Bangkok to Singapore Signature with Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express

This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel at 8:00am to go behind the scenes for a closer look at Thailand's Buddhist culture. Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho which is one of Bangkok's most enchanting temples. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants and witness this deeply spiritual ritual to gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage.

After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha's intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

Your tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.
Following your tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Today, be met at your hotel by your guide and take a longtail boat through Bangkok's canals to discover the true heart of the city. Start with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the 'River of Kings'. Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. The boat then turns off the main waterway and onto the canals, or 'klongs'. See why Bangkok is often called the 'Venice of the East', while cruising along the intricate network of canals. Capture glimpses of small villages on the water's edge and enjoy the slower pace of life away from the city centre.

Make a stop at the Royal Barge Museum. See the eight spectacular boats used by Thailand's royal family to mark special occasions. Carved from teak and intricately decorated with gold leaf and mosaics, the barges are a truly impressive sight.

Afterwards, return to the boat and cruise back onto the Chao Phraya for one final stop to see Wat Arun, a 79-metre-high pagoda built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. Meaning 'Temple of Dawn', Wat Arun is one Thailand's most beautiful temples and the perfect last stop on the day's tour.

Following your tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Take a loved one on a memorable and romantic evening cruise through the glittering city of Bangkok. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while gazing at stunning iconic sights such as the illuminated Temple of Dawn and Grand Palace.

You'll experience the romance of Bangkok in style on the luxury Manohra rice barge cruise that has been converted into one of Bangkok's finest dining venues as you cruise along the Chao Phraya River. From the stunning Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other Bangkok's landmarks, this cruise offers a truly memorable evening experience in Bangkok.

While cruising down the river, you'll enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner.

Following your cruise, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Board the gleaming carriages of the Eastern and Oriental Express at Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station in the evening. Your steward will show you to your elegant private cabin, where you have time to settle in as the journey begins. Make your way to the teak wood Observation Car to enjoy spectacular open views of the sun setting over the lush landscapes. Return to your cabin to dress for dinner before taking your seat in one of the sumptuous Restaurant Cars. Indulge in a gastronomic feast of eastern and western specialties, expertly prepared by our on board chefs. Afterwards, you may wish to enjoy a convivial nightcap in the Bar Car while being entertained by the resident pianist. Retire to your cabin, which has been converted into a cozy bedroom by your steward.

As morning breaks in rural Kanchanaburi Province, breakfast is served in your cabin. Shortly after, the train arrives at River Kwai Station where you disembark for your chosen excursion. We offer you a choice of tours celebrating the beauty, vibrancy, culture and flavors of Kanchanaburi city and province. Cycle through rice fields, cruise the Khwae Yai River or participate in a floating Thai cookery class. You also have the option to visit the Don Rak and Chong Kai war cemeteries and reflect on the past as you absorb the inimitable landscapes.

Rejoin the train in Kanchanaburi for lunch. Back on board, a leisurely afternoon awaits. Take time to relax and recharge your batteries before preparing for a sumptuous dinner, preceded perhaps by one of our enticing signature cocktails in the Bar Car. Overnight on board.

Optional Kanchanaburi Excursions

1. Classic Tour
Cruise along the Khwae Yai River aboard a local raft, taking in views of the splendid Thai teak wood houses along the banks. Your guide provides an insight into the building of the infamous railway and bridge, which were constructed by allied prisoners in World War II. After the cruise, board a minivan to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and perhaps pay a visit to the Don Rak War Cemetery before returning to the train.

2. Tracks to Unseen Thailand Tour
Disembark in Kanchanaburi and board a private minivan to rural Nong Kao village for your hour-long bicycle tour. Cycle through the verdant rice fields, stopping for a fascinating demonstration at a local Thai farm and refreshments. Return to the Traditional Thai Wooden House for a relaxing herbal infusion before heading back to the train. Please note that this tour does not include a visit to the River Kwai bridge.

3. Local Flavours Tour
Your guided tour begins with visits to a vibrant wet market and an acclaimed rice noodle house where you will gain an insight into the traditional processes used. You then proceed to Wat Nue Pier
to board a river raft and participate in a traditional Thai cooking class on board as you sail along the River Kwai. Disembark at Chong Kai War Cemetery for an optional visit before returning to the train.
Spaces on Tracks to Unseen Thailand and Local Flavours tour are limited, please select your preference when completing your passenger information form.

Indulge in a lie-in before breakfast in your cabin as the Eastern and Oriental Express enters Malaysia. Notice the landscape change as limestone massifs rear up dramatically from the rice fields. Spend the morning relaxing in the Observation Car or Saloon Car, reading, chatting with fellow guests or simply gazing at the passing scenery.

After lunch you arrive in Kuala Kangsar and alight to board a coach. Travel away from the city to Labu Kubong, a village set among the paddy fields and backed by lush mountains. Here you embark on a traditional village experience, a chance to immerse yourself in rural Malaysian life. Alternatively, experienced trekkers may wish to join our optional hill trek. Please note, this excursion is recommended for advanced walkers only. We advise wearing comfortable and sturdy walking shoes for both excursions.

Both of the Labu Kubong options are weather permitting. In inclement weather, an alternative programme will be offered.

Rejoin the train as it continues south through the lush rain forests and rural west-coast towns of Peninsular Malaysia. Prepare for a gastronomic dinner and a relaxing evening in the Bar Car. Overnight on board.

Optional Labu Kubong Excursions

1. Traditional Village Tour On arrival in Kuala Kangsar, board guided motor coaches and drive into the sleepy Malaysian countryside. Reach Kampung Labu Kubong, where a friendly villager greets you and gives you an insight into the typical lifestyle of a rural Malaysian. Visit century-old wooden homes where the owners invite you in and share their stories. Wander past a village spice garden, enter a little coffee shop and taste local delicacies. In a rubber plantation, discover the charming, long-forgotten history of how this precious tree ended up in Malaya and led to it becoming one of the world's largest rubber producers. Don't be alarmed if you spot any bees - they are sting less. They also produce a delicious honey, which you'll be invited to sample. Ever wondered what happens to old railway metal? Visit a creative villager's home to see how the metal is recycled into daily utensils and tools. Enjoy time with this small community before leaving Kuala Kangsar with warm memories.

2. Hill Trek
This tour is for experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. It begins with a visit to a local plantation producing rubber, banana and durian. After sampling the chips that are produced here, your guide, a certified naturalist, will give you an insight into the local area as he leads you on a challenging hike to the top of the hill. After enjoying cold towels and refreshments, admire the panoramic views overlooking the village and surrounding rice paddies. Use the binoculars provided and you may even catch a glimpse of the train waiting at nearby Padang Rengas Station.

Please note spaces on the Hill Trek are limited, please confirm your preference when completing your passenger information form.

Breakfast is served in your cabin as you savor the last leg of your journey. Course through expansive palm plantations dotted with traditional settlement homes in the southernmost state of Johor. Cross the Causeway over the Straits for a late-morning arrival into cosmopolitan Singapore, your final exciting destination.

Raffles Hotel Singapore is situated in a perfect location for business, cultural and shopping districts. It is the sister hotel to the Swissotel, The Stamford, which is attached to the same building complex. All 769 rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished. The bathrooms are appointed with aromatherapy amenities and marble-lined bathtub. The hotel has an outdoor pool, children's pool, fitness centre, plus a choice of 14 restaurants.

See the city's colonial heritage as you drive around the Civic District past the Padang, the Cricket Club, Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore. Stop at the Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island, built with donation from the early immigrants workers from China before driving past Chinatown. From there we proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens(a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants comprising of 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids. Our final stop at Little India will enthral you with the scent of spices, jasmine, orchid garlands and exotic fruits.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Join us on a colourful journey into the history, lifestyle and unique character of the Peranakan Babas (the men) and Nonyas (the women).

A walk through a Spice Garden - the original site of the first Botanic Gardens will uncover the intricacies of spices and herbs that go into Peranakan cooking.

A splendid display of Peranakan costume, embroidery, beadwork, jewelry, porcelain, furniture, craftwork will provide a glimpse into the fascinating culture of the Nonyas and Babas.

A visit to the bustling enclaves of Katong and Joo Chiat showcases the rich and baroque Peranakan architecture. See rows of colourful traditional shophouses that dates back to 1920s and 1930s.

A sampling of Nonya delicacies completes the tour.