Singapore to Bangkok by Eastern & Oriental

Singapore was part of British Malaysia for many centuries. It was ruled by the Sultanate of Johor before the British came to the Island and set up a port and colony in 1819. After World War II, Singapore became an independent nation and republic, which it remains today. Today Singapore has a diverse population of nearly 5 million people or more which is made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians and Eurasians (plus other mixed groups) and Asians of different origins, which is in line with the nation’s history as a crossroads for various ethnic and racial groups. Experience the various cultures come alive before your very eyes as you explore the nooks and crannies of each ethnic heritage enclave by turns. At Kampong Glam, admire the quiet majesty of the Sultan’s Mosque with its unmistakable golden dome, explore colourful food eateries, and browse through old-fashioned shops selling batiks, carpets, rattan basket-ware and exotic perfumes. Travel to the heart of Chinatown and experience the old and the new, tradition and modernity in the rows of streets and traditional shophouses lovingly restored into tempting eateries, teahouses and shops selling Oriental arts, crafts and souvenirs as well as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Little India completes the cultural kaleidoscope with its bustling streets showcasing aromatic and exotic spices, colourful flower-garland shops, vegetable vendors and busy curry houses.

Sit back and relax, as a private vehicle with driver pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and train station.

Sit back and relax, as a private vehicle with driver pick you up and provide a transfer between the hotel and train station.

The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Singapore’s Keppel Road station in the morning. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, settle into your compartment. Enjoy the passing scenery as the train crosses to Malaysia via the causeway of the Straits of Johor. Lunch is served in one of the opulent dining cars. Dress for dinner and then spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car in the company of our resident pianist. During the evening, the E&O pauses at Kuala Lumpur’s magnificent Moorish-style station where you may disembark for a stroll. Retire to your compartment which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

This morning you will join others from the train as you disembark for your tour of Butterworth & Georgetown. Breakfast is taken in your compartment before arriving in 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 shophouses. Reboard the waiting coaches for the short ferry ride back to Butterworth and the Eastern & Oriental Express for lunch. As the train crosses into Thailand spend the afternoon watching the changing scenery from the open deck of the Observation Car or relax in the comfort of the Saloon Car. Dinner is served in the sumptuous dining car.

After breakfast E&O arrives at the River Kwai Bridge station where the train stops to allow you to disembark. Guides escort you on the short walk down to the jetty to board a local craft 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. At the E&O landing point board a motor coach for a brief trip past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. As you explore the informative museum, the historian is available to answer questions. There is time to visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum if you wish. Rejoin the coach for the transfer to Kanchanaburi railway station from where your E&O journey continues with lunch. Arrive into Bangkok in the afternoon.

You will be transferred between either the Bangkok Railway Station or the Boat Pier or your Bangkok hotel accompanied by a private vehicle with an English speaking guide.

You will be transferred between either the Bangkok Railway Station or the Boat Pier or your Bangkok hotel accompanied by a private vehicle with an English speaking guide.

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace - the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers is a must. It is considered by many to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple served to educate people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and is considered to be the home of Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minute Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water. You'll be introduced to a serene, more traditional way of living, away from the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as you gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off the day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where you'll find a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.

A private vehicle with English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel. The driving time is roughly 45 minutes.