Eastern & Oriental Express

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express runs between Bangkok and Singapore. It is a luxury train in an exotic environment.

 

First, you do not need to use the Eastern & Oriental Express if you are travelling between Bangkok and Singapore. Regular trains can be used as well, they are cheaper but you need to change trains at least twice and break your journey for a couple of hours. Still, the trains offer much better value than buses, although if you are in a hurry, flying will be a much quicker option.

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxury train that runs between Singapore and Bangkok. The journey takes three days in the northbound direction and four days in the southbound direction. The company also offer railway journeys between Chiang Mai and Bangkok and Vientiane and Bangkok. The number of departures are limited so it is best to book well in advance.

 

The cheaper compartments are small but the train includes an observation car, as well as a dining car and a library car. Unfortunately, the observation car can be jampacked with smokers and photographers. Another downside is the bumpy journey, which is a nuisance during the day but can turn the nights into nightmares unless you are a heavy sleeper. The cars are supposed to originally be from New Zealand but were completely refurbished in Singapore. On the other hand, the staff takes very good care of the passengers and the food is excellent.

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express departs in the morning from the Keppel Road station in Singapore. It is 1943 kilometers up to Bangkok. Although you don't need to change trains, the train seems to have to stop for other trains every now and then along the track.

 

Two excursions are included, one to Penang and one to infamous bridge on the River Kwai. The Eastern & Oriental is the only passenger train that is allowed to cross the border between Malaysia and Thailand. The tracks are better in Thailand, making the ride smoother and a little bit faster.

 

All in all, a train journey worth doing once. The service onboard is excellent and the surroundings are beautiful. But it is expensive and it is a pretty bumpy ride. But on the whole, flying is quicker and more comfortable. If you have the time, you can take the regular trains, they are much cheaper. And you can stop along the way and continue later.