The excitement of arriving in Bangkok and joining the Eastern Oriental Express to Singapore is a must for Corporate group Incentive travel organisers and a different way of experiencing new cultures.
Bangkok the capital city of Thailand is a fascinating place not least for its colourful nightlife which can include a Moonlight cruise on the Chao Phraya River where one can experience Thai Dancers and enjoy excellent far eastern cuisine. The Temples and the Grand Palace must be seen for their opulence and grandeur. The city has many facets which include the Jim Thompson Thai House. The Thai people are very friendly and welcoming and take great pleasure in greeting visitors to their country.
Joining the Eastern & Oriental Express which departs Bangkok - Hualampong Station in the early evening to Singapore. The journey takes 4 days and 3 nights. The green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express will be the introduction to a fabulous journey through many cultures. Having been welcomed on board you will be escorted to your luxury cabin which is transformed from a living room to a bedroom. You will have the services of your own cabin steward throughout the journey.
The train is designed to cater for your every need – relax in the Reading Room, browse in the Boutique, take a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car or unwind in the stunning open air Observation Car. You will see the Thai countryside, scattered with rice fields, tapioca fields and glittering temples. Passing through very small villages, houses have distinctive peaked roofs and portraits of Thailand’s royal family are often on display.
On day two of the journey, awake early in order not to miss the excitement of the train making its way from Wang Po along the wooden trestle viaduct towards the River Kwai Bridge Station.
On arrival at the River Kwai Bridge station, the train stops to allow you to disembark and guides escort you to the short walk down to the jetty to board a local raft for a cruise along the picturesque Kwai Yai River, passing under the Bridge. On board, a local historian provides a brief overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the bridge. At the landing point you board a motor coach for a brief trip past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum.
Day three, this famous train winds its way through Malaysia where it stops at Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. A visit to Penang Island from Butterworth where you can experience a tour of George Town by trishaw passing by colourful shops, churches, elaborately-roofed temples and bazaars.
Arrival into Singapore on day four in the afternoon is the end of a wonderful rail experience. Singapore is a fascinating city with the Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum, shopping in the famous Orchard Road. A visit to Raffles Hotel is a must for a popular Singapore Sling and of course peanuts.
A wonderful journey for a memorable incentive.
Alan Derry is a travel expert writing on numerous travel related topics including group incenitve travel and organising incentives for staff members. For more information on these services see www.incentivetravel.co/
Sounds like very interesting tour that I would love to take on my next trip. Actually I’ve never use train in Asia, except subway.
I recently heard about this option, but haven’t try it. Probably in the middle of the year, I will arrange this tour together with my family.