner on the beach. | ||
Wednesday |
Trang | - | 16:00 |
|
Day at leisure with choice of activities. Depart Trang late afternoon. |
||
Thursday |
Penang | 08:30 | 14:00 |
|
Choice of local excursions. Bukit Merah Lake (photo stop). |
||
| Friday | Kuala Lumpur | 08:30 | 17:00 |
| Choice of full day excursions. Farewell cocktail & dinner on board. |
|||
Saturday |
Singapore | 10:00 | - |
Please note: All timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents.
Departures 2011 :
| November 27. |
Departures 2012 :
| November 27. |
Holiday Prices (per person) 2011/12 :
Compartment |
2011 | 2012 |
| Pullman Superior / Single | ||
| State Cabin | £5,500 | £5,700 |
| Presidential Suite | £7,100 | £7,300 |
Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy and include :
Prices are per person based on sharing accommodation (except for single cabin) and include all table d'hôte meals and drinks on board with complimentary tea and coffee in your cabin, and all sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary.
Prices do not include :
- Travel Insurance.
- Gratuities.
- International flights to South East Asia.
- Flight Information.
Special Offer :
To celebrate the launch of the Chronicles of South East Asia all passengers who travel on a six night journey receive a complimentary one night stay at the 5 star Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok and the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore, including breakfast and transfers to and from hotel/station.
Offer valid on all departures through December 2011 and will be added to your itinerary automatically on reservation. Subject to availability.
