14 Day / 13 night Singapore, Orient Express Train, Bangkok and Beach from £2236 per person

Overview

Although travelling on the E&O is a highly recommended experience in its own right, most people will want to dovetail their journey into a broader itinerary. Here are just two suggested itineraries:

Combine two nights in Singapore with the train to Bangkok, followed by lazy days on the beach.

Day 1 and 2 Singapore

Spend 2 days exploring Singapore’s mix of attractions, from first class shopping on Orchard Road to a remarkable collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, the fascinating Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park or a visit to Raffles. Our consultants can arrange many of these activities before you arrive, including a ride on the ‘Flyer’ big wheel and a harbour cruise.

Stay 2 nights at the five star Mandarin Oriental hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city.

Day 3 Depart Singapore on the Orient Express Train

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.

Day 4 Orient Express Train – Penang

Breakfast is taken in your compartment before arriving in Butterworth.

Here coaches take you across to Georgetown, capital of Penang, on the local ferry. Proceed to Chulia Street Wet Market for a walking tour through the street-side stalls selling vegetables, fruits and other local food items.

Next take a ride on a trishaw along interesting districts passing colourful shophouses, elaborately-roofed temples, churches and the charming E&O Hotel and famous colonial landmarks.

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.

Day 5 Orient Express Train - Bangkok

After breakfast, the 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.

On arrival transfer to The Mandarin Oriental Hotel where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 6 – Bangkok

Teeming with temples (wats) as well as bargain shopping (silks, tailoring and fake watches), night markets, superb food and luxurious yet affordable hotels, South East Asia’s liveliest city will leave you breathless.

Your day is free to explore the many sites or we can organize a half day tour to the Grand Palace or a temple tour that includes Wat Trimitr, home of the solid Gold Buddha, the reclining Buddha at Wat Po, and the magnificent marble temple of Wat Benchamabophit.

One favourite trip is to zip along the Chao Phraya River and then weave through the labyrinth of canals by boat, with time to see fascinating life along the banks. Our consultants can incorporate these and other tours into your itinerary.

Day 7 – 13 – Koh Samui (or other beach destination)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Koh Samui.

On arrival you’ll be transferred to the Napasai, an intimate hotel (part of the Orient Express Hotels group) with just 55 cottages located on the north coast’s Maenam Beach.

Samui boasts some beautiful beaches and a large percentage of the island is covered with coconut plantations, offering a truly tropical paradise atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you would prefer to stay in a different beach destination let our consultants know and they can tailor make an itinerary for you.

Day 14 – Fly home

You’ll be transferred to the airport by private car for your flight home.

Price 13 nights from £2236 pp, including private transfers, 11 nights’ luxury accommodation, return flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui, and 2 nights on the train in a Pullman superior cabin.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion of what you can do, so if you would prefer to change the hotel or the duration, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our consultants who can tailor make a quote for you.

International flights are not included as special fares are changing all the time. Our consultants will quote the best fare at the time of booking.