Day
1
ARRIVE BANGKOK
A private airport transfer awaits to transport you to the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel. For more than 135 years distinguished travellers have followed the legendary Chao Phraya River, through the heart of Bangkok, to the doors of one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Its location on the Chao Phraya River provides the perfect vantage point to explore this vibrant city.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Day
2
EXPLORE BANGKOK
Your personal English speaking guide will meet you today to uncover the history of Bangkok. One of the most beautiful examples of a traditional Siamese Court, The Grand Palace was once the former residence of the Royal Family of Thailand. Inside the complex you will find different palaces which are all used on different occasions: The funeral palace, the coronation palace, the royal guest house and the throne hall. Also located in the temple complex is the beautiful Emerald Buddha. Board a boat for a refreshing cruise through the backwater canals of old Bangkok. Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with waterways giving the capital the designation “Venice of the East”. Over the past three decades many of the canals have disappeared and made way for motorways. Surviving canals and the mighty Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings provide a fascinating insight into the traditional waterborne Thai way of life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. This afternoon we visit Jim Thompson’s House Museum, the American ex-military officer who revived the craft of Thai silkweaving. His classic teak houses contain rare Asian art and antiques and appear how he left them before disappearing in 1967.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (B)
Day
3
BANGKOK - BOARD EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
Today is at leisure for an independent exploration of Bangkok before you are met for a private transfer to Hualampong Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. After check in there is time to relax in your luxurious cabin before meeting your fellow travellers and Train Manager for a welcome cocktail followed by dinner.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express (B D)
Day
4
ISAN - VILLAGE LIFE & PRASAT SIKHORAPHUM
Following breakfast, you will be escorted to a traditional Isan village. Our expert guides will explain Isan customs and how to show respect. In the late afternoon the E&O arrives at the small town of Sikhoraphum where you disembark for a visit to Prasat Sikhoraphum, a beautifully-restored 12th century Khmer temple. Situated off the beaten track, Prasat Sikhoraphum rarely receives international visitors. Built in the 12th century, Sikhoraphum is a large Khmer site and features five brick prang, the tallest of which reaches 32m. Two prang still hold their tops, including the central one whose doorways are decorated with stone carvings of Hindu deities, following the Angkor Wat style. Lovely views can be enjoyed across the countryside surrounding this tranquil place.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express(B L D)
Day
5
PHANOM RUNG
This morning brings a visit to Phanom Rung, another majestic and highly revered 12th century Khmer temple, which has been nominated for World Heritage status. It was built during the 12th century A.D. and is set on top of Phanom Rung Hill which is the location of a long extinct volcano. It is a religious site dedicated to the God Shiva, the supreme Hindu deity. It symbolises Mount Kailasa, the heavenly abode of Shiva. After exploring this magnificent complex, visit a nearby village famous for its silk weavers and observe them at their work. Return to the E&O late morning where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, watching the scenes of rural Thailand pass by as the train travels towards Chiang Mai.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express (B L D)
Day
6
CHIANG MAI
Today you discover the northern province of Chiang Mai. This fascinating region predates the Siamese settlements further south, such as Sukhothai and Bangkok, by several hundred years. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city. With over 300 temples and the backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain rising to 1876 metres to the west. The old part of the city is a neat square surrounded by a moat. Several of Chiang Mai’s most important temples are located within this area. Here you have a choice of excursions. You may decide a visit to an elephant camp or take a tour of one of Chiang Mai’s most revered Buddhist temples. Alternatively, spend a relaxed afternoon shopping at some of the city’s best boutiques. All excursions include a memorable Lannastyle lunch.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express (B L D)
Day
7
LAMPANG
After breakfast you arrive in Lampang, another northern Thai city rich in history and culture. Visit Ban Sao Nak (House of Many Pillars). Built in 1895 on 116 pillars by a local resident, this house is now a museum. In front stands a huge 133-year-old Sarapee (Ochocarpus Siamensis) tree. Take a tour of the house and garden and enjoy morning tea on the lawn before returning to E&O. Lunch is served on board, as you travel through the breathtaking countryside. Enjoy the vistas from the open air observation car, order a sunset cocktail and move on to the restaurant car for dinner on board.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express (B L D)
Day
8
KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK
Today begins with an early morning visit to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest such reserve. With an expert naturalist to guide you, explore the park and - with luck - observe wildlife such as elephants, deer, gibbons, birds and lizards. This excursion includes a comfortable hike along one of the park’s leafy walking trails for a close up view of unique plants and flowers. After enjoying the morning in the park, you will travel by coach to Gran Monte - one of the country’s most celebrated vineyards. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the vineyard’s renowned restaurant and sample a selection of wines. Return to E&O in the late afternoon and mark the end of an unforgettable journey around Thailand’s lesser-known destinations by joining new-found friends at a farewell cocktail party.
Overnight: Eastern & Oriental Express (B L D)
Day
9
BANGKOK
Arrive this morning in Bangkok and farewell train crew. A private transfer will transport you to your luxury accommodation in the heart of Bangkok. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (B)
Day
10
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
A private transfer has been organised to take you to the airport in time for your international flight check in. (B)
WHAT IS A BESPOKE JOURNEY?
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Tailor made travel experiences that combine a superb rail or river experience with private concierge transfers, accommodation and touring to complement the journey
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Flexibility for travellers to choose a time to travel that will fit within your own busy schedule, with most journeys offering departure dates throughout the year
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Private concierge travel arrangements prior to the commencement of the rail or river cruise, ensuring that all the planning and travel arrangements have been taken care of before you leave home
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Luxurious pre and post accommodation has been chosen and included as part of the Bespoke Journey, providing the perfect position to explore the city at your own pace
ABOUT THE EASTERN ORIENT-EXPRESS
The golden age of travel lives on aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Winding through some of Thailand’s most beautiful and exotic landscapes. The Eastern & Oriental Express offers beautifully appointed compartments, the interior walls are cherry wood and elm burr panelled, adorned with decorative marquetry and intricate inlays. Each cabin is fully airconditioned with an en suite shower, washbasin and WC and features large picture windows for an excellent view of the passing scenery. Facilities onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express include a superb restaurant, the chefs on board are internationally renowned for their ability to create a tantalising variety of Eastern and European dishes using the finest fresh seasonal ingredients. The Observation Car is located at the very end of the train. Its interior section is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails.
INCLUSIONS ON THE 10 DAY NORTHERN THAILAND LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY
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Private concierge airport transfers in Bangkok on day one & ten
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Three nights at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok including breakfast
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Full day touring with private English speaking guide in Bangkok, including entrance fees
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Six nights onboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express in a State Cabin, fully inclusive of all meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary
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Included meals as specified in the itinerary - Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) & Dinner (D)
EXCLUSIONS
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This journey does not have a Journey Director
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This journey does not include International Airfares
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The journey does not include any additional touring
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All additional touring, meals, non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are not included
The Eastern & Oriental Express also operates regularly between Singapore and Bangkok. A seven night journey can be arranged by our Bespoke Journey planners.
International flights are not included in the journey price. Bespoke Journey planners would be happy to assist you with flights and any extended travel programmes you may wish to add to this journey.