Thailand to Singapore by train - 17 days from £2199

Accommodation

Chiang Mai to Bangkok
The Sprinter railcar offers comfortable reclining chairs for your journey to Bangkok. Air-conditioning or fans are provided along with shared washroom facilities. Refreshments are available.

Bangkok to Butterworth
1 night. The International Express train offers spacious seating which converts to comfortable sleeping bunks; assembled by the dedicated onboard staff. Curtains around bunks provide privacy with air-conditioning for your comfort.

Basic washing facilities and refreshments are available.

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
The Express Sinaran Seletan train offers first-class, air-conditioned seating on the scenic journey through the palm and tea plantations of Malaysia. Refreshments and washroom facilities are available.

Please note: The trains provided on this tour offer a more basic level of comfort than those used in the UK and air-conditioning cannot be guaranteed.

Chiang Mai - Empress Hotel (3-star)
3 nights

Bangkok - Eastin Hotel Makkasan (4-star)
3 nights

Penang - Holiday Inn Resort Penang (4-star )
3 nights

Kuala Lumpur - Dorsett Regency Hotel (4-star)
2 nights

Singapore - Peninsular Excelsior (3-star)
2 nights

All rooms feature private bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV and telephone. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

Please note: Details of your confirmed hotels will be advised in your final documentation, which will arrive approximately two weeks before departure.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2: UK/Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is your base for the next three nights.

Day 3: Chiang Mai

While Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, Chaing Mai is its northernmost counterpart and equally beautiful. It is dotted with hundreds of temples and a visit to the hilltop Doi Suthep Temple is on today’s agenda. Enjoy free time to make your own discoveries or join your Tour Manager who will be able to introduce you to some interesting aspects of local life.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 4: Chiang Mai

Elephants are charming creatures and fascinating to watch - you’ll get to do just that on today’s visit to an elephant camp, where an optional elephant ride is also available. Equally fascinating is the production of silk and cotton which you will also experience this afternoon. Back at your hotel enjoy some time at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 5: Bangkok

Today you will get a glimpse of rural Thai life as you make the 12-hour, 470-mile journey by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 6: Bangkok

Accompanied by your Tour Manager today you’ll discover the Temples of the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha. You will then visit the Rose Gardens, where many aspects of Thai culture are on display.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 7: Bangkok/River Kwai

Discover more of Bangkok or enjoy leisure time at your hotel today. Alternatively, join us on an optional tour to the River Kwai. Famous for its bridge, the River Kwai will be our first stop, followed by a visit to the cemetery at Kanchanaburi at the start of the infamous ‘Death Railway’.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Bangkok to Butterworth

After breakfast this morning there is time to relax at your hotel or perhaps you’ll choose to shop for souvenirs in Chinatown - an experience not to miss. This afternoon your journey aboard the overnight International Express continues through the sprawling suburbs of Bangkok and takes you into a vast landscape of rice fields.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 9: Butterworth & Penang Island

Admire the views from your window – you’ll find they become increasingly tropical as you continue south towards Butterworth and on to the impressive eight-mile long bridge which connects mainland Malaysia with Penang Island.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Penang Island

Immerse yourself in local life as you watch batik printing, view a spice estate and visit a Malay Kampung, a settlement where the houses are built on stilts. Then admire the capital, Georgetown; the star-shaped Fort Cornwallis which despite its canons and defensive walls, has never been required to defend the island; and marvel at the Wat Chayamankalaram, which houses Penang’s answer to Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 11: Penang Island

Enjoy a day at leisure today. Alternatively, join one of the optional excursions available – your Tour Manager will give you further details.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Ipoh & Kuala Lumpur

The town of Ipoh boasts remnants of its British colonial past, including the railway station. There will be time for sightseeing this morning before you head to the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This vibrant city is home to one of the world’s tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers. Take in all the sights in the company of your Tour Manager.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch

Day 13: Kuala Lumpur

Delve further into the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur today at your own pace. Pay a visit to one of its many museums, or make the short journey to the Batu Caves - a series of limestone tunnels which are sacred to Hindus. Those charmed by their visit to the elephant camp at Chiang Mai may enjoy a visit to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Kuala Lumpur To Singapore

The final stage of your fascinating rail journey is aboard the Express Sinaran Seletan, in first-class air-conditioned comfort. Oil palm plantations gradually give way to tea plantations, before you pass Johor Bahru and continue to Singapore.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Singapore

Founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore is a blend of cultures, including Indian, Chinese and Malay, which is reflected in its striking architecture. Your morning guided tour will introduce you to Orchard Road, Mount Faber, Raffles Place, the waterfront and Little India before you enjoy a walk through Chinatown, and finally the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Maybe visit Singapore Zoo or take this chance to ride the Singapore Flyer, currently the largest ferris wheel in the world, standing at the equivalent of 42 storeys high.

Meals: Breakfast

Days 16 - 17: Singapore/UK

Why not take tea at the famous Raffles Hotel today before you head to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day.

Meals: Breakfast