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Singapore to Bangkok on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Take the Eastern & Orient Express from Singapore to Bangkok

This Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train journey will take you from Singapore to Thailand in an unforgettable adventure.

From Singapore Woodlands railway station, you will board the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train to embark on a beautiful journey to the capital of Thailand. As you settle into your cabin and admire the views that pass by your window, it won’t be long before you will head to the dining car for a delicious four-course dinner.

The second day of your luxury train journey to Bangkok from Singapore you will enjoy breakfast in your cabin before disembarking the Eastern & Oriental Express for a day in Kuala Kansar. You will take a coach transfer to Labu Kabong to discover what life is like in rural Malaysia. A traditional welcome ceremony by the locals will greet you as you arrive at a local village. A guided tour through the rice paddies or a trekking experience up a hill to admire the gorgeous views are the choice of tours for the day.

Day three of your Singapore to Bangkok on the Eastern Orient Express journey you will arrive in Kanchanaburi where a selection of tours is on offer. You can choose from a Classic guided tour to visit the Thai Burma Railway Museum along with a visit to River Kwai Bridge. Or, if you prefer you can choose to take on the Unseen Thailand Tour, where you will bicycle through paddy fields and visit a local farm. The other option of tours is the Local Flavours tour, where you will visit the wet market, a rice noodle house, take a raft cruise and take part in a cookery class. After your tour, you'll head back to the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train  to take lunch and enjoy the journey to Bangkok.

Included in the Singapore to Bangkok Oriental Express Journey

• Two-nights’ accommodation aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train
• Dedicated 24-hour steward service
• Daily four-course dinner: Seasonal table d’hôte menu, including coffee, tea and petits fours
• Continental breakfasts daily
• Three-course lunch daily
• Afternoon tea
• A cruise along the River Kwai and visit to the War Museum
• Visit to a local Malaysian village with a selection of excursions
• All house wines, spirits and local beers will be included throughout your journey.

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Book with a 25% deposit*, welcome aboard.

The Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express at a glance

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This is a brief overview of our booking terms and conditions. Please note each individual operator has their own terms and conditions and by booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com you are also accepting the operator's terms. For more information regarding operator terms and conditions please contact us or the operator directly. PLEASE NOTE: Receiving receipt of payment is not confirmation that your booking has been successful. We will contact you one to 10 working days after you have paid to confirm your booking, take further details of those travelling and send your itinerary. In the rare instance your booking cannot be fulfilled for any reason, such as the operator cancelling a journey or anything else beyond our control, we will be in touch with alternative options or will refund your payment. All prices shown are for one adult ticket. Sleeper journeys are based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single occupancy of cabins may incur additional charge. Prices are set by the operator and may change at short notice. We endeavour to ensure prices are always accurate and update our own website as soon as possible. All timings and details of included tours and activities are for guidance only and will only be confirmed in your travel documents that will be emailed to you 7 days before departure. For any questions including discounts, offers or group pricing, please contact [email protected]. As an authorised ticketing agent of luxury train journeys, we may need to pass some of your details (such as your name and dietary requirements) on to the train operators in order to complete your booking. This is done so the operators can add you to their guest list, send you your tickets and ensure the meals served to you onboard meet your dietary requirements. By booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com, you are agreeing that you allow such necessary details to be shared with the operators under the cause of legitimate interest. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email [email protected]. There are a limited number of private tables and cabin types onboard. While we keep our website updated regularly, there may be occasions when private tables or cabin types become fully booked meaning we are unable to fulfil your booking requirements. Should this be the case, we will contact you to discuss alternative options and refund any payments made. We have the right to refuse the request of a deposit when a journey is scheduled to depart in less than 16 weeks. If you choose to book with a deposit you must pay the remaining balance in full 15 weeks before departure at the latest. Should you fail to pay the remaining balance 15 weeks prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking. Deposits are accepted by request. Most journeys require a 25% deposit to secure a booking however some specialist journeys do require a 50% deposit. Please contact us for confirmation. Tickets are sent electronically around 5 days before departure. You will not receive tickets or any form of 'gift pack' in the post. This is in an attempt to reduce paper use and do our part for the environment. By booking a journey you agree to these terms, the terms set out by each individual operator and our cancellation policy . Please contact LuxuryTrainTickets.com for further terms or for clarification.

Singapore to Bangkok: Southeast Asia's best train journey?

Dec 19, 2019 • 5 min read

The ETS train waiting at the onion-domed Old Kuala Lumpur Station. © KYTan / Shutterstock

Grand colonial-era stations and lush tropical countryside are among the attractions of the 1800km rail journey from Singapore to Bangkok  – arguably one of the best train journeys in Southeast Asia . The downside? The only direct service between the two is the luxury Eastern and Oriental Express, costing $5000 for a two-night package.  

But, by changing trains and spending a night either in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur or the charming mid-Peninsular town of Ipoh , it is possible to complete this classic trip for as little as US$67. Here's how to do it yourself.

Stage 1: Singapore to Johor Bahru

When Singapore split from Malaysia in 1965 the latter's national railway, KTMB , retained control of the corridor of land on which the tracks ran over the Causeway from Johor Bahru to the Singapore terminus at Tanjong Pagar. In 2010, the neighbouring countries agreed a land swap deal that saw the Singapore terminus shift to Woodlands in the north of the island.

Singapore's old Tanjong Pagar Station, protected as a national monument, is an elegant 1932 building sporting a striking design by Serbian architect D S Petrovitch with both art deco and neoclassical flourishes. The site is currently being redeveloped as Cantonment MRT station on the new Circle Line, set to open in 2025. Over the construction site barriers you can glimpse the heroic relief sculptures on the station facade representing agriculture, industry, commerce and transport

Functional Woodland Train Checkpoint (also known as Woodlands CIQ) hardly compares, so the banning of photography here is no great disappointment. It's just SING$5 for the five-minute shuttle over the 1.5km Causeway to Johor Bahru. Avoid travelling on the weekend and you should breeze through immigration and customs checks at Woodlands. The KTMB shuttle appears quaintly old-fashioned and a bit scruffy after Singapore's modern MRT trains. However, the staff are friendly and delighted to pose for photos.

Stage 2: Johor Bharu to Kuala Lumpur

Singapore can be pricey, so cheaper Johor Bahru makes an ideal base for the first night of this journey if you're on a budget. Book into the Replacement Lodge & Kitchen , housed in one of the historic shophouses that have been spruced up around Jln Dhoby. This will also give you a chance to sample Johor Bahru's great selection of street food or peruse the trendy cafes in the heritage district .

Johor Bahru's old art deco 1930s train station (signposted as a museum, but in reality closed) stands in the hulking shadow of Johor Bahru Sentral, opened in 2010 as part of Malaysia's ongoing programme of upgrading its railway infrastructure. Electrification of the line has yet to reach Johor Bahru, so for the first 192km to Gemas you will be riding on some of the oldest rolling stock on the KTMB system. Bring plenty of warm clothing as the air-conditioning on this and the subsequent modern ETS trains up the peninsula is set to Arctic temperatures.

The 9.15am to Gemas arrives at 1.30pm, allowing sufficient time to stretch your legs in this small junction town and grab lunch before boarding the 3.10pm ETS service to Kuala Lumpur (arriving at 5.34pm). This service also continues onto Ipoh (arriving 20.17pm) should you choose to overnight there instead. Monotonous views of palm oil plantations predominate along this section of the journey. However, there are some attractive jungle-clad hills around Seremban, 70km southeast of Kuala Lumpur.

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Stage 3: Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar

Kuala Lumpur Sentral is the city's hub for public transport, but all long distance ETS trains north still pause at Old Kuala Lumpur Station . This fantastic piece of 1910 architecture was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and sports Mughal and Moorish features such as keyhole arches and wind towers – it's worth boarding the next stage of the journey here just to see the building close up. Should you be spending the night in Kuala Lumpur, the colonial stylings of the Majestic Hotel across the road are worth the splurge.

Malaysia's spiffy ETS trains offer a decent buffet car serving snacks and drinks. There are also screens in each of the carriages showing movies, such as Minions , on loop (thankfully, with subtitles rather than full volume). The landscape north to the border offers more variety including dramatic limestone peaks and verdant paddy fields. At Ipoh there's another grand Hubback-designed train station to admire, dating back to 1917. Like the one in Kuala Lumpur it used to house a hotel, but this one has more of a European style with loggias and a porte-cochére (covered porch for vehicles), in front of which is an attractive park.

Stage 4: Night Train to Bangkok

From Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar is just under six hours by train: if you catch the 7am service you could break in Ipoh and have three hours to explore its old town, where there’s some inventive pieces of street art and a wonderful range of culinary specialities such as chicken with bean sprouts and soya bean curd. Warning: don’t linger too long before continuing to the border, because you need to arrive at Padang Besar by 4pm to go through immigration and catch the night train to Bangkok

Thailand is one hour behind, so the daily 5pm Thai train leaves Padang Besar's Malaysia station at 6pm. Tickets can usually be purchased at Padang Besar (or book online ): opt for the lower bunks, which are wider. The two sleeper carriages, which have a retro charm, are hauled to Hat Yai just under an hour away where they are coupled to a service headed to Bangkok. There's a restaurant car from then on, but attendants will also serve you in your carriage and plenty of other food vendors hop on the train at stations along the way.

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As you awake next morning the train should be chugging by the coastal resort of Hua Hin. A few hours later – most likely behind schedule – Thailand's sprawling capital is within sight. Pulling into the city you'll slowly pass the shell of Bangkok's new Bang Sue terminal, which is under construction. When completed it will replace the impressive Neo-Renaissance terminus of Hualamphong – the giant arched shed of this old station, dating to 1916, spectacularly signals the end of the journey.

Before leaving, visit the small Thailand Railway Museum at the Rama 4 Rd entrance to the station, which includes a mock-up of a luxury coach interior in which to snap a selfie – who says the romance of rail travel is dead?

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Singapore to Bangkok by Rail

18 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Embark on an enchanting 18-day journey through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, travelling by a mix of trains, coaches and even a funicular railway.

Immerse yourself in the heritage towns of the Malay Peninsula before venturing into the heart of the Cameron Highlands by train. In Thailand, ancient rainforests and scenic national parks await, with opportunities to hike, swim and relax. A poignant visit to Kanchanaburi offers insight into WWII history, before your journey terminates in dynamic Bangkok.

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Included Meals Breakfasts: 16 , Lunches: 15 , Dinners: 16
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation 16 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
• Group Tour Max Group Size: 18
• Physical Rating 1 Learn More X A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. Learn More Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
• Special Offer Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures. - View Offer

Tour Highlights

Our Singapore to Bangkok by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Singapore Sky Garden

Spend an evening at Singapore's incomparable Sky Garden, and discover the secrets of the remarkable SuperTree Grove and its towering vertical gardens.

Cheow Lan Lake

Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Cheow Lan Lake, where you can swim, kayak or simply enjoy south Thailand's stunning scenery.

Cameron Highlands

Venture into Malaysia's less-explored Cameron Highlands, where tea-cloaked valleys and ethereally misty forests await.

Discover the iconic sights of Bangkok with a visit to its beautiful Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred site.

Day by Day Itinerary

Fly to Singapore. You will be met at the airport by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, travel to your hotel and check in. Any time before this evening's dinner and welcome briefing is at leisure to explore.

Explore Singapore, the 'Little Red Dot' that punches well above its weight. Begin at the orchid garden before a walking tour of Civic District, with its beautiful colonial landmarks. Head to the famous Orchard Road, the city's famous shopping street, before hopping on a bumboat to get another perspective of the city's skyscraper-studded skyline. Enjoy some free time before this evening's visit to the Sky Garden. Finish at the SuperTree Grove, an orchard of vertical gardens built in tree-like sculptures. Return to your hotel after dinner.

Depart Singapore via the bridge to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, stopping to pass through customs. Take take a road trip to Malacca, passing through the Malay countryside and hearing about the country's history from your National Escort. Arrive in Malacca in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel. This evening, enjoy an introductory boat trip through the Malacca canals as the sun sets.

Immerse yourself in Malacca's multifaceted heritage with a tour of its fascinating Old Town, where a blend of empires have left their mark. Visit the Street of Harmony, where Hindu and Chinese temples sit peacefully alongside a local mosque, and stop by a local craft museum before lunch. Later, drive to Tampin Station and hop on the two-hour ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, arriving at 17.55. On arrival, check in at your hotel and freshen up before this evening's street food tour.

Hop on the city metro and head thirty minutes out of town to visit Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most important Hindu temples. Return to Kuala Lumpur and see some city highlights, including Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur's oldest mosque. Admire the old district's iconic landmarks, including Sultan Abdul Samad Clock Tower, Independence Square, the River of Life and Central Market. Finish up at KL Tower, where you can head up to the Skydeck for views over the city skyline, dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers.

The morning is at leisure before taking the 11.32 service to Tapah Road, taking two hours. Enjoy lunch before a scenic road trip into the Cameron Highlands, with a refreshing pit stop at Lata Iskandar Waterfall. Stop by an indigenous Orang Asli roadside shop, selling forest honey and tribal handicrafts. If you're lucky, the village chief will extend an invitation to visit their village. Check into your hotel in the Cameron Highlands before dinner.

Take a relaxed uphill hike to see the Mossy Forest, observing fragile exotic plants such as ferns and pitcher plants. Your reward is the beautiful panoramas at the top of the hill. Afterwards, drive to a tea plantation to learn about local tea production. Drive down through the valley to reach Ipoh. Hop on the 18.26 train to Penang, riding through picturesque countryside and even 'floating' briefly as the train crosses Bukit Merah Lake. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Georgetown, home for the next two nights.

Spend the morning exploring the streets of Georgetown, a city rich in heritage. Admire the intricate décor of the local temples before visiting the Penang Peranakan Mansion to see its fascinating antiques. After lunch, head to the foot of Penang Hill and ride the short funicular train to reach the top of the hill, pausing for a cup of tea and a pastry at the century-old bungalow-turned-restaurant. Continue to the Habitat and ascend to reach a canopy walkway through the edge of the protected rainforest. Stroll through the trails and look out for rare flora and fauna.

Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your lunchtime flight to Phuket in Thailand. On arrival, embark on a whirlwind journey through this intriguing island, seeing quirky local gems before enjoying a Thai street food tour. Enjoy local treats such as ‘Khanom Chin’, rice noodles accompanied by a curry of your choice, and ‘Oh Aew’ (shaved ice jelly). As dusk falls, head to the bustling night market, known for its upbeat vibes and frequent live music, to sample sticky mango rice and spicy satay skewers.

Hop in a speedboat and discover Phang Nga Bay, home to some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery. Stop by Panak Island and canoe into its mysterious caves to admire the many stalactites. Return to the speedboat and zip around Koh Tapu, or 'James Bond Island', lair of the Man With The Golden Gun in the Roger Moore 007 film. Bring a camera for the fantastic photo opportunities of the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Return to your hotel in Phuket.

Check out of your hotel and head to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest forest ecosystems in the world. Stop for lunch before a wonderful afternoon exploring the National Park's lush nature trails. Trails are about 3-4 km, taking up to 3 hours on foot. Good shoes and a hat are strongly recommended. The guide will select the best trail on the day, based on local conditions and the needs of each group. Check in at your hotel at the edge of the national park, your home for the next two nights. Take some time to refresh before dinner.

Transfer to the Ratchaprapa Dam pier at the edge of the famously beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. Hop in a longtail boat and fly across the water to arrive at the Floating Bungalows, where you'll enjoy some free time to swim, kayak or relax before lunch. This afternoon, hop back in the longtail boat and explore the lake area, including Khao Sam Kloe, well-known as the 'little Guilin' of Thailand. If lucky, you may even glimpse wild elephants on the water's edge. Return to your accommodation at the edge of the national park.

Transfer 90 minutes across the peninsula from Khao Sok to Surat Thani train station. Connect with a day train to Hua Hin. A lunch box with a sandwich, seasonal fruit and drinking water will be provided. The train takes around 5.5 hours, but offers excellent views as it meanders up the coast to the seaside town of Hua Hin, arriving at 16.10. Transfer to your hotel and relax until dinner.

Visit the Thum Rong village community in Phetchaburi, to the north of Hua Hin. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the villagers, who will demonstrate how their Toddy Palm cake is made and invite you to see their local temple and palm sugar plantation, which produces some of the best toddy palm juice in the country. Have lunch with the community before taking the 16.50 train to Bangkok, arriving at 19.45. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel in Bangkok.

Discover Bangkok's highlights with a morning city tour. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, a sprawling temple complex boasting some of the finest architecture in the country. Explore the grounds and their dazzling buildings, including the highly revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Afterwards, head across the road to Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok home to more than 1,000 Buddha images. The temple is considered the first public university in the Kingdom, and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Stop by the amulet market before lunch and hear about Buddhist beliefs in the protection and blessings provided by these charms. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore more of Bangkok independently.

Take a day trip to Kanchanaburi,. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in WWII, thousands of Allied POWs and indentured Asian labourers were forced to build the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway'; many of the prisoners died under brutal conditions. Uncover their story at the Railway Museum before paying your respects at the Allied War Cemetery. Visit the dramatic Hellfire Pass before taking a 40-minute ride on the Death Railway – a journey that will take you across the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Return to Bangkok, arriving early in the evening. Settle down to a farewell dinner to mark the end of your tour.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

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Travelling by Train in Malaysia and Thailand

Safe, comfortable, and covering much of the country, Malaysia’s railways are an easy and relaxing way to get around the country. Much of the network is over a century old but has been mostly upgraded to double track electric rail, allowing for modern, higher-speed trains that can travel up to 160 kilometres an hour. ETS trains are the inter-city trains that run on the upgraded lines.

Onboard, in a standard class carriage you’ll find air-conditioning, comfy seats arranged in a 2+2 formation, power sockets and LCD TVs. All ETS trains have a café car from which you can purchase drinks and snacks. For shorter journeys, you’re likely to use the KTM Komuter trains, which you’ll find very similar to UK short distance trains with comfy seats but limited other facilities.

Thailand boasts an extensive intercity rail system that is efficient, economical, safe and comfortable. In fact, it can take you into off-the-beaten-track corners with ease, as well as into the highlands of the north, to the beaches of the south and all the natural beauty inbetween. These journeys give a perfect window into Thailand’s range of incredible landscapes, as the trains pass through plantations, rice paddies, forest and much more.

There are four different types of train here, categorised by speed and facilities: Ordinary trains are for local journeys and stop a lot and don’t have air-conditioning. Rapid trains stop at main stations and select smaller ones and have slightly more comfortable seating. Express trains are faster and more expensive than rapid trains and can be air-conditioned or not air-conditioned. Special Express trains are the fastest option, stopping only at main stations – we use Special Express No. 40 in the Thailand portion of our Singapore to Bangkok by rail tour. Travelling up to 120 kilometres an hour, it has air-conditioning, reclining seats and tray tables; a meal is also included in the ticket price.

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Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

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• Departure: All
• 1 Room, 2 Guests
• 1 Room, 1 Guest

We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.

Additional Price Information

• Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 31 January 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
• Customary tipping amount of approximately US$70pp (AU$104pp) is paid locally in destination.
• Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
• Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
• Price listed is based on new bookings only

Group Tour includes

• International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
• All Meals (refer to itinerary)
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• 3 – 4 star accommodation

Important Information For Your Tour

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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement. On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance. If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.

With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.

We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.

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The Man in Seat 61

Singapore to Bangkok by

Eastern & oriental express.

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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, e&o train times, fares & tickets.

The Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O) is a luxury train operating in Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand, run by the same people who operate the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to similar 5 star standards.

Where does the E&O go?

It normally runs Singapore to Bangkok once or twice each month from March to December.  Journey 2 nights, 3 days.  Includes a brief tour of Kuala Kangsar and a visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai.

It normally runs Bangkok to Singapore once or twice each month, February to December.  Journey 3 nights, 4 days.  Includes a visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai and a brief tour of Kuala Kangsar.

However , in 2024 it's only running within Malaysia and will not enter Thailand.

Prices start at around $3,100 per person for two people sharing or $5,440 for solo travellers, including private sleeper, tours and meals but excluding drinks.

The train normally also runs occasional rail cruises for 3 or 6 nights, including Bangkok-Vientiane (Tales of Laos), Bangkok-Chiang Mai, and longer, more extensive Singapore-Bangkok itineraries.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is the luxury option.  For scheduled trains linking Singapore, KL, Penang & Bangkok, see the Malaysia page .

Departure dates

Northbound from Singapore to Bangkok (3 days, 2 nights): 

2022 :  The E&O was suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic.

2023:  The E&O remained suspended.

2024:  The E&O resumes operation in February 2024, but will only run tours within Malaysia, not Thailand.

Southbound from Bangkok to Singapore (4 days, 3 nights):

Northbound timetable (when running to Bangkok in normal years):  Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint depart 15:00 day 1, Kuala Lumpur historic station 23:55, Kuala Kangsar 08:00-10:15 day 2, River Kwai Bridge arrive 10:45 day 3, Kanchanaburi depart 12:00 day 3, Bangkok arrive 16:15 on day 3.

Southbound timetable (when running from Bangkok in normal years): :   Bangkok depart 17:50 on day 1, River Kwae Bridge arrive 08:30 day 2, Kanchanaburi depart 11:00 day 2, Kuala Kangsar 13:45-16:20 day 3, Kuala Lumpur 22:30-00:15 day 3/4, Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint arrive 10:30 on day 4.

How much does it cost?

Singapore to Bangkok (or vice versa) by Eastern & Oriental Express starts at around $3,325 per person in a Pullman or $4,825 in a Stateroom or $7,575 in a Presidential suite, assuming two people travel together and share.

For solo travellers, fares start at around $5,140 with sole occupancy of a Pullman compartment.

How to buy tickets

Call Railbookers:   Train travel specialists Railbookers offer good rates for the E&O and can also arrange hotels, transfer & flights to create a custom tour.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk . 

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

You can also check dates, prices & availability & buy tickets at www.belmond.com/eastern-and-oriental-express .  However, it's best to call Railbookers first, as Railbookers can sometimes offer train plus a hotel more cheaply than buying train-only from Belmond.

Or book an escorted tour:   If you'd prefer to go with an escorted small group, call Great Rail Journeys on 01904 527120 (+44 1904 527120 from outside the UK).  GRJ offer inclusive escorted tours to Malaysia & Thailand including the Eastern & Oriental Express.

Luggage limit is 30 Kg per passenger (no limit for passengers in the Presidential suites).

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On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

Fully air-conditioned with all the facilities of a luxury 5 star hotel, the Eastern & Oriental Express was created in 1992 by Orient Express Trains, the same people who have run the superb Venice Simplon Orient Express since 1982.  The train uses Japanese-built coaches which were originally used for the short-lived Silver Star sleeper service from Auckland to Wellington in New Zealand (1972-1979).  The cars have been totally rebuilt internally for the modern cruise train market, to luxury standards with en suites to every compartment.  You'll find both the train itself and its staff truly excellent.  The Eastern & Oriental Express is all non-smoking, although smokers can smoke in the open-air observation car at the rear of the train.

Which type of sleeper to choose ?

All passengers sleep in a private en-suite sleeper compartment - incidentally, cabin is something they have on ships, the correct term for a room on a train is compartment .  All the sleeping-cars have a narrow corridor along one side with the rooms opening off it.  The Eastern & Oriental Express has three types of compartment:

The Man in Seat 61 says : "The room is comfortable but compact, pretty much like a luxury version of regular railway sleeper compartment, in fact.  These photos give a good idea of the full size of the compartment, so if you'd like more space (or want to avoid climbing a ladder to an upper bunk) it may be worth the extra for a Stateroom."

Option 2:  Staterooms.   A Stateroom gives you double the floorspace of a Pullman, with a sofa, armchair and freestanding chair by day.  While you are at dinner, the steward converts your compartment to two lower beds (so no ladder required!).  As in a Pullman, there's a small en suite washroom with toilet, washbasin & shower, and UK-style sockets allow you to recharge your camera, phone or laptop.  Click the images for larger photos .

The Man in Seat 61 says "You'll appreciate the extra room if you upgrade to a Stateroom.  It's a really nice layout - One of you can lounge on the sofa during the day, or you can each have a seat next to the double windows, which are better for watching the scenery, too, compared to the single window in a Pullman."

Option 3:  Presidential Suite.   This is the E&O's best accommodation.  There are just two Presidential Suites on the train.  Sofa, chairs and table during the day, it converts to two lower beds by night, in a similar arrangement to the Stateroom shown above.  There's a small en suite washroom with toilet, washbasin & shower.

The Man in Seat 61 says : "The Presidential suites are slightly bigger than a Stateroom, and the en suite is fractionally bigger too.  But personally, I think I actually prefer the cosier but still relatively spacious Staterooms, with their sofa & armchair arrangement!"

Food & dining on board the E&O

The Eastern & Oriental Express owns three dining-cars, of which two will be attached to any given departure.  There are usually two sittings for lunch and dinner, at 12:00 or 14:00 for lunch and 18:00 or 21:00 for dinner, although times vary.  You can choose your sitting at the beginning of the journey, or make a request when you book.  Food is included in the fare, although drinks are extra, expect a bottle of wine to start at about US$40.  The currency used on board is US dollars, although credit cards are accepted.  One of the nice things is that they give you a different table reservation for each meal, so you share a table with different people each time.  It's a very sociable experience!  You may also get to eat in both of the dining-cars, each with its own decor.

Breakfast & afternoon tea

Bars, lounges & the e&o's observation car.

Apart from the two kitchen-dining cars, the Eastern & Oriental Express has an observation-lounge car at the rear of the train, and in the centre a piano-bar car and a saloon car.  Whilst an after-lunch nap and afternoon tea in your compartment can be nice, you'll spend most of your day in one of these sociable cars.

The observation car.   This is the Eastern & Oriental's signature car.  It features an open-air observation deck at the rear of the train where you can look back along the tracks, excellent for watching and photographing the scenery.  A steward will keep you supplied with coffee, although this being Southeast Asia it's not exactly cold outside!  Smokers can indulge here, although few do so it's not a problem if you're an ardent non-smoker.  On a Singapore-Bangkok or Bangkok-Singapore journey, the train reverses at Butterworth and the observation car is turned round and moved to the other end of the train.  The open-air deck gets busy at times as you can see in the photo, but you'll always find a place when you want one.

Saloon car with reading room & boutique :  The Saloon car features a small private dining area (above left), a small gift shop selling Eastern & Oriental Express souvenirs, and a narrow reading room with small library (above right).  The tables are used as an overflow diner, but also for small groups who want private dining.

A journey from Singapore to Bangkok on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Onward connections from bangkok.

Many people buy a trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok as part of a longer tour around Southeast Asia.  Rather than fly, stay on the ground!  Here is some useful information on onward connections from Bangkok by regular scheduled daily trains:

Watch the video :  Bangkok to Singapore by Eastern & Oriental Express

Hotels in singapore & bangkok.

You might also want to check Tripadvisor:  Tripadvisor Singapore hotels    Tripadvisor Malaysia hotels

Raffles Hotel, Singapore    Check prices & book

Easily the best place to stay before or after your trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express.  Book a room at Raffles online .

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Georgetown, Penang   Check prices & book

If you like Raffles, try another of the Sarkies brothers' hotels, the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Georgetown, Penang (no direct connection with the E&O train, as far as I know), equally historic but a bit cheaper at around £150 for a double room.  It's grand, well-located with gardens to the rear backing the sea.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok   Check prices & book

Known by locals (and taxi drivers) as plain 'Oriental Hotel', this is Bangkok's oldest and grandest hotel, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.  Outdoor restaurant tables sit alongside the river, and they do a great evening buffet.  Most of the rooms are now housed in two huge modern tower blocks, but hidden behind palm trees in the courtyard is the diminutive original block, today restored to within an inch of its life and housing just a few of the more expensive suites.

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Where to stay in Bangkok

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sukhumvit. Check out top attractions like Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Lumphini Park, and jump on the metro at Asok BTS Station or Sukhumvit Station to see more of the city.

Bangkok City Centre

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bangkok City Centre. Check out top attractions like Siam Paragon Mall and Pratunam Market, and jump on the metro at Hua Lamphong Station or National Stadium BTS Station to see more of the city.

Enjoy the popular shops in Siam. Siam Paragon Mall is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ratchadamri BTS Station or Siam BTS Station to see more of Bangkok.

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Silom. Check out top attractions like Silom Complex Shopping Mall and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, and jump on the metro at Chong Nonsi BTS Station or Sala Daeng BTS Station to see more of the city.

Bangkok Riverside

Khaosan Road and Asiatique The Riverfront are a few top attractions in Bangkok Riverside. Hop around the city on the metro at Rama IX Bridge Station or Wat Dokmai Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops.

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Frequently asked questions

Popular places to visit, khaosan road.

A hot spot for backpackers, budget travellers and revellers, this street is crammed with raucous bars, cheap hostels, bargain clothing and party people.

Siam Paragon Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit Siam Paragon Mall, a favourite shopping spot in Bangkok. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.

Terminal 21 Shopping Mall

You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, a favourite shopping spot in Bangkok. Visit the notable monuments and temples in this vibrant area.

What to do in Bangkok

Bangkok: damnoen saduak market and maeklong railway market, more trip options.

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