Bid to win the chance for you and a guest to travel on the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express with Belmond tour groups for a journey from Singapore to Bangkok for 3 days, 2 nights, on a date of your choice!
Enjoy the fine wines and excellent cuisine as you journey on board the Eastern & Oriental Express from the elegance of Singapore to the excitement of Bangkok through the heart of South East Asia.
Singapore- Bangkock 2 nights:
Day One: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur: On arrival at The Fullerton Hotel you are greeted by the Eastern & Oriental Express team, who assist with your luggage and check-in formalities. You will be escorted to Woodlands Railway Station, where your steward warmly welcomes you aboard and shows you to your elegant cabin. The train leaves Singapore and crosses over the Johor Causeway into Peninsular Malaysia. As the journey continues northward you are served a refreshing afternoon tea in your cabin. Stroll along to the Observation Car to admire the passing scenery of lush landscapes and rural settlements. Later, dress for an exquisite dinner of eastern and western socialities in the Restaurant Car, followed by an enticing cocktail or liqueur in the Bar Car where our resident pianist plays. Retire to your cabin, which has been transformed into an inviting bedroom.
Day Two: Kuala Kangsar: As the train travels through the verdant rainforests and rural west-coast towns of Malaysia, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the comfort of your cabin. Arrive at Kuala Kangsar and alight to board a coach, which whisks you away from the city to Labu Kubong, a village set among paddy fields and backed by lush mountains. Here you embark on a traditional village experience, a chance to immerse yourself in rural Malaysian life. The villagers welcome you with a traditional martial arts dance before you sample regional food and drink and browse locally produced handicrafts. Enjoy a guided walk through the rice paddies to learn about the process of planting and harvesting before heading to a plantation where rubber, banana and durian are grown. Your tour finishes with refreshments that include banana and durian chips produced from the plantation crops. Alternatively, advanced trekkers may wish to join our optional hill trek. Your trek begins with a visit to a banana and durian plantation before you join your guide—an expert naturalist—to climb to the peak of the nearby hill. Cold towels and refreshments greet your arrival at the top, following your challenging walk, as well as breathtaking panoramas over the village and plantations. Peer through the binoculars provided and you may even catch a glimpse of the train waiting at nearby Padang Rengas Station.
Day Three: River Kwai, Bangkok: Following breakfast in your cabin, disembark at River Kwai Station late morning for your chosen excursion:
1. Classic Tour Cruise along the Khwae Yai River aboard a local raft, taking in views of the splendid Thai teakwood houses along the banks. Your guide provides an insight into the building of the infamous railway and bridge, which were constructed by allied prisoners in World War II. After the cruise, board a minivan to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and perhaps pay a visit to the Don Rak War Cemetery before returning to the train.
2. Tracks to Unseen Thailand Tour Board a minivan to rural Nong Kao village for your hour-long bicycle tour. Cycle through the verdant rice fields, stopping for a fascinating demonstration at a local Thai farm and refreshments.Return to the Traditional Thai Wooden House for a relaxing herbal infusion before returning to the train.
3. Local Flavours Tour Your guided tour begins with visits to a vibrant wet market and an acclaimed rice noodle house where you will gain an insight into the traditional processes used. You then proceed to Wat Nue Pier to board a river raft and participate in a traditional Thai cooking class on board as you sail along the River Kwai. Disembark at Chong Kai War Cemetery for an optional visit before returning to the train by minivan. Back on board, lunch is served as the train makes its stately way towards Bangkok, arriving in the late afternoon. Alight here for your onward travels.
Both of the Labu Kubong options are weather permitting. In inclement weather, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Kuala Kangsar instead. Your guide will lead you on a journey through the fascinating royal town, taking in such sights as the majestic Ubudiah Mosque and the treasure-filled Sultan Shah Gallery. Rejoin the train at Padang Rengas Station and enjoy lunch before spending a relaxing afternoon either in your cabin, the bar or the Observation Car. Look out for the picturesque limestone massifs that rear up from the rice fields. As the train crosses into Thailand, the scenery changes to include wing-roofed Thai temples and bustling stations. In the evening, further culinary delights are served in the Restaurant Car, after which you may wish to enjoy a convivial drink in the Bar Car before your final night’s sleep on board.
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