Eastern & Oriental Legends of the Peninsula

This luxurious train provides you with the perfect surroundings in which to relax and become immersed in the splendour of the ever-changing scenery in South East Asia. A new style of journey from the Eastern & Oriental Express:  a six-night and seven-day tour of South East Asia; from the city of Bangkok, to the beaches of Trang and the colonial architecture of Kuala Lumpur.

Departing 27th November 2011

Day 1 - Bangkok
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Bangkok's central station. After settling in to your cabin make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests. After a gastronomic dinner in one of the opulent dining cars, enjoy the on board entertainment: you might have your fortune told by the astrologer and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies as the train rolls along.
 
Day 2 - Tham Kasae Viaduct & River Kwai
Why not take your early morning coffee in the open air Observation Car while the E&O crosses the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct - one of the most scenic stretches of the railway - to arrive at Wang Po. After breakfast, choose from a variety of tours such as a visit to the elephant camp, or join an excursion to the memorial at the Hell Fire Pass Museum, a moving testament to this region's turbulent history.
 
Return to the train and depart Wang Po at midday. Lunch is served on board as you travel towards the River Kwai Bridge where you disembark for a leisurely cruise along the scenic gorge of the Rive Kwai aboard a local barge.  his afternoon you will also have the opportunity to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and Don Rak War Cemetery. The train will depart Kanchanaburi station in the late afternoon.  

Day 3 - Trang and Anantara Si Kao Resort
After a gentle morning enjoying scenic views of southern Thailand, the E&O pulls in to Trang mid-afternoon. Situated beside the Andaman Sea, Trang boasts some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. Disembark for your transfer to the deluxe Anantara Si Kao Resort.
 
Setting off from the station, enjoy a brief tour en route to the resort. Relax and watch the sun setting over the Andaman Sea while sipping cocktails on the beach. Dinner will provide an opportunity to taste a selection of regional specialities, while enjoying local entertainment. You may wish to stroll beside the sea before retiring to your room in this delightful hotel.

Day 4 - A Day in Trang
After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, choose from a wide variety of excursions for your day in Trang. You may like to relax at the resort's private Beach Club on the shores of Koh Kradan, a picturesque island just a 45 minutes boat ride away. Or choose a truly memorable activity such as dugong trekking on a boat trip to Libong Island. Other options that make the most of the tropical scenery and its flora and fauna include sea-kayaking, bird watching andbicycling. Or take a tour of Trang with a visit to the Raindrop Foundation to learn of its work to protect the fascinating mangrove swamps nearby.
 
You return to the E&O for a dinner on board. This evening will see the train crossing over the border into Malaysia: rice paddies gradually segue into jungle and rubber plantations.

Day 5 - Penang
After breakfast you are invited to disembark for a morning in bustling Penang. Several excursion options are available including a tour of colonial Georgetown with its rich blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Peranakan Heritage Museum or the Tropical Spice Garden Gallery which hosts a display on the origins of the spice trade, historical spice routes and how spices are processed and produced.
 
Lunch brings the opportunity for you to dine at one of several specially-selected restaurants which offer some of the best dining experiences available in Penang: discover why the island is renowned for its distinctive cuisine.
 
After lunch, return to the E&O and continue your journey south. The route travels across exquisite Bukit Merah Lake before climbing into the lush highlands of Malaysia. Enjoy an aperitif while looking out at this dramatic scenery.

Day 6 - Kuala Lumpur
Following breakfast, the E&O arrives at the impressive Mughal-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, built in 1885. Immerse yourself in the bustling capital of Malaysia through a choice of activities such as a city tour, a heritage walking tour or a visit to the National Museum.

For your final night aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, the train manager hosts a farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner. This is a chance to exchange travellers' tales (and addresses, perhaps) with fellow guests and then get together in the warm night air of the Observation Car for a last glimpse of Malaysia's star-studded sky.

Day 7 - Singapore
The train leaves Malaysia to travel into the dazzling heart of Singapore, arrive mid-morning and disembark for your onwards journey.