Asian Train Journeys

Explore Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore on an unforgettable rail journey in the sumptuous comfort of the Eastern & Oriental Express. Operated by the same people who restored the world famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a deluxe train of unequalled luxury and comfort whose shining green carriages will carry you between Bangkok and Singapore.

Each air-conditioned compartment is an elegantly decorated day room and transforms in moments to a cozy bedroom at night. From the Dining Cars, Saloon Car, Bar Car and Observation Car, wherever you venture in this elegant and enchanting train, you will encounter the same extraordinary standards of comfort, decor and service.

It is a journey of 1,200 miles which connects some of the world's most remarkable cities and encompasses all the mystery, excitement and sheer staggering beauty of the East.

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  Spectacular scenery on the Eastern & Oriental Express.
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  The Observation Deck

Following the success of the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express made history as the first ever train to transport passengers directly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok.

This luxury train was first built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. Its carriages were then remodelled and designed by Gérard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of both the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

An enormous amount of work went on behind the scenes to put the E&O on the rails. The same team who had worked on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express created the interiors. As well as adding the required air-conditioning system, and ensuring the carriages were compatible with the Malaysian and Thai railway systems, the windows in the dining cars were also extended to offer panoramic views.

On board the Eastern & Oriental Express, the atmosphere harks back to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the verandah, linen suits and tea dances. The on board cuisine continues the same very high standards already established by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe.

The inaugural journey departed in September 1993 and the Eastern & Oriental Express quickly built for itself a highly regarded reputation as providing one of the most adventurous and exciting rail journeys in the world. In addition to the two-night journey between Singapore and Bangkok, the E&O also travels overnight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

This is no ordinary train. Designed to withstand the rigours of climate and terrain, it will carry you in style and comfort on a journey you will always remember. Your cool, spacious and air-conditioned cabin is lavishly appointed with rich, inlaid woods, antique brass fittings and large windows which offer excellent views of the ever-changing countryside. Whatever your needs or requirements, a steward is at hand to attend to them.

The dining cars are veneered and lacquered with Chinese panels. Reflections from subdued lights dance off crystal and French silverware. All meals are served on board including an afternoon tea. Talented European and Asian chefs pool resources to create a tempting menu filled with innovative Eurasian cuisine (a mixed menu of Asian and European food).

The open-air Observation Car lets you truly experience the ever-changing sounds and sights. The Library/Saloon is the ideal spot to enjoy a good book, or perhaps browse the on board boutique. It is the perfect place to take it easy, while the Bar Car with its piano provides gentle background melodies. The Eastern & Oriental Express is a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship with every carriage decorated with intricate marquetry and delicately engraved glass.

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  State compartment.
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  Presidential suite.
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  Dining aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express.
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  The glamour of the Eastern & Oriental Express

Compartments

Your Compartment

There are three types of compartment on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Each compartment has a personal safe. All are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathroom with shower. The beds convert into seating during the day.

There are three different types of compartments: Pullman compartments have upper and lower berths; State compartments have two single berths and the Presidential suite has two single berths with a separate dressing area.

Frequently Asked Questions ()

1. Where does the Eastern & Oriental Express travel?
   The Eastern & Oriental Express operates between Singapore and Bangkok, passing through three of South East Asia's most fascinating countries - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. There are additional departures on selected dates between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
2. How long does my journey take?
   The traditional route between Singapore and Bangkok takes three days with two nights on board. The journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai takes two days with one night on board.
3. Do I have to do the full journey between Singapore and Bangkok?
   No. You may travel, subject to availability, between any of the destinations. For example, you can travel Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Singapore to Butterworth, Butterworth to Bangkok or any other combination to suit your itinerary.
4. What is the atmosphere aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
   The atmosphere on board harks back to a "Colonial" age of Singapore Slings, Earl Grey tea served in the afternoon, and a tinkling piano amidst sumptuous surroundings.
5. Are all my meals included?
   Yes. Table d'hôte meals are included in your fare. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your own compartment, while lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the sumptuous surroundings of the dining cars. The gourmet meals and discreet service are all a part of the Eastern & Oriental Express experience. An à la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner, and there is a 24 hour compartment service for light snacks and refreshments. These are at an additional cost and paid for at the time of ordering.
6. Are drinks included in the price?
   Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks are available at all times. Wines and bar drinks are not included and may be purchased at an additional cost.
7. Can you cater for special meal requirements?
   We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do however regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
8. What is my sleeping accommodation like?
   All compartments are elegantly appointed with inlaid woods, antique brass and the modern comforts of air conditioning and an en suite shower and toilet. Sockets are suitable for international plugs (220 volts) and each compartment has a personal safe. Hair dryers are available on request. There are three grades of accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express.
   
   The Superior Compartment is 62.4 square feet with daytime seating converting to upper and lower bunks. State Compartments are 84 square feet with daytime seating converting to two single beds at floor level at night.
   
   Presidential Suites are 125 square feet, daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night with a separate dressing room. There is ample room to entertain one or two fellow travellers. The Presidential Suite also comes with a CD player and complimentary bar.
9. What do I take to wear on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
   The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed refinement. During the day smart casual clothing is most appropriate. In the evenings, gentlemen will feel comfortable with a minimum of jacket and tie.
10. Are there showers on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?
    Yes. All compartments are en suite with a toilet. Each compartment also has air conditioning and a personal safe.
11. What currency do I need on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?
    On the Eastern & Oriental Express prices are quoted in US Dollars, and we suggest you take US Dollars for spending during your journey. Change will also be given in US Dollars. Major international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB) and travellers´ cheques, are also accepted, but not personal cheques. The Eastern & Oriental Express exchange rates are advertised on board.
12. What sort of service can I expect on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?
    In short, dedicated. Your Steward, who is responsible for your carriage, will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D' will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
13. What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
    Stewards on board the train are local nationals and all speak English.
14. Will I need to tip the Eastern & Oriental Express staff?
    Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
15. Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the train?
    Yes. In the train's boutique you will find a range of exclusively designed gifts. This includes such items as silk scarves and ties, exclusive luggage, jewelry, leather belts and trinket boxes. Smaller items can be purchased on board while larger gifts can be ordered through the Orient-Express mail order catalogue.
16. Will there be room in my compartment for my entire luggage?
    Luggage is limited to 66 lbs (30 kg) per person for Superior and State Compartment passengers. There is no limit for passengers travelling in a Presidential Suite. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
17. Can I smoke on board the Eastern & Oriental Express?
    Smoking is not permitted in the Restaurant and Saloon Cars. Passengers may smoke in the Bar Car, Observation Car and in their compartments. Passengers are asked not to smoke pipes or cigars at any time.
18. How fast does the train go?
    The average speed of the train is 60 kph/38 mph.

Jump to:

• SINGAPORE TO BANGKOK
• BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE
• BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI
• CHIANG MAI TO BANGKOK
• BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK
• BANGKOK - VIENTIANE
• BANGKOK - VIENTIANE - BANGKOK

SINGAPORE TO BANGKOK

Day 1. Depart Singapore. Depart Singapore in the morning at 11:10 am and settle into your compartment as you cross Malaysia via the causeway over the Straits of Johor. Enjoy the passing scenery as lunch is served in the restaurant.

After a relaxing afternoon, during which tea is served in your compartment, dress for dinner and a relaxing evening in the Bar Car with its resident pianist. During the evening, the Eastern & Oriental Express pauses at Kuala Lumpur. Retire to your compartment which has been transformed into a cozy bedroom. LD

Day 2. Penang. Breakfast in your compartment before a morning guided excursion to colonial Georgetown, Penang, including an introductory tour of the historic town and Fort Cornwallis, partly by trishaw. Enjoy lunch on board. View the changing scenery from the Observation Car as the train crosses into Thailand. Dinner and overnight on board. BLD

Day 3. River Kwai / Bangkok - Following breakfast enjoy an excursion by boat along the River Kwai to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where a local historian will provide an informative tour. Lunch on board before arrival in Bangkok mid-afternoon at 2:45 pm. BL

DEPARTURES:

2009

July 11
August 15
September 24
October 8
November 5, 12, 19
December 20, 27

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BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE

Day 1. Depart Bangkok. The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok early evening at 5:50 pm. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, settle into your comfortable compartment. Dinner is served as the train travels from city into the countryside with its rice-fields, villages and water buffalo. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward. D

Day 2. Wang Po/ River Kwai. Awake early in order not to miss the excitement of the train making its way from Wang Po along the wooden trestle viaduct beside a towering cliff. Later that morning the E&O stops at Kanchanaburi. Here you disembark for an excursion by boat along the River Kwai to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where a local historian will provide an informative tour. Rejoin the E&O for lunch. Later reflect on the day's sights over dinner and relax with a drink in the Bar Car before retiring for the night. BLD

Day 3. Penang. After breakfast the train arrives into Butterworth. Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Georgetown, Penang, which includes an introductory tour of this historic town and Fort Cornwallis, and a trishaw ride through the colourful narrow streets. Reboard the train for lunch and spend the afternoon watching the passing scenery from one of the lounge cars or from the open deck of the Observation Car. Dine again in one of the opulent dining cars and then spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car with its resident pianist. Spend your last night on board. BLD

Day 4. Arrive Singapore. After breakfast, soon it's time to leave the train, having crossed the Straits of Johor into Singapore at 11:45 am. B

DEPARTURES:

2009

July 14
August 18
October 4, 18
November 8, 15, 29
December 23, 30

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BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI

Tuesday - Depart Bangkok. The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok in the afternoon at 3 pm. Relax in one of the bar cars, saloon car or in the privacy of your comfortable compartment. Afternoon tea is served while the train journeys northwards through the Thai countryside. Later that evening enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward. D

Wednesday - Arrive Chiang Mai. Awake to your steward serving breakfast in the comfort of your private compartment before arrival into Chiang Mai in the early morning, Thailand's second largest city. B

DEPARTURES:

2009

September 29
October 13
November 24

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CHIANG MAI TO BANGKOK

Wednesday - Depart Chiang Mai. Depart form Chiang Mai in the afternoon at 5:30 pm. Tea is served as you say goodbye to a country renowned for its rich and colourful history. Relax in your private compartment before enjoying dinner in one of the restaurants. Overnight onboard the train. D

Thursday - Sawankhaloke. Arrive in Sawankhaloke in the morning and your waiting coach will take you on a tour of Si Satchanalai, part of the northernmost citadel of the ancient Khmer empire and later one of the principal centres of the kingdom of Sukhothai. Explore the impressive 13th century Buddhist temples within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Wat Chang Lom “Temple Surrounded by Elephants”. 

Return to the train at Sila At for lunch while you continue your journey through Thailand. Mid afternoon disembark at Lampang for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Baan Sao Nok "the house of many pillars". Enjoy tea as you tour the house which is built in traditional Lanna Thai style and supported on 116 teak pillars. Return for dinner and overnight on board the train. BLD

Friday - Arrive Bangkok. Arrive this morning and disembark after breakfast. B

DEPARTURES:

2009

September 30
October 14
November 25

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BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK

Tuesday - Depart Bangkok. The Eastern & Oriental departs this afternoon at 3 pm from Bangkok. Afternoon tea and dinner are served as you travel through the countryside of Thailand. Overnight on board. D

Wednesday - Arrive Chiang Mai. On arrival in Chiang Mai in the morning, after breakfast, choose from a selection of tours which include a visit to an Elephant Camp and ride, a tour of Chiang Mai or a handicrafts and boutique shopping tour. All include lunch. Depart Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Afternoon tea and dinner served on board. Overnight on the train. BLD

Thursday - Sawankhaloke. Arrive in Sawankhaloke in the morning and your waiting coach will take you on a tour of Si Satchanalai, part of the northernmost citadel of the ancient Khmer empire and later one of the principal centres of the kingdom of Sukhothai. Explore the impressive 13th century Buddhist temples within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Wat Chang Lom “Temple Surrounded by Elephants”. 

Return to the train at Sila At for lunch while you continue your journey through Thailand. Mid afternoon disembark at Lampang for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Baan Sao Nok "the house of many pillars". Enjoy tea as you tour the house which is built in traditional Lanna Thai style and supported on 116 teak pillars. Return for dinner and overnight on board the train. BLD

Friday - Bangkok. Arrive this morning and disembark after breakfast. B

DEPARTURES:

2009

September 29
October 13
November 24

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BANGKOK - VIENTIANE

Tuesday - Bangkok. Depart Bangkok in the afternoon at 2 pm. Relax in one of the bar cars, saloon car or in the privacy of your comfortable compartment. Afternoon tea is served as you travel into Northeastern Thailand. Later enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward. D

Wednesday – Phimai, Khao Yai. After breakfast in your compartment, the train arrives at Hin Dat. Disembark for a tour to Phimai, a World Heritage Site and one of the most important Khmer monuments in Thailand. Return to the E & O for lunch as you continue your journey on to Khao Yai. Here you visit local vineyards and have the opportunity to taste wines that are being called "New Latitude Wines". Reboard the train in the early evening in time to prepare for dinner. Overnight on board. BLD

Thursday - Nong Khai, Vientiane. The E & O will cross the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge and enter Laos for the very first time after breakfast. B

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BANGKOK - VIENTIANE - BANGKOK

Tuesday - Bangkok. Depart Bangkok in the afternoon at 2 pm. Relax in one of the bar cars, saloon car or in the privacy of your comfortable compartment. Afternoon tea is served as you travel into Northeastern Thailand. Later enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward. D

Wednesday – Phimai, Khao Yai. After breakfast in your compartment, the train arrives at Hin Dat. Disembark for a tour to Phimai, a World Heritage Site and one of the most important Khmer monuments in Thailand. Return to the E & O for lunch as you continue your journey on to Khao Yai. Here you visit local vineyards and have the opportunity to taste wines that are being called "New Latitude Wines". Reboard the train in the early evening in time to prepare for dinner. Overnight on board. BLD

Thursday - Nong Khai, Vientiane. The E & O will cross the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge and enter Laos for the very first time after breakfast. Enjoy a full day's tour of Vientiane including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. Capital of Laos, Vientiane is a city of contrasts where French colonial architecture sits alongside gilded Asian temples. Return to the train by coach and depart Nong Khai late afternoon, returning to Thailand again across the Friendship Bridge. Dinner and overnight on board. BLD

Friday - Bangkok. Breakfast is served in your compartment before the train arrives back into Bangkok in the morning. B

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