Call Us 800.528.9300

Elegance In Motion

Southeast Asia By Train & Ship



Tour Description:

Experience the influence of the Khmers, Chinese, Indians and French in Southeast Asia, while marveling at ancient temples that are masterful expressions of craftsmanship and devotion. Explore in style aboard the deluxe Eastern & Oriental Express and the elegant 'Road To Mandalay,' staying in several luxurious Orient-Express hotels along the way.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Join the Eastern & Oriental Express and begin your journey via the causeway over the Straits of Johor. Relax in your compartment as you are served afternoon tea. Tonight, dress for dinner and an evening of piano music in the Bar Car. Eastern & Oriental Express Train B L D

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Singapore
Embark on a tour (partially by trishaw) of colonial Georgetown, Penang, and Fort Cornwallis. Return to the train for lunch on board. Venture to the Observation Car's open deck to see how the scenery changes as you cross into Thailand. Eastern & Oriental Express Train B L D

Day 3: Singapore/Eastern & Oriental Express
Travel by boat along the River Kwai, lined on both sides by lush tropical jungle. Return to the train for lunch on board before arrival in Bangkok at your luxurious hotel overlooking the banks of the broad Chao Phraya River. Look out over this "Venice of the East" to glimpse the waterborne life of the city whose temples honor Buddha and bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) and whose streets are alive with thriving markets. Observe the bustling river traffic and the sun-splashed lines of the canals as they branch out from the river. Dine this evening aboard a private rice barge as it cruises the Chao Phraya River. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B L D

Day 4: Eastern & Oriental Express
Visit the Ananthasamakom Throne and after lunch, explore the Prasart Museum to view a private collection of antiques and artwork, where you may be joined by the owner. The next morning, a short boat ride on the Chao Phraya River takes you to a temple where you offer the monks food. In turn, they perform a sacred chant and offer you a saisin, a symbolic string that has been blessed and is said to protect the wearer from harm. Wander through the colorful Flower Market, then explore two of Bangkok's most interesting temples, the Wat Pho and the Wat Trimitr. Later, visit the magnificent Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese Court, and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B L D

Day 5: Eastern & Oriental Express/Bangkok, Thailand
Laos is a charming, slow-moving country that offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse of old Southeast Asia. Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel by boat up the Mekong River to the caves at Pak Ou, stopping at small riverside villages. Visit a local whiskey factory as well as a weaving village. Then participate in a traditional baci (ceremony). Wat Xieng Thong, built in classic Luang Prabang style, features a low sloping roof. Inside, richly decorated wooden columns support a ceiling vested with dharma wheels. Visit Wat Xieng Thong this afternoon before continuing to the Wat Wisunalat (Wat Vixoun), the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, and the temples of Phu Si Hill. From the summit, take in the panoramic vista of the town below. La R?sidence Phou Vao B L D

Days 6-7: Bangkok
Fly to Yangon, a handsome city with wide, tree-lined boulevards bordered by fine, stone buildings. The city bustles with small shops selling everything from antique lacquer ware to silver-backed dressing table sets left over from colonial days. Explore the city and, at sunset, visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, a masterpiece of gilded stupas and stately Buddhas. Afterward, privately visit the home and gallery of art collector Anton Ferwerda. Oct 15: B D; Oct 16: B L D The Governor's Residence B L D

Days 8-9: Bangkok/Luang Prabang, Laos
Fly to Bagan, a flat plain dotted with the remains of 2,000 pagodas, temples and stupas; you visit a few of these this afternoon. In the evening, board the deluxe river cruiser MV 'Road To Mandalay,' your floating retreat for the next three days. MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Days 10-11: Luang Prabang/Bangkok/Yangon, Myanmar
Watch the local life pass by as you cruise the Ayeyarwady River, enjoying the comforts and amenities of 'Road To Mandalay' en route. Explore Mandalay, Mingun and Sagaing, considered to be the living center of Buddhist faith. MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D

Day 12: Yangon/Bagan - 'Road To Mandalay'
Disembark in Mandalay, and board a flight to Yangon to connect to Bangkok and your homebound flight. B

Days 13-15: 'Road To Mandalay'
Optional Extension to Cambodia Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the fascinating Angkor complex. La R?sidence d'Angkor B D

Day 16: Mandalay/Yangon/Bangkok/ USA or Canada
Explore Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei and Angkor Thomas well as the Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace and the romantic Ta Prohm. La R?sidence d'Angkor B L D

Optional Extension to CambodiaBangkok/Siem Reap
Board your homebound flight. B

Day 17: Siem Reap

Day 18: Siem Reap/USA or Canada