The famed and luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express launches new routes across South-East Asia in 2015. Belmond, owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and authentic rail and river cruise experiences is launching two new journeys with rich and diverse itineraries on the Eastern & Oriental Express in 2015: the five night ‘Fables of the Peninsula’ from Singapore to Bangkok on 29 March 2015 and the two night ‘The Ancient Temples of Lanna’ departs on its inaugural journey on 15 October 2015 from Bangkok to Chiang-Mai.

The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna overnight journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the northern Thai kingdom of Lanna, takes in a visit to Lampang for a tour of the city in its trademark horse-drawn carriages, originally imported from England for use by Thai nobility. Chiang Mai’s charming city atmosphere retains remnants of its historical architecture and sections of the original great brick walls and towering gates which protected the city from invading armies over 700 years ago. Tours include guided strolls through a quaint residential Soi (side-street); Thai cookery demonstrations; shopping in the traditional markets for arts and crafts that represent Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage such as decorative mulberry-paper parasols; and a visit to the Dhara Dhevi Tea House.

The Fables of The Peninsula ‘land-cruise’ starts with an overnight stay at the legendary Raffles Singapore Hotel followed by a five-night journey throughout Malaysia and Thailand. This leisurely journey provides plenty of time for relaxation and enjoyment of the scenic panoramas of Southeast Asia viewed from the Observation Car and is exclusively for just 60 passengers.

Daily excursions include the lively city of Kuala Lumpur followed by complete relaxation in the mystic, rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands with an overnight stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort in the famous tea plantation. There is also a visit to historic Penang; tours of the rural community of Huay Yang finished off with snorkelling and a beach BBQ at Koh Chaan before finishing the journey in Bangkok.Eastern & Oriental Express is Asia’s most luxurious train, immaculately appointed and air-conditioned throughout, providing the perfect vantage point from which to view breath-taking scenery, meandering rivers and the lush tropical landscape of Southeast Asia.

 All en-suite accommodation for up to 132 guests; 3 elegant dining carriages serving delicious Euro-Asian cuisine and a Bar Car with nightly entertainment with a resident pianist plus local entertainment including musicians, dancers and fortune tellers.

More details...................