The Eastern & Oriental Express from Bangkok to Singapore

Evening departure by British Airways from London Heathrow to Bangkok.

Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for two nights.

Full day at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Thailand’s bustling capital lies beside the waters of the Chao Phraya River. Known as the ‘City of Angels’, it is one of the most dynamic cities in Asia, where colourful streets and meandering canals are scattered with a spectacular array of monuments, including the impressive Grand Palace, the famous reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaew.

Day at leisure. Subject to availability by the hotel your room will be available for a late check out and later you will be transferred to the railway station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express which departs Bangkok early this evening. Having been welcomed onboard, 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 cosy bedroom by your steward.

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. On arrival at the River Kwai Bridge station, the E&O stops to allow you to disembark. Guides escort you on the short walk down to the jetty to board a local raft for a cruise along the lush greenery of the picturesque Kwai Yai river, passing under the Bridge. On board, a local historian provides a brief overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the bridge. Return to the E&O landing point travel by coach past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum. As you explore the informative museum, a historian is available to answer questions. There is also time to visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum if you wish. Rejoin the coach for the short ride to Kanchanaburi railway station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Later reflect on the day's sights over dinner and relax with a drink in the Bar Car before retiring for the night.

After brunch the train arrives into Butterworth. Here coaches take you across to colonial Georgetown, capital of Penang, on the local ferry. Enjoy a guided introductory tour with pre-World War II mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and colourful shop houses. Take the short ride back to Butterworth and rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express. 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.

After breakfast, soon it’s time to leave the train, having crossed the Straits of Johor into Singapore. On leaving the train you will be met by our local representative for your private transfer to the Oriental Hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon is at leisure.

The smallest country in South East Asia and one of the world’s last remaining city-states, Singapore occupies the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, presenting visitors with an exciting mix of Asian charm, vibrant culture and innovative architecture. Whether you want to explore the city’s historic heart, wander around Chinatown and Little India, enjoy a Singapore Sling in the splendour of Raffles Hotel, or lose yourself amongst the markets on Orchard Road, Singapore is a city of colourful and enigmatic contrasts that is sure to appeal to every taste. The day is free to explore this vibrant city with your room at the Oriental booked for a late check out until the late evening transfer to Singapore airport. Fly with British Airways on the overnight flight to London Heathrow.

Arrive at London Heathrow in the early morning.