Chronicles of South-East Asia 2012

• Epic Thailand (7 days - 6 nights)
• Legends of the Peninsula (7 days - 6 nights)
• Fables of the Hills (7 days - 6 nights)
• Tales of Laos (4 days - 3 nights)

Epic Thailand (7 days - 6 nights)

DAY 1 - Bangkok
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Bangkok's central station. As you arrive you will be welcomed by stewards in exquisite Thai uniforms with 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 train sets off through the city, and out into the glorious countryside beyond. Make your way to the Bar Car for a "welcome" cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests. Enjoy dinner in one of the opulent dining cars then perhaps have your fortune told by the on board astrologer and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies in the Bar Car.

DAY 2 - Isan - Village Life & Prasat Sikhoraphum
Following breakfast, you will be escorted to a traditional Isan village where you will take a walking tour and meet the residents. Our expert guides will explain Isan customs and how to show respect. Walking through the village, you will visit the local temple and school, and see women weaving "matmee" cloth (silk or cotton) or bamboo mats on home looms. Explore and learn about the complex system of rice cultivation and enjoy a walk through the verdant rice paddies.

During your time in the village you will be invited to participate in the bai sii (sacred thread) ceremony performed by the village elders, when sacred threads are tied around the wrist to offer protection for a journey. This ritual also symbolises a renewal of friendship. It is a very moving experience and one of the most memorable Thai rituals. Following the ceremony guests return to the E&O. Lunch is served on board as the train continues its journey through rural landscapes.

In the late afternoon the E&O arrives at the small town of Sikhoraphum where you disembark for a visit to Prasat Sikhoraphum, a beautifully-restored 12th century Khmer temple. Situated off the beaten track, Prasat Sikhoraphum rarely receives international visitors. Lovely views can be enjoyed across the countryside surrounding this tranquil place -- the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail reception.

After this exhilarating day, it is time to return to the train and to relax in one's cabin before moving to the dining car for a casual dinner.

DAY 3 - Phanom Rung
This morning brings a visit to Phanom Rung, another majestic and highly revered 12th century Khmer temple, which has been nominated for World Heritage status.

After exploring this magnificent complex, with its intricate stone carvings of ancient legends, visit a nearby village famous for its silk weavers and observe them at their work. Return to the E&O late morning where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, watching the scenes of rural Thailand pass by as the train travels towards Chiang Mai. Lunch is served as the train traverses vast, open plains. Enjoy on board entertainment and glimpse scenes of rural life through the windows. As evening turns into night, a delightful dinner based on the produce of this region will be served in the restaurant cars.

DAY 4 - Chiang Mai
Today you discover the northern province of Chiang Mai, the ancient Lanna Kingdom. This fascinating region pre-dates the Siamese settlements further south, such as Sukhothai and Bangkok, by several hundred years.

Here you have a choice of excursions. You may decide to visit to an elephant camp, where you see the animals at work and may even have the chance to ride them. Or take a tour of one of Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist temples. Alternatively, spend a relaxed afternoon shopping at some of the city's best boutiques: Chiang Mai is renowned for its crafts, which range from the traditional to the cutting-edge All excursions include a memorable Lanna-style lunch. Further information on the available excursions is provided on board. Return to the train in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner as the train glides along.

DAY 5 - Lampang
After breakfast you arrive in Lampang, another northern Thai city rich in history and culture.
You will have the opportunity to explore the city in its trademark pony carriages. These delightful carts were originally imported from England for use by Thai nobility in Bangkok, but with the introduction of the automobile, were sent to the provinces. The leisurely carriage ride concludes at Ban Sao Nak (House of Many Pillars). Built in 1895 on 116 pillars by a local resident, this house is now a museum. In front stands a huge 133-year-old Sarapee (Ochocarpus Siamensis) tree.

Take a tour of the house and garden and enjoy morning tea on the lawn before returning to E&O. Lunch is served on board, as you travel through the breathtaking countryside. Enjoy the vistas from the open air Observation Car, order a sunset cocktail and move on to the restaurant car for dinner on board.

DAY 6 - Khao Yai National Park
Today begins with an early morning visit to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's oldest such reserve.

With an expert naturalist to guide you, explore the park and - with luck - observe wildlife such as elephants, deer and gibbons, birds and lizards, in their natural habitat. This excursion includes a comfortable hike along one of the park's leafy walking trails for a close up view of unique plants and flowers.

After enjoying the morning in the park, you will travel by coach to Gran Monte - one of the country's most celebrated vineyards. Gran Monte bottles its own wine under the direction of Thailand's first female oenologist, Ms. Nikki Visootha Lohitnavy. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the vineyard's renowned restaurant and sample a selection of wines, followed by a walking tour among the vines.

Return to E&O in the late afternoon and mark the end of an unforgettable journey around Thailand's lesser-known destinations by joining new-found friends at our "farewell" cocktail party.

DAY 7- Bangkok
Arrive at 09:30am and disembark in Bangkok as the on board team wave goodbye and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Legends of the Peninsula (7 days - 6 nights)

DAY 1 - Bangkok
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Bangkok's central station. As you arrive and step on board you are welcomed by stewards in their beautiful Thai uniforms, hands pressed together in a gracious "wai".

A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows and the train sets off through the city, and out into the glorious countryside beyond. 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. This 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. Enjoy an aperitif and then move on to a memorable dinner of dishes based on the region's produce. You might choose to have a foot massage by the E&O reflexologist to relax after this action-packed day.

DAY 3 - Trang and Anantara Si Kao Resort
After a gentle morning enjoying scenic views of southern Thailand, a sumptuous brunch will be served on board. 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 and bicycling. 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.

If you prefer to stay within the resort then you may choose to be pampered in the spa, or discover a new world of taste sensations at a beachside Thai cooking class. Or just stretch out and enjoy the cooling breeze by the pool with your favourite book.

Check out of this luxurious resort in the late afternoon and return to the E&O for a casual 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. Dinner will be served on board and you may wish to chat to other guests in the Bar Car.

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. Full details of available options are provided on board.

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 as the on board team wave you on your way.

Fables of the Hills (7 days - 6 nights)

DAY 1 - Singapore
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Singapore's Keppel Road station As you arrive you are welcomed by stewards in exquisite Thai uniforms with their hands pressed together in a gracious "wai" -- a promise of the journey to come.

A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows and the train sets off through the city, over the causeway into Malaysia and out into the countryside beyond. Make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests. Enjoy dinner in one of the opulent dining cars and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies in the Bar Car.

DAY 2 - Kuala Lumpur & Overnight at Cameron Highlands
After 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, heritage walking tour or a visit to the National Museum. Full details of available options are provided on board.

Return to the E&O at midday and depart Kuala Lumpur. Lunch will be served on board as the E&O climbs past rubber plantations towards Malaysia's verdant uplands. After arriving at Tapah Station, disembark the train for the coach transfer to the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort.

Relax and enjoy the two hour scenic drive over the rolling hills and pass through dense jungle where you may spot settlements of the Orang Asli (indigenous people). Along the way, enjoy photo stops at tea plantations, strawberry farms and flower galleries

Upon your arrival at the Cameron Highlands Resort, sip cocktails and savour dinner while enjoying the fabulous views from what is Malaysia's most celebrated hill retreat.

DAY 3 - Cameron Highlands
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, choose from a wide variety of tours and activities available (full details will be provided). Spend the morning being pampered at the famed Spa Village or visit the Best of Highlands tea plantation for a guided walk through the fragrant tea gardens and a tour of the factory with the chance to sample a variety of aromatic brews. Other options include a trip to the Mardi Agro-technology Park to discover the array of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in the Highlands and to sample an amazing ten different varieties of strawberries.

A lunch based on this wonderful produce will be served at the resort. You then travel to Ipoh to once again board the gleaming Eastern & Oriental Express. Relax with an aperitif in the Bar Car before enjoying a fabulous dinner as the train glides on through the night.

DAY 4 - Kuala Kangsar & Penang
This morning brings a leisurely tour through the royal city of Kuala Kangsar, home to the Sultan of Perak . Cradled in a bend of the Perak River, this historic city is charming, serene and full of interest. Visit the Victorian-era Royal Museum (the former Royal Palaces) and the impressive Ubudiah Mosque.

Return to the train for lunch as you travel across exquisite Bukit Merah Lake before heading to the western coast of Malaysia. Upon your arrival at Butterworth Station you will be transferred to the island of Penang where several excursions are available. Options include a tour of colonial Georgetown with its rich blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, or you may choose to visit the Peranakan Heritage Museum or the Tropical Spice Garden Gallery which showcases excellent displays on the origins of the spice trade and how spices are used today.

At sunset, gather at the E&O Hotel and sip cocktails on the seafront terrace before heading to your choice of specially-selected venue to experience some of the best dining in Penang, an island known for its exceptional, regional cooking. A selection of local and international cuisines is available, including a Malaysian "hawker center" experience After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey.

DAY 5 - Monkey Training College at Surat Thani
During the early hours of the morning, the train crosses into Thailand at Padang Besar. Relax and enjoy scenic views of southern Thailand, as the train passes paddy fields and golden temples. A sumptuous lunch will be served on board before the E&O arrives at Surat Thani.

This agricultural town is known for its many types of fruit and oysters. However, the highlight of this stop is a private tour of the Monkey Training College. Its skilful 'students' have traditionally been used in this region to help harvest coconuts. At this college they learn how to choose only ripe coconuts, and to bring them down without damaging them.

Following the tour, return to the train to depart from Surat Thani. Dinner tonight is served on board as the train continues its journey through the Thai countryside towards Bangkok.

DAY 6 - River Kwai & the Tham Kasae Viaduct
This morning the train arrives at the River Kwai Bridge where you disembark for a leisurely cruise along the dramatic gorge on a local river barge. You then have time to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and Don Rak War Cemetery.

After returning to the train in the late morning, lunch will be served as you depart from Kanchanaburi Station. The train crosses the historic bridge at the River Kwai and travels towards Wang Po where you continue along the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct - one of the railway's most scenic stretches.

After lunch, choose from a variety of tours including a visit to an elephant camp, where you will see the animals at work and even ride one. Or, join an excursion to the memorial at the Hell Fire Pass Museum, a moving tribute to this region's turbulent history.

For your final night aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, join the Train Manager for a farewell cocktail reception followed by a glamorous dinner on board. You may wish to exchange addresses with fellow guests over a digestif in the open air Observation Car, and spot stars in the night sky overhead.

DAY 7 - Bangkok
Arrive at 09:30am and disembark in Bangkok as the on board team wave you goodbye and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Tales of Laos (4 days - 3 nights)

DAY 1 - Bangkok
Your journey begins with an afternoon departure from Bangkok and a warm welcome by your steward. As you settle into the privacy of your well-appointed cabin, indulge in afternoon tea and pastries served by the attentive steward. View the changing vista and the sunset from the unique observation car as the train journeys into northern-eastern Thailand. Later that evening, enjoy an aperitif accompanied by live piano music in the sumptuous bar car before you savour your first dinner onboard amid the elegant setting of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

DAY 2 - Phimai, Khao Yai
Breakfast is served in your cabin before the train arrives in Hin Dat where you disembark for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phimai, one of the most important Khmer ruins complex in Thailand. Return to the train for lunch as the journey continues to picturesque Khao Yai, where you will spend a delightful afternoon touring the vineyards and an opportunity to sample the wines. Rejoin the train in early evening to prepare for dinner and exchange stories of the day's experiences with fellow guests. Afterwards, spend an enjoyable evening in the bar car and be entertained by the pianist. Overnight on board.

DAY 3 - Vientiane
After breakfast, the Eastern & Oriental Express will cross the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand to Laos. Passengers will disembark for a full day's excursion of the capital city of Vientiane, including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. View the contrasts of gilded Buddhist temples alongside French colonial architecture in the timeless and relaxed atmosphere of the city. Reboard the train late afternoon and depart for the return journey to Thailand, relaxing in the observation car or saloon lounge. As night descends, enjoy cocktails and another delightful dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 4 - Bangkok
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast as the train proceeds to Bangkok, arriving mid-morning.