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Thai Explorer
by Sally Inskip, Product Manager |
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To sample the delights of the Eastern and OrientalExpress in Thailand was a ‘once in a life time’ experience that I would love to repeat! To celebrate the recent 10th Anniversary of the Eastern and Oriental Express, a new itinerary was launched in addition to the traditional Bangkok to Singapore journey. The circular route into Northern Thailand for 3 days travels from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya and returns via Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) offering the opportunity to witness glimpses of the ancient Kingdom of Thailand and the stunning rural countryside. My journey began at bustling Bangkok station where I boarded the gleaming green and brass carriages to be greeted by my dedicated steward who was on hand throughout my stay to attend to every need.
Our first stop is Ayutthaya, where the magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and crumbling fortresses provide eloquent testimony of the former capital’s splendour. A guided tour is followed by a relaxing cruise onboard a traditional rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. The atmosphere on-board is one of relaxed refinement – during the day casual, and in the evenings the ambience of the train provides a marvellous opportunity to display some glamour and style. Pre-dinner drinks are taken in the bar car whilst enjoying Thai dancing displays followed by a sumptuous 3 course dinner in one of the two opulent dining cars. After a delicious breakfast in the comfort of my wood-panelled compartment we arrived into historic Chiang Mai. Our sightseeing included a visit to a Monastery where guests are invited to participate in offering alms to the monks, followed by a visit to the beautiful private mansions of Princess Suari Sukrachan. We rejoined the E&O for the return journey south through dramatic rural scenery with buffalo and straw-hatted men wading through the rice paddies, the observation car is the ideal vantage point. After sunset we prepared for an evening of gourmet dining – all part of this unique experience.
Our final stop is the most dramatic, Kanchanaburi with the picturesque River Kwai and the backdrop of the Burmese Mountains. We disembarked to watch the train make its way across the famous bridge over the River Kwai offering a fantastic photo opportunity before boarding a traditional floating barge for a cruise along the picturesque Kwai Yai River. The sightseeing concludes with a moving visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where a local historian provides an excellent informative tour. There is also the opportunity to walk across to the Don Rak War cemetery, the resting place for thousands of Allied servicemen. My memorable journey on the E&O exceeded every expectation. The service was impeccable, the views breathtaking and food delectable. This is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion whether it is a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary.
Our experienced staff can arrange your journey on the Eastern and Oriental Express.
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