Top Five Train Journeys Around the World
Eastern & Oriental Express
Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore
At a Glance
Magical train journeys throughout Asia
A unique way to see Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore from a train
Luxurious and beautifully appointed cabins and suites
Fine dining experiences are offered every evening
Excursions and tours to see points of interest along the way
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Tropical climate that varies between the countries but generally the driest weather is from November to April.
Insider's View
A once in a lifetime experience and the perfect way to see Malaysia and Thailand, especially for those who do not have too much time on their hands.
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation to Eastern & Oriental Express or take a look at our itineraries to Bangkok
Description
A nostalgic, romantic and luxurious journey on a lavishly appointed train through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore's stunning countryside, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a memorable, relaxing and stylish way to travel.
Part of Belmond Collection, the Eastern & Oriental Express carries you in style on an enchanting voyage. Various relaxing journeys are available to include Bangkok, Singapore or colonial Malaysia.
From the luxurious carriages, you can watch the ever-changing landscape, from bustling cityscapes to rural villages and paddy fields. Various stops are made on your trip and you are escorted with a tour guide to learn more about the areas you are passing through.
Lavishly appointed sleeping compartments with rich, inlaid woods and antique brass fittings have large windows for lazy afternoon viewings. Each morning, a continental breakfast is brought to you in your compartment and later you may wish to join other guests in the bar or the open sided observation carriage. The dining car is an opulent experience with a delicious menu and dining here feels like you are on the set of a classic film from the golden age.
Accommodation
The Easten & Oriental Express' luxury compartments all have large picture windows, intricate panelled walls, en-suite bathrooms and a/c. The 30 Pullman cabins are configured as private lounges with banquette style sofas, and at night the seating converts into an upper and lower bed. The 28 State Cabins are slightly larger and have the addition of two chairs in the cabin, and at night the layout is two single beds. The Presidential Cabins also convert to 2 single beds at night but are considerably more spacious.
Childcare
Families are very welcome on board the Eastern & Oriental Express train, however, there are no specific facilities available for children. But children will love the adventure of traveling on board the train and all of the discoveries to be made en route.
Facilities
Facilities on board include two dining cars, each lavishly decorated with rosewood and elm panelling, an observation car with outdoor section and a bar with excellent cocktails and resident pianist. The dress code during dinner is usually relatively formal.
Activities
Scheduled stops are made at points of interest while on your journey, and here excursions and tours off the train take place, from the skyscrapers of Singapore to the golden spires of Thailand's temples, and learning about Malaysia's mix of cultures.
Reviews
Evi-Elli La Valle (Staff)
It is hard to believe that the Eastern & Oriental Express has only been operating between Bangkok and Singapore since 1993, as this epic journey really gives you the feeling of stepping back in time. From the elegant cabins reminiscent of the colonial era and decked out with cherry wood walls and intricate designs to the over-attentive service and five-course gourmet meals, it is easy to forget that you are on a train at times. With the ever-changing scenery passing by, this is definitely one of the most adventurous and exciting train journeys in the world and highly recommended.
Experiences
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Ancient Ayutthaya
Lying just 70km north of the Thai capital Bangkok, Ayutthaya is often overlooked by tourists. Full of old crumbling temples this is a wonderful experience uncovering hidden Thailand and a little more off the regular tourist trail.
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Bangkok Multi-Transport Adventure
A full day tour taking in some the highlights of Bangkok. Explore this vibrant city like a local, traveling by foot, boat, Skytrain and tuktuk, accompanied by your own English-speaking private guide.
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Bites & Sites in the Village of Love
During your time in Bangkok, spend half a day exploring the historic neighborhood of Bangrak, which translates as 'The Village of Love'. This relaxed tour is perfect for foodies and for those seeking to get a glimpse of local culture and everyday life.
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Cycle Bangkok's Jungle
Spend two hours exploring the 'Bangkok Jungle' by bicycle, passing by canals, mangrove forests, traditional Thai houses and hidden temples. This is a great way to experience the sleepier side of Bangkok and gain a different insight into local life.
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Cycle Hidden Bangkok
Experience a different side to Bangkok, cycling through sleepy side streets, green parks and along canal pathways. Get away from the main tourist sites and gain an insight into local life beyond the city's skyscrapers.
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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is one of Thailand's most famous, chaotic and colorful floating markets. Within easy reach of Bangkok, even if you would prefer not make any purchases, it still makes for an exciting experience.
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Distinguished Hosts - Bangkok
This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to get more of an in-depth understanding of Thailand, or a particular area of the culture, be that history, architecture or literature - there is plenty of choice depending on your interests.
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Erawan Waterfall & Phra That Cave
Head to Erawan, one of Thailand's most famous National Parks. Here you can visit the Erawan Waterfall, a picturesque seven-tier cascade, and the Phra That Cave, hidden within the park's limestone hills.
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Floating Market & Mangrove Conservation Center
This full day tour combines culture and adventure, taking in one of Thailand's most charming floating markets as well as a visit to the Mangrove Forest Conservation Center. You will even have the opportunity for a spot of waterskiing!
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Floating Market at Khlong Lat Mayom
Only open at weekends, Khlong Lat Mayom is one of Bangkok's best floating markets, and it is only a short journey from the city center. This is one of the prettiest floating markets, and a great place to try some mouth-watering local Thai delicacies.
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Floating Markets - Half Day
Leave Bangkok's skyscrapers behind and head out into the suburbs to experience some of Thailand's most vibrant and bustling markets, ranging from railways to rivers.
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Geisha and Samurai Dressing
Learn the art of Geisha and Sumurai Dressing, with all the intricate knots and how to properly wear the ancient costumes.
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Glittering Bangkok - Half Day Tour
Spend half a day exploring some of Bangkok's most interesting sites, accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide. Travel like a local, using various forms of public transport; a quick way to get around, and immersive way to experience the city.
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Headlights Adventure
Whilst Bangkok is always bustling, the capital is at its most lively, exotic and mysterious in evenings. Feel the different pulses of the city as you walk through a variety of neighborhoods soaking up the sites, sounds and smells.
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Hellfire Pass
Visit the notorious Hellfire Pass, which is located outside the town of Kanchanaburi, along the cliffs above the River Kwai. Take a tour of the museum and venture down into the pass to walk along the old railway line.
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Heritage of Ancient Ayutthaya in Style
Spend a day in the ancient city of Ayutthaya visiting magnificent temple complexes and majestic palaces, accompanied by your own English-speaking guide. Travel by car, boat, cable car and even golf buggy as you explore this charming city and its sites.
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Hidden Villages - Half Day Tour
Head off the beaten track and explore the less touristy, slightly more unusual side to Bangkok, accompanied by your expert English-speaking guide. Spend half a day wandering though a few of the 'villages' that make up the sprawling metropolitan capital.
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Kanchanaburi and Railway Experience
A moving and fascinating day tour in Kanchanaburi province. The famous Bridge of the River Kwai and the beginning of the 'Death Railway' is a poignant reminder of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives in the Second World War.
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Pedalling, Pachyderms & Paddling
An exciting and eclectic action-packed adventure that includes cycling, elephants. kayaking and bamboo rafting. This is a wonderful experience for active couples and families, and makes the most of the scenic and diverse Kanchanaburi countryside.
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Prasat Muang Singh
Visit Prasat Muang Singh, a Khmer temple complex in Kanchanaburi Province, which dates back to the Angkorian era. The style of these temples is fairly unusual for Thailand, and so this makes for an interesting historical tour.
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Tha Kha Floating Market
This half day tour will take you to Tha Kha Floating Market; one of the more charming and less touristy floating markets within easy reach of Bangkok.
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Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, War Cemeteries & Pak Preak Community
A moving and fascinating tour, exploring the history of Kanchanaburi province. The Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and War Cemeteries are a poignant reminder of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives here in the Second World War.
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Train Ride through the Kwai Noi Gorge
Take a short train ride along the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway, also known as the 'Death Railway' due to the thousands of POWs and laborers that died during its construction. The countryside's picturesque scenery contrasts with poignant history.
Vacation Ideas
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Epic Rail Journey Through Southeast Asia and Indonesia
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia
from $8800 pp 11 nights
- The ultimate trip for those wanting to experience a unique yet luxurious way of traveling
- Explore the bright lights of Bangkok before embarking on an epic journey by rail.
- The Eastern and Oriental Express was originally built in Japan in 1972 and still remains the most exclusive way to travel between Bangkok and Singapore
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Thailand and Malaysia by Train
Thailand and Malaysia
from $7400 pp 16 nights
- The ultimate trip for those wanting to experience a unique yet luxurious way of traveling
- Explore the jungle and rice paddies of northern Thailand from your base in Chiang Mai
- Before starting your rail journey, enjoy two nights in Bangkok, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere and exploring the city's temples and markets
-
Thailand and Malaysia by Train
Thailand and Malaysia
from $7400 pp 16 nights
- The ultimate trip for those wanting to experience a unique yet luxurious way of traveling
- Explore the jungle and rice paddies of northern Thailand from your base in Chiang Mai
- Before starting your rail journey, enjoy two nights in Bangkok, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere and exploring the city's temples and markets
Location & directions
Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore
The Eastern & Oriental Express carries passengers in luxury between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The train travels through dense rainforests and towering mountains past golden temples; rubber plantations and fields of frangiapani, tapioca, sunflowers and mango orchards; and remote towns and villages.