The Eastern & Oriental Express is one of the world's great train journeys, an experience that is never forgotten. The journey links the vibrant cities of Singapore and Bangkok, and includes a tour of Penang's capital Georgetown and a short cruise along the River Kwai. This is the perfect introduction to South East Asia. Every moment is to be savoured.
South East Asia has been renowned for generations as a traveller's paradise, as a place of intense natural beauty, spiritual tranquility and historical intrigue. Remarkably, there are still many areas that retain all their ancient mystique, freshness and charm. Today, there are stunning new attractions to complement the traditional sights. This is a region in which travellers are assured of a warm welcome and a fascinating cultural adventure. It is a perfect setting for the particular magic of Belmond Trains.
Time aboard the train is full of diversions. In the Dining Cars, waiters present gourmet Asian and European dishes and fine wines in gleaming crystal and silverware. The Bar Car with its resident pianist and variety of local entertainment provides a special opportunity to meet fellow travellers.
Friendly and courteous service is the hallmark of a journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express, from the moment you are welcomed aboard. A quarter of a mile in length, the air-conditioned gleaming green and cream carriages evoke the great age of luxury train travel and are a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship.
In the Saloon car, the Boutique sells a range of exclusive Collection Eastern & Oriental Express merchandise, and there is also a Reading Room with a varied library. The most popular place on board however, is the open decked Observation Car, which provides an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The E&O accommodates 132 passengers in 66 air-conditioned compartments, all furnished with beautiful fabrics, fine linens and soft towels, and a friendly room service is available 24 hours a day.
Accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express is in one of three grades of beautifully appointed compartments: Presidential Suite, State Compartments and Pullman Compartments. Each of the three grades of compartment is fully air-conditioned with an en suite shower, washbasin and WC as well as impressive picture windows to ensure you don't miss a second of the magical world unfurling outside. While you dine at night, your discreet and friendly steward transforms your compartment from a living room to a bedroom.
The landscape is one of dramatic contrasts. With every turn of the track a new vista unfolds, each as surprising as the last. Weave through dense tropical jungles and then glide through small villages scattered across huge rice plains, before reaching dynamic, glittering cities that seem to belong to another world entirely. This is a journey through time as well as space, and there is always something to look at, to wonder at, to talk about.
A journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express is truly a feast for the senses, alive with sounds and smells as well as sights.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.