Quintessential Asia: Bangkok to Singapore by Eastern & Oriental Express 8D7N

Arrive into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) where a representative meets you, fast tracks the immigration process and assists with luggage. An air conditioned VIP car takes you to your accommodation. On the way, the driver introduces you to Thailand and shares helpful information about Bangkok, its history and Thai culture in general.

You’ll stay the next two nights at the Mandarin Oriental. Spend the rest of the day settling into your Deluxe Premier Room and make the most of facilities including award winning restaurants and bars and the lavish Oriental Spa.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a visit to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, where you will witness the monks’ morning chanting ritual and fffering alms to the monks - This is one of the most unique rituals a tourist can experience in Thailand. Afterwards, we also visit the famous Bangkok Flower Market – a blaze of colour and powerful scents, where the early risers get the best native flora, including exotic native orchids that can be purchased for a fraction of the price back home.

Continue on to the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most famous landmark and the official residence of the King of Siam since 1782. Marvel at the intricate detail and impeccable architecture of the palace and pay a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you will find the most revered image of Buddha in Thailand.

After, spend the rest of the day exploring Bangkok at your leisure.

Note: The morning and afternoon tours are private guided. Itinerary can be tailored to suit interest.

In the morning, travel by long-tail boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi on the east side of the river reveals a scene that offers a stark contrast to the frenzied activity of the modern metropolis of Bangkok. On the return journey, we stop at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) whose towering spire has become an iconic symbol of Bangkok. Note: This morning tour is private tour.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your lavish, private cabin before heading down to the Observation Car to watch the sun set over the city and increasingly lush countryside.

Return to your cabin to dress for dinner before taking your seat in one of the decadent dining cars. Indulge in a feast for the senses with mouth-watering cuisine drawing inspiration from both East and West. Cap off the day with a signature cocktail in the Bar Car, where the soulful sounds of the piano will entrance you well into the night.

As the sun rises over Kanchanaburi Province, an enticing continental breakfast is served in your cabin.

At 8:00am, the train arrives into River Kwai Station, where you will disembark for your chosen excursion.

1. Classic Tour. A local raft takes you along the Khwae Yai River, where Thai teawood houses line the way to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. An expert guide tells the story of the bridge and the horrific “Death Railway”, built by allied prisoners of war during World War II. After, a private minivan takes you to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Don Rak War Cemetery, where you may learn more about this dark period of history and pay respect to those who laid down their lives.

2. Tracks to Unseen Thailand Tour. A private minivan takes you to rural Nong Kao village for a one-hour bicycle tour. Cycle through lush green rice paddies and stop in at a local farm for a glimpse into traditional village life. Refreshments included.

3. Local Flavours Tour. A local guide leads you through a vibrant wet market to an acclaimed noodle house, where you will gain insight into the traditional methods used to make some of Thailand’s most iconic (and delicious dishes). After, continue onto Wat Nue Pier to board a river raft and take part in an authentic Thai cooking class as you sail along the River Kwai. Disembark at Chong Kai War Cemetery for an optional visit before returning to the train.

Back onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, a leisurely afternoon awaits. Make yourself at home among the train’s various carriages: read a book or play a board game in the Saloon Car, watch the scenery go by in the Observation Car or simply rest and relax in your cabin.

When it is time for dinner, head down to the dining car for another delicious feast.

As the sun rises over Kanchanaburi Province, an enticing continental breakfast is served in your cabin.

Enjoy a lie-in and leisurely breakfast as the Eastern & Oriental Express takes you over the border into Malaysia. Look out your window in wonder as the rice paddies give way to breathtaking limestone massifs.

After lunch, arrive into Kuala Kangsar, the epicentre for some of Malaysia’s defining moments. An air-conditioned coach takes you away from the city to Labu Kubong, a traditional Malaysian village set among rice paddies and backed by lush mountains. The villagers welcome you with a traditional martial arts dance and invite you to sample local food and drink and browse locally produced handicrafts. After, enjoy a guided walk through the rice paddies to learn about the process of planting and harvesting before visiting a plantation where banana, durian and rubber are grown.

Alternatively, keen hikers may wish to join an expert naturalist on a trek to the peak of a nearby hill. Cold towels and refreshments greet you at the summit as well as breathtaking 360-degree vistas over the village and plantations below. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for both excursions.

In the case of inclement weather, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Kuala Kangsar instead. Your guide will lead you on a journey through the royal town, taking in sights such as the treasure filled Sultan Shah Gallery and the majestic Ubudiah Mosque.

In the late afternoon, rejoin the train as it continues south through verdant rainforests and rural west coast towns.

As usual, a gastronomic dinner awaits.

Cap off one of the world’s great rail journeys with one last leisurely breakfast as you course through extensive 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.

Upon disembarkation, an English-speaking guide is ready to assist with your onward journey. Transfer to your accommodation for the evening, either Raffles Hotel Singapore or Capella Singapore, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.

The rail journey may be over, but the adventure is not! In the morning, an English-speaking private guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you on an exciting driving tour of the city including the Civic District, the Pandang, the Cricket Club, Old Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. Along the way, you’ll learn many interesting facts about Singapore’s culture and history and status as a global business hub.

Next, stop at Merlion Park to take in magnificent views of the famous Marina Bay. Do not miss a golden photo opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion, part fish.

Next, delve deep into Singapore’s historic Chinatown, where street hawkers and five-foot ways still exist among chic bars and restaurants. Check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple where Buddha’s tooth is supposedly housed before moving down to Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, to gawk at its five-tier gatehouse tower. Then, treat yourself to a spot of souvenir shopping among the many hundreds of stalls and shops.

Last stop of the tour is Sands Skypark, a roof like no other, perched 200-metres in the air featuring an infinity pool and observation deck. No visit to Singapore is complete without a visit to this gravity-defying platform, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Note: The half day Singapore highlight tour is private guided. The itinerary can be tailored to suit interest.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Singapore at your leisure.

All good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel before departing to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) with a private transfer. Standard check out time of the hotel is 12:00pm.