Asia Wanderlust: Thailand to Malaysia by Eastern & Oriental Express 7D6N

Arrive into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) where a representative meets you, fast tracks the immigration process and assists with luggage. An air conditioned private car takes you to your accommodation. On the way, the driver introduces you to Thailand and shares helpful information about Bangkok, its history and Thai culture in general.

You’ll stay the next two nights at the Mandarin Oriental. Spend the rest of the day settling into your Deluxe Premier Room and make the most of facilities including award-winning restaurants and bars and the lavish Oriental Spa.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, travel away from the city to the vibrant Thai countryside.

Stop at a local railway station where a lively country market has sprung up around the tracks. As a train approaches the station, look on in wonder as the local vendors quickly gather up their goods and close their shops to make way for the carriages. As the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual.

Next, continue on to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Board a local motorboat and marvel at the traditional ways of doing business on the water as you cruise between rows of shops. After, there is ample time to shop for souvenirs and sample delicious local fruits such as mangosteen, durian and rambutan. For visits falling on Saturday or Sunday, there is an option to visit the less touristy floating market Tha Kha.

Next, board a paddle boat for a leisurely cruise away from the market. You’ll enter a labyrinth of quiet canals lined with traditional houses and get a real sense of what life is like in rural Thailand.

Following this insightful exploration of the countryside, return to Bangkok where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Note: This is a full day private tour. Itinerary can be tailored to suit interest.

In the morning, travel by long-tail boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi on the east side of the river reveals a scene that offers a stark contrast to the frenzied activity of the modern metropolis of Bangkok. On the return journey, we stop at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) whose towering spire has become an iconic symbol of Bangkok. Note: This morning tour is private tour.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your lavish, private cabin before heading down to the Observation Car to watch the sun set over the city and increasingly lush countryside.

Return to your cabin to dress for dinner before taking your seat in one of the decadent dining cars. Indulge in a feast for the senses with mouth-watering cuisine drawing inspiration from both East and West. Cap off the day with a signature cocktail in the Bar Car, where the soulful sounds of the piano will entrance you well into the night.

As the sun rises over Kanchanaburi Province, an enticing continental breakfast is served in your cabin.

At 8:00am, the train arrives into River Kwai Station, where you will disembark for your chosen excursion.

1. Classic Tour. A local raft takes you along the Khwae Yai River, where Thai teawood houses line the way to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. An expert guide tells the story of the bridge and the horrific “Death Railway”, built by allied prisoners of war during World War II. After, a private minivan takes you to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Don Rak War Cemetery, where you may learn more about this dark period of history and pay respect to those who laid down their lives.

2. Tracks to Unseen Thailand Tour. A private minivan takes you to rural Nong Kao village for a one-hour bicycle tour. Cycle through lush green rice paddies and stop in at a local farm for a glimpse into traditional village life. Refreshments included.

3. Local Flavours Tour. A local guide leads you through a vibrant wet market to an acclaimed noodle house, where you will gain insight into the traditional methods used to make some of Thailand’s most iconic (and delicious dishes). After, continue onto Wat Nue Pier to board a river raft and take part in an authentic Thai cooking class as you sail along the River Kwai. Disembark at Chong Kai War Cemetery for an optional visit before returning to the train.

Back onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, a leisurely afternoon awaits. Make yourself at home among the train’s various carriages: read a book or play a board game in the Saloon Car, watch the scenery go by in the Observation Car or simply rest and relax in your cabin.

When it is time for dinner, head down to the dining car for another delicious feast.

Enjoy a lie-in and leisurely breakfast as the Eastern & Oriental Express takes you over the border into Malaysia. Look out your window in wonder as the rice paddies give way to breathtaking limestone massifs.

After lunch, arrive into Kuala Kangsar, the epicentre for some of Malaysia’s defining moments. An air-conditioned coach takes you away from the city to Labu Kubong, a traditional Malaysian village set among rice paddies and backed by lush mountains. The villagers welcome you with a traditional martial arts dance and invite you to sample local food and drink and browse locally produced handicrafts. After, enjoy a guided walk through the rice paddies to learn about the process of planting and harvesting before visiting a plantation where banana, durian and rubber are grown.

Alternatively, keen hikers may wish to join an expert naturalist on a trek to the peak of a nearby hill. Cold towels and refreshments greet you at the summit as well as breathtaking 360-degree vistas over the village and plantations below. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for both excursions.

In the case of inclement weather, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Kuala Kangsar instead. Your guide will lead you on a journey through the royal town, taking in sights such as the treasure filled Sultan Shah Gallery and the majestic Ubudiah Mosque.

Back on the train, continue south through the lush rainforests and rural west coast towns of the Malaysian peninsula and enjoy one last gastronomic dinner. In the late evening, you’ll arrive into Kuala Lumpur Station having experienced one of the world’s great rail journeys. A local representative will assist you in transferring to RuMa Hotel & Residences, your 5-star luxury accommodation for the next two nights.

The day is yours to explore the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur. The city is a melting pot of cultures and architecture old and new, with must-see sights ranging from temples to bustling marketplaces and sky-scrapping towers.

Venture out to the Batu Caves to climb the 272 steps to one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. Marvel at the ornate pillars, roofs and prayer halls of the six-tiered Thean Hou Temple (Temple of the Goddess of Heaven). Wander through the restaurants, textile and spice shops of the Little India Brickfields. Look up at the Petronas Towers and admire the icon of the city. The list goes on!

Note: We can offer private guided tour to suit your interest and requirements. Please contact us for customised itinerary.

All good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Kuala Lumpur Airport for your onward flight.