Eastern & Oriental Express - 6 Days / 5 Nights
Singapore to Bangkok – 2 nights• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Kangsar
• River Kwai
• Bangkok
Bangkok to Singapore – 3 nights
• Bangkok
• River Kwai• Kuala Kangsar• Kuala Lumpur• Singapore
ITINERARY
Singapore to Bangkok – 2 nights
Day 1: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
Your journey will begin at the iconic Raffles Hotel, where any pre-departure checks and formalities will be conducted. Transferring to Woodlands Railway Station, a steward will welcome you aboard the elegant Eastern & Oriental Express, before showing you to your private cabin. As the train departs for Peninsular Malaysia, relax with a delicious afternoon tea, which will be served in the privacy of your cabin. Following a gourmet dinner in the restaurant, unwind with a nightcap and listen to live music from the resident pianist in the Piano Bar, before retiring to your cabin for the night. L, D.
Day 2: Kuala Kangsar
Against the exotic backdrop of Malaysia's rainforests, enjoy a leisurely continental breakfast in the comfort of your cabin. This morning the train will arrive into Kuala Kangsar, an old royal town set beside the Perak River. Transfer by coach to a traditional Malay village, and spend the morning exploring the area on one of two excursions. Immerse yourself in rural life and take a guided walk through the rice paddies, or join a guided hillside trek for spectacular panoramic views of the town. Returning to the train at Padang Rengas Station, enjoy lunch back on board before spending the afternoon at leisure. As the train continues its journey towards Thailand, enjoy dinner and a drink with your fellow guests before heading to the Piano Bar or the open observation deck for your final night on board. B, L, D.
Day 3: River Kwai to Bangkok
Relax with breakfast in the comfort of your cabin, before disembarking the train at River Kwai Station for your chosen excursion. If you're booked on the classic tour, the morning will start with a scenic raft cruise along the River Kwai. Your local guide will give a brief insight into the building of the Thailand-Burma Railway and bridge, which was infamously built by prisoners of war in WWII. By coach you'll then visit the Thai-Burma Railway Centre, and you'll also have the opportunity to visit the Don-Rak War Cemetery. If you're on the cycling tour, you'll head to a rural village for an hour-long bike tour, riding through rice fields and stopping for refreshments at a traditional Thai wooden house. Foodies on the culinary tour will have the chance to visit a wet market and rice noodle house, before boarding a river raft for a traditional Thai cooking class on the River Kwai. Returning to the train for your last lunch on board, your journey will continue with the final stretch to Bangkok, where you'll disembark the train in the late afternoon. B, L.
Bangkok to Singapore – 3 nights
Day 1 Bangkok to River Kwai
Be greeted at the platform in Bangkok by immaculately dressed train stewards as you climb aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express in the early evening. You’ll be shown to your private cabin where you can settle down on a plush window seat before departing on your nostalgic adventure. Watch as city turns to countryside in the Observation Car and enjoy an aperitif before a gourmet dinner of food inspired by your South-East Asian destinations. Relax to live music from the resident pianist at the Piano Bar and have a nightcap before heading back to your private cabin for the night.
Day 2 River Kwai (Kanchanaburi)
Enjoy your continental breakfast – delivered to your cabin at your preferred time – and marvel at your cabin views en route to Kanchanaburi. On arrival, you’ll embark on your chosen excursion. The classic tour begins with a raft cruise along the River Kwai, floating past riverbanks overgrown with tropical flora and approaching the Death Railway Bridge from underneath. A local historian will give a brief overview on the Thailand-Burma Railway and bridge, which was infamously built by prisoners of war during WWII. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more about the tragic history; you’ll also have time to Don-Rak War Cemetery if you wish. On a cycling tour, you’ll head to a rural village for an hour-long tour riding through rice paddies and stopping for refreshments at a local Thai farm. Foodies on the culinary tour will have the opportunity to visit a wet market and a rice noodle house before boarding a river raft for a Thai cooking class on the River Kwai, followed by an optional visit to the Chong Kai War Cemetery. Transfer back to the station by road for lunch on board as you head onwards through the picturesque countryside. The rest of your evening is at leisure on board to rest or socialise with your fellow guests at dinner time.
Day 3 Kuala Kangsar
Bask in the picturesque views as the train passes rice fields and massive limestone mountains. On arrival in Kuala Kangsar, travel by coach to a local village for your chosen excursion. Learn about rural life in Malaysia as you meet locals and try regional food, look at locally produced handicrafts and take a guided walk through the rice paddies and plantations where they grow rubber, banana and durian. The hill trek excursion also visits the banana and durian plantation where you’ll get to try some fruit chips. You’ll then follow your naturalist guide on a walk up a hill, where you can cool off with cold towels and refreshments as you take in the panoramic views. You might even be able to spot the Eastern & Oriental Express waiting for your return at the station. Return to the train for dinner and your onward journey through rainforests and little towns towards Singapore.
Day 4 Singapore
Relax in the comfort of your cabin with breakfast. Passing palm plantations, it’s the perfect time for your last photos of classic countryside before crossing the Straits of Johor into Singapore. On your late morning arrival, say goodbye to the staff on the Eastern & Oriental Express and continue to your next destination or chosen accommodation.
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Good to know
Dining & Beverages
All meals on board are included, and offer refined menus that combine Asian and western fusion styles with fresh, local ingredients. While lunch and dinner are served in the elegant restaurant car, a cosy cabin breakfast invites you to start the day in the comfort of your own room. In the evening, you can choose to relax within the colonial ambience of the Observation Car, a carriage at the rear where classic cocktails and sunset views await, or within the vintage glamour of the Piano Bar, complete with resident pianist and a fantastic all-day drinking menu.
Facilities
At some point on your journey, take some time to browse the on-board boutique for a luxury souvenir. Located in the Saloon Car, there's also a reading lounge here, with a great selection of books, magazines and games for you to delve into.
Cabins
There are four different types of cabin car available – a Pullman Single, Pullman, State Cabin and Presidential Cabin. Embellished with delicate details like the classic cherrywood panelling and oriental Thai silks, these private cabins are an elegant blend of contemporary luxury and nostalgic indulgence. By day, the cabins serve as your own private lounge, while at night a dedicated steward will transform the space into your cosy sleeping quarters. While all cabins include air-conditioning and a private en-suite, the spacious seating and complimentary minibar add a little extra luxury to your stay in the Presidential Cabins.
Dress code
During the day and on excursions, guests tend to dress for relaxed comfort, while in the evening, the dress code tends to reflect the elegant style of the Eastern & Oriental Express – think dinner jackets and cocktail dresses.
Need to know
• Premium drinks and any drinks ordered to the cabin will have an additional charge
• The Singapore to Bangkok itinerary runs over two nights; the Bangkok to Singapore itinerary runs over three nights.
DATES & INCLUSIONS
Tour dates
Train departures
Singapore to Bangkok 2022
Jan 17; Feb 01, 10, 19; Mar 01, 10, 19; Apr 01, 23; Sep 02, 13, 22; Oct 02, 25; Nov 01, 14, 23; Dec 21, 29.
Bangkok to Singapore 2022
Jan 02, 24; Feb 05, 14, 23; Mar 05, 14, 24; Apr 05, 27; Sep 08, 17; Oct 08, 20, 28; Nov 09, 18, 27; Dec 08, 25.
Schedules are subject to change. Call or speak to a Personal Travel Expert for up-to-date schedule listings and availability.
Included in price
• Two or three nights on board the Eastern & Oriental Express• Dedicated 24-hour steward service• All table d'hote meals on board• All house wine, house spirits, local beer and soft drinks• Excursions as stated on itinerary• Wi-Fi throughout the train.