Take your seat for the ultimate journey into the heart of Southeast Asia aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train, including stops in Penang and island hopping through the Gulf of Thailand.
Southeast Asia is an amazing region to visit.
This Voyage of Southeast Asia isn’t currently available exactly as shown below, but take a peek to get an idea of what a trip through Southeast Asia could look like.
Day 1 – Singapore
Start out your Southeast Asia vacation in Singapore. On arrival at Raffles Singapore, 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 the gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await.
Be welcomed by stewards in exquisite Thai uniforms, their hands pressed together in a gracious wai. A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows, and the journey begins as the train crosses the Causeway into Malaysia.
Make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager. This is a beautiful opportunity to meet other guests and the onboard speaker. After cocktails, an exquisite dinner of eastern and western specialties is served in the opulent dining cars. Before retiring, relax with a nightcap in the Bar Car and listen to our resident pianist play nostalgic melodies.
In preparation for your off-train day tomorrow, please consider packing sun protection, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and mosquito repellent. We advise you to bring a light wrap – shawl, jacket, or sweater – as the evening and early-morning temperatures can be cooler. Your cabin steward will assist you with the overnight luggage transfer from the train to Tiarasa Escapes resort.
Day 2 – Malacca & Overnight at Tiarasa Escapes
There’s more to see in Southeast Asia! After breakfast, the Eastern & Oriental Express arrives at Taiping Station, where you transfer by coach to Malacca for your pre-selected morning excursion. There are three tours to choose from. Board a trishaw for a tour of historical landmarks, including Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. Embark on a culinary tour of the city, visiting a local market, joining a cooking demonstration, and sampling the locally renowned chicken rice balls. If you prefer a more active excursion, pedal off on a bicycle tour. Stop at fascinating sites such as a tea house and shoemakers, where you can immerse yourself in local traditions.
After your excursion, return to the train and linger over lunch on board as we travel towards Tiarasa Escapes. Disembark for a night at this luxurious glamping resort in the Janda Baik Rainforest. Beautiful safari-style tents and treetop villas surround seven acres of pristine nature. They are filled with majestic trees, fruit-laden orchards, rare birds, and vivid butterflies.
On arrival, our staff will personally guide you to your charming tented villa. Enjoy a relaxed barbecue dinner in the open air this evening, followed by a performance from local musicians around the campfire. We recommend wearing a light jacket for the cooler evening air. This part of Southeast Asia can be cool. Later, sit back under the moonlight and enjoy an old classic movie screening.
Day 3 – Tiarasa Escapes
After breakfast, soak up your surroundings on a ranger-led nature trail through the jungle, or feel free to explore independently at your leisure. After lunch, return to your room to pack up your belongings.
Reboard the train as we continue our journey north towards Penang. In the afternoon, unwind in the Observation Car and admire the passing landscapes, or participate in the afternoon’s onboard entertainment. Enjoy a soothing afternoon tea served in the comfort of your cabin.
Come evening, relax with an aperitif in the Bar Car before enjoying a sumptuous dinner as the train glides on to our next Southeast Asia destination.
Day 4 – Penang
Arriving early morning at Bukit Mertajam Station, transfer to the island of Penang. Again, you will already have chosen your preferred excursion. You have 3 options. George Town Living Heritage Hunt, where you witness some of the city’s vanishing arts, such as joss stick making, batik painting, and rattan basket weaving. Taste of Penang, a market tour and cooking workshop with celebrated local food enthusiast Nazlina. Lastly, George Town’s Colonial Legacy takes you back to 19th-century Penang. Here you discover the melting pot of cultures and architectural styles that makes this UNESCO World Heritage city so beguiling.
After your excursion, return to the train for a late lunch. Mingle with your fellow guests in the Bar Car, discussing the morning’s highlights as the train travels towards Thailand.
This evening, traditional Thai dancers come on board to give a mesmerizing performance before you sit down to dinner in one of the restaurant cars. There’s still more to see in Southeast Asia!
Day 5 – Island Hopping
Disembark after breakfast for a full day’s island cruise as you continue your Southeast Asia adventure. Board a catamaran and glide through the Gulf of Thailand, hopping from island to idyllic island. Step ashore to stretch out on white-sand beaches, wade into the water to watch the marine life, or stroll along the cliffs to spot birds at low tide.
Savor a delicious barbecue lunch served on board the catamaran before you disembark to explore another of Thailand’s breathtaking islands. Bliss out under the palms, swim in the crystalline turquoise waters or perhaps enjoy a relaxing beachfront massage.
In the late afternoon, transfer back to the railway station to rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express for your last night on board. Gather for a farewell cocktail party hosted by the Train Manager before sitting down to a final exquisite dinner on the train. Enjoy local entertainment, including a saxophonist and a traditional puppet show.
Day 6 – Bangkok
Your Southeast Asia journey ends as the train pulls into Bangkok this morning. The onboard team waves you goodbye and wishes you a pleasant onward journey.
Ready to go on a trip to Southeast Asia similar to this one?
