Gorgeous Vintage Train From Singapore To Bangkok: Scenic Journey w/ Private Cabins, Meals, Afternoon Tea

By Rachel Yohannan on 25 Apr 2022

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Zipping off on a quick 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok for a weekend getaway is no biggie even if you’re in a squeezy budget seat, because for such a short ride, it’s the destination that matters the most. But here’s a new route to try with a luxurious twist: A rail journey from Singapore to Bangkok in a gorgeous Eastern & Oriental Express vintage train.

With scenic views, all meals provided, afternoon tea, and live entertainment, this luxurious train ride will make your holiday as much about the journey as it is about getting to your end point. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect!

Read on to find out more about the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express train from Singapore to Bangkok!

Photo from Belmond

Operated by Belmond, the Eastern & Oriental Express train departs from Singapore and makes a pit stop at Kuala Kangsar in Perak, Malaysia, before bringing you to Bangkok. There are also routes going from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok.

Photo from Belmond

The entire journey from Singapore to Bangkok will take 2 full days, essentially making this a sleeper train experience where you’ll be spending more than a night on board. But not to worry, as this ride is going to be a luxurious one steeped in comfort.

Photo from Belmond

On the exterior, the train is green and cream-coloured. Inside, you’ll be met with ornate silken furnishing and wood-panelled corridors, with 24-hour steward service ready to attend to your every need, at any time of the day.

Photo from Belmond

Unlike some of the budget overnight trains in Japan that merely have semi-private cubicles with partitions, the Eastern & Oriental Express train comes with private cabins - all of which have their own ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower, luxury toiletries, and a hair dryer. Depending on the category you’ve picked, your room will either come with convertible sofa beds or a bunk bed. And fret not, social media addicts - there’s WiFi.

Photo from Belmond

All daily meals are provided, and you’ll be enjoying them in special Dining Cars with either plush booth seats or white tablecloth settings. Feast on a four-course dinner with seasonal d'hote menu including coffee, tea, and petit fours, a three-course lunch, and afternoon tea with sandwiches, biscuits, and pastries. Continental breakfast will be served in your cabin so you won’t have to force yourself to get up early and look presentable.

Photo from Belmond

Expect an international spread from pan-friend scallops to Nyonya curry, served with sleek silverware and crystal glasses. Tables are also decorated with warm lamps and flowers in vases, further upping the fanciness of everything.

Photo from Belmond

After your meal, adjourn to the Bar Car, which has a classy jazz lounge-like atmosphere and live piano music playing in the background. House wine, house spirits and local beer are included free-of-charge throughout your trip, but you can opt to order wine, champagne, and vintage-inspired cocktails here at a fee.

Photo from Belmond

In between all that feasting, don’t forget to take some time to chill out at the Observation Car, where the scenery will be constantly changing before your eyes. It’ll certainly be a fresh change from the sight of cloud-filled skies we’re used to seeing from airplane windows!

Make sure you also visit the grand Saloon Car which has an in-house library, a selection of games, and a boutique with souvenirs.

Photo from Belmond

On day two, you'll arrive at Kuala Kangsar and take a coach to Labu Kubong, a rural Malaysian village full of paddy fields. This is where you'll get to breathe in some fresh air, take things slow, and gaze upon the mountainous regions in the distance.

Alternatively, those who are up for some physical activity can choose to go on a local-guided hill trek instead.

Photo from Belmond

The third and final day of the train ride will first involve a stop at Kanchanaburi, where you can select your choice of guided tour. The Classic tour involves a visit to the River Kwai Bridge and Thai-Burma Railway Museum, while the Local Flavours tour will have you going on an exhilarating raft cruise followed by a cooking class.

Photo from Belmond

Based on what we’ve seen so far, a one-way ride on the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok is priced from USD2,948 per person, which works out to a whopping ~S$4051. Clearly, this is an unmatched luxury experience that’ll be one for the books.

Spaces seem to be fully booked for the next couple of months, but stay tuned for more dates to be added to their schedule page. Find out more via their website.