DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Singapore

Arrive in Singapore, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

This sophisticated island nation has a fascinating combination of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian cultures, and is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s most visited cities, with a fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian cultures. It is a very safe, clean and efficient city where modern skyscrapers, shopping malls and offices sit alongside the old buildings of Chinatown, the Kampong Glam Muslim Quarter and the distinctive sights, sounds and scents of Little India. It is also a foodies delight, with gastronomy from around the world.

You can stroll along the riverfront esplanade, shop in designer boutiques, and dine on chilli crab in rooftop restaurants overlooking the glittering skyline. A cruise in a traditional ‘bumboat’ is recommended, to view the city’s impressive colonial buildings and towering skyscrapers from the water. You can also indulge yourself with a visit to the iconic Raffles hotel for a Singapore Sling!

Use the ultra-efficient transport system to visit historic buildings such as CHIJMES (a former Catholic convent), the Dalhousie Obelisk, iconic Merlion Park fountain, Old Parliament House, National Museum and the Asian Civilisations Museum. You can also visit sites associated with the Second World War such as Battlebox, Changi Chapel and Museum, Fort Siloso and the Kranji War Memorial.

Over 50% of the island is green. You can visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, and participate in the Night Safari. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve has many hiking trails through the remnants of Singapore's primary forest, and is home of 500 different wildlife species, including numerous monkeys. The Gardens by the Bay have cloud forests and waterfalls, as well as incredible 15 storey ‘supertrees’ that light up in stunning displays of colour at night.

Other popular attractions include the iconic Skypark Observation Deck at Marina Sands, the giant Singapore Flyer ferris wheel, Universal Studios theme park, and the fabulous aquarium and waterparks found at Resort World on Sentosa Island.

Singapore is one of the best cities in the world in which to celebrate the Chinese New Year, when you can also experience this city’s unique blend of old and new cultures in its annual Chingay Parade.

Hotels can get very booked up during September, when Singapore hosts the Grand Prix (the only night race in Formula One), so we recommend booking well in advance if you’re planning to visiting then.

Day 4: Eastern & Oriental Express

This morning transfer to Singapore Railway Station in good time to board the elegant Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express – Asia’s most luxurious train.

Travel in style aboard this magnificent train and recall the nostalgia of days gone by, as we journey for three days from Singapore to Bangkok. Take in the panoramic views as we travel past buzzing cities, rural villages, off-the-beaten-track fishing towns, islands and beaches, whilst viewing glittering pagodas and the lush green landscapes of Malaysia and Thailand.

The train's beautiful cabins combine old world elegance with Asian details such as latticed bamboo on the walls. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your cabin to allow you to make the most of the idyllic scenery, with lunch and dinner served in the restaurant car.

In the centre of the train is the intimate Piano Bar, offering music and entertainment throughout the day and late into the night. The Saloon Car is well stocked with books, magazines and board games. At the end of the train is the Observation Car, with teak wood flooring, panelled walls and its own bar. It also has an outdoor observation area open during daylight hours, allowing you to enjoy the views.

After a welcome reception, enjoy a delicious evening meal and your first night onboard as the train travels through the countryside of southern Malaysia.

Note: You have a choice of Pullman, State or Presidential cabins. Dress code is smart day wear, with evening dining offering the opportunity to dress up with glamour and style. A jacket and tie are customary for gentlemen, with suitable evening wear for ladies.

Day 5: Eastern & Oriental Express

After breakfast, we arrive at Kuala Kangsar in Malaysia. Here we leave the train for a tour to experience rural Malaysian lifestyle and view the grand Ubudiah Mosque, considered to be one of the most spectacular in the country. We also visit the historic Royal Museum of Perak, as well as the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery that is housed in a former palace.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure aboard the train, followed by a delicious dinner, as we continue our journey to Thailand. 

Day 6: Disembark in Bangkok

Enjoy breakfast and some relaxation, before disembarking later in the morning at the historic River Kwai Bridge station. Here we take a scenic cruise along the river, accompanied by a local historian. We also visit a war museum and cemetery, to learn more about this area's history.

After lunch aboard the train, we arrive in Bangkok in the late afternoon. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this exciting city.

Note: Journey is available in both directions. Longer journeys are available that will take you into the heart of Malaysia, stopping in Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands and Penang, before finishing up in Thailand’s Huay Yang.

Days 7 & 8: Explore Bangkok

Today explore the chaotic capital of Bangkok, where ancient temples jostle for position with towering skyscrapers. You can visit opulent palaces and floating markets, shop in designer boutiques, explore winding alleyways, have cocktails in a rooftop bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique city.

Bangkok is home to the spectacular Grand Palace, the royal residence that includes Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Immediately south of the palace complex is Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), considered a place of healing. This enormous golden statue is so large (45m long & 15m high) that it cannot be viewed in its entirety and needs to be appreciated in sections.

Other stunning temples include ancient Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), best visited at sunset, and the astonishing Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Wat Suthat temple has some lovely wall paintings, and the adjacent 27m Giant Swing has an interesting history. Wang Na Palace, located within the grounds of the National Museum, has an extensive collection of religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weapons, musical instruments, the Viceroy's throne and a collection of Buddha figures.

Bangkok is often referred to as the ‘Venice of Asia’, as parts of the city are covered in water canals or ‘klongs’. Be sure to take a boat ride through the Thonburi Klongs, where many people live in stilted houses built over the water.

To really experience Bangkok, you have to try the local cuisine, with some of the best street food found on Khao San Road. Try ‘pad thai’ (stir-fried rice noodle), ‘pad see ew’ (fried soy sauce noodles) and ‘mango sticky rice’.

If you like shopping, you can buy just about anything at Chatuchak Market, a sprawling semi-outdoor weekend market that is the largest in the world. For an even more interesting experience, Damnoen Saduak is a floating market in Ratchaburi, about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok.

Terminal 21 is a modern shopping mall where every floor has been themed to a different international city such as Paris, Tokyo, San Francisco and Istanbul. Lumpini Park is a green oasis amidst the traffic of the city, where you can relax under the shade of a Chinese pagoda or take a boat ride on the lake.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya is also within reach of the city, as it’s only 70 km north of Bangkok. Although destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, you can admire the remains of this second Siamese capital, with its splendid ‘prangs’ (richly carved tall spires) and huge monasteries.

Note: Remember to dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples, with your shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering. Never point at a Buddha statue, or raise yourself higher than it. Try not to turn your back to the statue when leaving; back away instead.

Day 9: Fly to Koh Samui

Transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to the island of Koh Samui, with its sweeping white sandy beaches fringed by coconut palms and lapped by aquamarine waters.

Note: A wide variety of beach destinations are available - ranging from resorts on the southwest mainland, to spectacular islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Days 10 to 12: At Leisure

Koh Samui is a perfect spot for indulging in some quality beach relaxation, as well as feasting on delicious world-class cuisine, visiting Buddhist temples and enjoying scenic adventures such as trekking to remote waterfalls and sailing to nearby islands in the Samui archipelago.

You can also kayak and snorkel around the islands of the Angthong Marine Park, where you can discover sheer limestone cliffs, deserted beaches and hidden lagoons and caves.

On and around the islands, you will encounter wildlife, marine life and birdlife from sea turtles and parrot fish to monitor lizards and swooping sea eagles. Alex Garland’s cult novel ‘The Beach’ (which became an equally cult film starring Leonardo DiCaprio) was inspired by these exotic landscapes.

Day 13: Fly Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and connecting flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with full board on the train in a Pullman cabin. House drinks served with meals are included on the train, but not premium drinks or those served in your cabin. Economy flights from London, domestic flights in Thailand and all local transfers are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.