Eastern and Oriental Express: Bangkok to Singapore

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Bangkok             
• 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
• 2 nights in Singapore    

Day 1: 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 the Bangkok’s many sky bars, where you can sip a cocktail whilst enjoying night-time views over the twinkling city?

Day 2: 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!

Day 3: 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.

Days 4 & 5: 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 on board listening to a pianist play and toasting a wonderful few nights aboard this legendary train.

On board 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.

Day 6 & 7: Arrive in 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!

Day 8: Depart Singapore      

After breakfast you’ll be driven back to the airport in time to catch your onwards flight.