The Eastern & Oriental Express

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers the ultimate way to travel in style to Thailand. A subtle balance of Eastern culture and cuisine and Western comforts means that you can enjoy the best of everything - travelling in style and experiencing the many and mystical wonders of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The style and splendour of the E&O, with its elegant compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, combined with the adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia, provide a unique travel experience.

History

Following the success of the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express made history as the first ever train to transport passengers directly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok in September 1993.

An enormous amount of work went on behind the scenes to create the E&O experience. The same team who had worked on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express were commissioned to design the interiors. as well as adding the required air-conditioning system, and ensuring the carriages were compatible with the Malaysian and Thai railway systems, the windows in the dining cars were also extended to offer panoramic views.

The inspiration for the interiors is derived from the East. The carriage walls are decorated with veneers of wooden marquetry with Eastern designs, while the bar and restaurant cars are decorated in Chinese and Thai lacquer using Malaysian motifs with Thai wall carvings and engraved mirrors. The open-deck of the Observation Car also has an Oriental theme, and for much of the train local materials have been used. On board the Eastern & Oriental Express, the ambience achieved harks back to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the veranda, linen suits and tea dances.

In addition to the two night journey between Singapore and Bangkok, the E&O also travels overnight to the northern capital of Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

Whichever journey passengers decide to take, they are assured of the highest quality food and service while enjoying dramatic views across the South East Asian landscape.