Discover the Eastern & Oriental Express with Belmond

Hard to find a journey that’s as unique and romantic as this one: there’s a certain magic to this voyage, combining adventure with total relaxation.

Eastern & Oriental Express travels on one of the most magical and memorable routes in the world. Travelling through stunning scenery from Singapore through Malaysia and across central and southern Thailand, to and from Bangkok.

Handsome green and gold carriages conceal magnificent cherrywood panelling, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery. Raise a toast as you meander past lush jungle, ancient temples and quaint villages. Some journeys deserve to be savoured.

All aboard the slow train through Southeast Asia, a travelling memoir of a more elegant age. The Eastern & Oriental Express hosts guests in unrivalled style on a timeless adventure and offers the best of the old and new worlds. In keeping with the golden age of travel, electronic devices are discouraged in certain areas. As for modern innovation, the train is beautifully air-conditioned so you can stay cool in the tropical climate. All cabins have luxurious ensuite bathrooms.

Viewed from the outside, the train’s gleaming exterior is breathtaking. Its handsome green and gold carriages bear the iconic insignia of the Eastern & Oriental Express—a hallmark of true distinction.

Onboard, Belmond‘s interiors are nothing short of magnificent, evoking the atmosphere of the 1932 Marlene Dietrich film Shanghai Express. You’ll find cherrywood and burr elm panelling alongside exquisite fabrics. Expect Jim Thompson Thai silks, Malaysian embroidery and hand-tufted carpets.

Equally captivating is the quality of light in Southeast Asia. Golden and diffuse, it is best experienced from the train’s elegant open-sided Observation Car. Feel the breeze in your hair as you glide through lush green jungle and expansive tea plantations. You’ll see temples and ancient villages. Stops along the way include such storied sites as the River Kwai Bridge. There’s a certain magic to this voyage, feeling a great sense of adventure and at the same time completely relaxed.

With its silk wallcoverings and upholstered armchairs, Belmond’s Restaurant Car dazzles and delights. Understated elegance is key here, and guests like to wear light linens in the balmy heat of the afternoon. Evening attire complements our lavish dinners nicely—certainly, seeing fellow passengers in their finery can be a highlight of the trip. The train’s vibrant atmosphere lends itself to easy socialising.

HISTORY

A story 25 years in the making, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been making history since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore. This enchanting rail experience was the vision of American businessman James B Sherwood, who purchased the carriages of the Silver Star train built by Nippon Sharyo and Hitachi in Japan. The carriages were remodelled in Singapore with an elegant colonial aesthetic, echoing the spirit of classic Indochina. Launched in September 1993, the train has been capturing hearts ever since with magical moments across Southeast Asia.

With its iconic green and gold carriages and elegant interiors evoking the nostalgia and glamour of a bygone era, the train carries just 82 guests in ensuite air-conditioned cabins with two dining cars, a bar car and outdoor observation car from which to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Southeast Asia.

ABOUT BELMOND

Belmond is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Company owns and operates 46 unique and distinctive hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, three river cruises and ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants.