Our Belmond insider, Clare, shares her top tips for making an Eastern and Oriental train ride extra special. The carriages journey from Bangkok to Singapore and back. It’s a fantastic way to experience the countryside, villages and towns through Southeast Asia. Over to Clare:
The Eastern & Oriental Express travels one of the most magical and memorable routes in the world. This remarkable train, immaculately appointed and air-conditioned throughout, provides a perfect vantage point from which to view breathtaking scenery, meandering rivers and the lush tropical landscape of Southeast Asia. Here’s my top 5 insider tips to enjoying this rail journey of a lifetime.
Tip 1: Enjoy a Royal Celebration Breakfast
Book the Celebration Breakfast to enjoy a relaxed and leisurely morning onboard. Indulge in a four-course celebratory breakfast when travelling on the Classic Journey between Bangkok and Singapore. A glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne accompanies a selection of traditional favourites and locally-inspired breakfast options, offered on the second morning of every journey. The menu also includes a selection of hot drinks and fresh fruit juices, a bakery basket, yoghurt, cereals and fresh seasonal fruit.
Tip 2: Relax with a foot massage
Enjoy a foot massage, combining both massage and traditional reflexology techniques, when you arrive back onboard following an excursion. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the views from the reading room of the Saloon car.
Read our top 10 Malaysia experiences »
Tip 3: Sip a signature cocktail
Enjoy the Eastern & Oriental signature cocktail in the Observation car, perfect for sightseeing by day and cocktails and entertainment by night.
On a clear evening head to the Observation Car for uninterrupted views on the stars.
Tip 4: Have a pre-journey stay
If travelling from Singapore to Bangkok why not spend a night at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore? There, you can enjoy a relaxed morning before train check-in opens. Be sure to try the infamous Singapore Sling Cocktail whilst you’re there
Tip 5: Embark on a longer journey:
Venture off the beaten track with our Fables of the Peninsula journey. This cultural adventure, limited to just 60 guests in State and Presidential Cabins, begins with a night at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore, before whisking you off to Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands and Huay Yang.
If you are a party of 2 or 3, depending on the journey, why not ask the train manager to dine with you and learn all about life on the rails through Southeast Asia.
For more information about our holidays to Malaysia and Thailand, do call 020 3603 0953 email us with your questions here. See an example holiday itinerary including the stunning train ride. Do note that it’s just a starting point. All our holidays are tailor-made so can be tweaked to match your exact preferences.
