Luxury Train holiday: Bangkok to Singapore by rail

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Bangkok
• 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
• 2 nights Singapore
• 5 nights Koh Samui

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, where you will check in for two nights. Tonight, why not head to one of Bangkok’s many sky bars, where you can sip a cocktail whilst enjoying night-time views over the twinkling city?

Included: Transfers, 5* hotel   

Day 3: Bangkok

With one full day to explore Bangkok, we recommend that you start with the temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are both intricately decorated with gems and mosaics, making them perfect for a morning wander. In the afternoon, catch a boat along the Chao Praya River to Chinatown, where you can squeeze your way through the crowded lanes past fabric shops, medicine men and vendors selling squid and pork on a stick! If it’s a Saturday, be sure to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is a great place to find some unusual souvenirs. In the evening you can return to your luxurious hotel and enjoy dinner by the river. Try a massaman curry or kao ka moo, you won’t regret it!

Included: Breakfast, 5* hotel     

Day 4: Board the Eastern & Oriental Express

Today you’ll set off towards Singapore aboard the majestic Eastern and Oriental Express. This morning is yours to continue exploring Bangkok, whether you head out to a street market or just relax by the hotel pool. In the afternoon you’ll head to the train station and board the train, settling into your private cabin and heading to the elegant dining car for dinner. Afterwards, retire to your cosy cabin for the night and enjoy your first sleep on this exciting journey.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, Lunch, dinner and excursions, overnight on the train in a private cabin 

Days 5 & 6: Eastern & Oriental Express

The next two days will be spent slowly heading south towards Singapore. This morning you’ll wake up in Kanchanaburi, where you’ll choose a tour – either a visit to the River Kwai Bridge and Railway Museum, a cycle through rice paddies with a stop at a local farm or a market trip with a short cooking class. After these morning adventures, you'll return to the train for the rest of the day, to enjoy lunch and dinner with views of South Thailand as you go.

On your second day aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, you’ll be treated to breakfast in bed as you head through northern Malaysia, before stopping at Kuala Kangsar for an insight into local life in a small village and enjoying a longer hill trek if you want to. If you do, at the top of the pass you’ll find panoramic views of the valleys and tea hills below you, as well as cold towel and refreshments. Re-joining the train you’ll enjoy a glamourous final dinner onboard listening to a pianist play and toasting a wonderful few nights aboard this legendary train.

Onboard you’ll stay in a cosy private cabin with comfortable seats that turn into beds by night. Dining is exceptional – with decadent menus of Asian inspired food and western classics, as well as signature cocktails inspired by the scenery that you pass by. You can also visit the observation car, perfect to catch the breeze and revel in the ever-changing sights and smells of Asia.

Included: All meals and excursions, overnight on the train in a private cabin                     

Days 7 & 8: Singapore

This morning you’ll arrive into Singapore and wave good bye to your comfortable cabin. From here, you’ll make your way to your new hotel and check in for two nights, before setting off to explore the city. Fill your days with a visit to the National Orchid Garden and some serious retail therapy on Orchard Road. When the sun sets, head over to the Gardens by the Bay, where huge, illuminated sculptures are connected by raised pathways to walk through the treetop. Just make sure you get there after dark to see the lights in their full glory. Take a stroll through Little India to enjoy a delicious dinner of fusion food and pop into Raffles for a final Singapore Sling to celebrate your luxurious journey from Bangkok to Singapore!

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 5* hotel                 

Day 8 - 12: Fly to Koh Samui

After breakfast, you will be driven back to the airport for the short flight up to Koh Samui. Here, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for five nights.

Included: International flights, transfers, 5* hotel    

Day 9 - 12: Koh Samui

Koh Samui is an enchanting island, with peaceful beaches, swaying palms and a wonderful food scene. Whether you’re looking for spicy street food, fresh seafood curries or high-class fine dining – you’ll find it all here. If you’re looking for the best snorkelling spots, we recommend Coral Cove, a little bay near Chaweng Beach with clear waters and colourful fish. You’ll be staying at Six Senses Samui. With a vast infinity pool, modern rooms and sensational cliff-side dining it’s a wonderful spot to finish your holiday.

Included: Breakfast, 5* hotel   

Day 13: Depart Koh Samui

This morning you will be taken back to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 14: Arrive UK