06 DAYS, ROMANCE ON THE ORIENT-EXPRESS

Itinerary

Itinerary in detail:

DAY 01: FRI : ARRIVE BANGKOK

Upon arrival, you would be met and transferred to Oriental Hotel.
Today, we visit Wat Arun, the magical "Temple of Dawn" with its striking pagoda, decorated with multicolored porcelain fragments. Next visit the Royal Barges, used occasionally by the King and the Royal family when traveled by river, followed by a visit to the famous Grand Palace - a glittering array of spires and statues as well as the most sacred Emerald Buddha and a model of Angkor Wat.

DAY 02: SAT : BANGKOK (B)

Morning, visit the bustling local market before touring Jim Thompson House - a Thai style house built by Jim Thompson - a Thai Silk magnate who disappeared mysteriously. The house has now become a museum and the Jim Thompson shop also has some good buys. 
The afternoon is free for shopping! If you are in Bangkok during the weekend, do not miss out the Chatuchak market. This weekend market is one of the most amazing in Asia. Just about anything you can imagine is sold here - from tourist souvenirs to clothing, from daily product to exotic animal pets….

DAY 03: SUN : BANGKOK - E&O TRAIN (B,D)

You have the day at leisure in Bangkok before we transfer to the railway station in the evening to board The Eastern & Oriental Express. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, 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.

DAY 04: MON : THAM KASAE / KWAI - E&O TRAIN (B,L,D)

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, 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. At the E&O landing point you 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 short ride to the Kanchanaburi railway station to board the train. Later reflect on the day’s sights over dinner and relax with a drink in the Bar Car before retiring for the night.

DAY 05: TUE : PENANG (B,L,D)

After breakfast the train arrives into Butterworth. Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Georgetown, Penang, which includes an introductory tour of this historic town and Fort Cornwallis, and a trishaw ride through the colourful narrow streets. Enjoy lunch at the E&O Hotel before boarding the train. For dinner dine 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.
Note: The train journey can also be taken in reverse order with 2-night stay on the train and departing Singapore on Thursday, arriving Bangkok on Saturday.

DAY 06: WED : SINGAPORE (B)

After breakfast, soon it’s time to leave the train, having crossed the Straits of Johor into Singapore.