Treasures of Southeast Asia Featuring the Eastern & Oriental Express

Singapore’s Peranakan people are locally born of Chinese and Malay heritage. Encounter unique aspects of this culture while learning to make traditional Chinese rice dumplings followed by a visit to a beadwork and embroidery workshop. This evening, depart for your excursion to Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s national showplace of horticulture and garden artistry that is awe inspiring to behold!

This morning, begin your 3-night rail journey aboard the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express! Enjoy afternoon tea while watching Singapore’s soaring skyscrapers fade into a tapestry of virgin forests and emerald hills. Bid Singapore farewell and enter stunning Malaysia. Dress for dinner this evening, followed by entertainment.

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the ever-changing scenery from the Observation Car. After lunch aboard the train, alight at the Maripoh station and continue to this tropical rain forest, one of the oldest in the country, comprised of dense jungle, wide rivers and lush mountains. At the national park, meet with local villagers and representatives from organizations, who are working on the ground to protect the noble, critically endangered Malayian tiger and its habitat. Back on the train this evening, enjoy entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.

Alight from the train for the crossing to Penang Island and choose from (1) an opportunity to explore George Town Old Quarter with a guide, (2) a hands-on Peranakan cooking class, or (3) independent exploration via trishaw with a driver and a map. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for a delightful final evening of dinner and entertainment.

Disembark the train with unforgettable memories and then fly from Singapore to Bangkok, checking in to the Peninsula Bangkok hotel. This evening, take in views of Bangkok’s landmarks at night on a Chao Phraya River cruise aboard a converted rice barge. Savor drinks and dinner while enjoying the sparkling sights as Bangkok begins another night.

Discuss Thailand’s history and culture, then embark on an atmospheric cruise along Bangkok’s legendary Chao Phraya River, witnessing the colorful river life. End your cruise and walk to visit the glorious Grand Palace and the sacred Emerald Buddha Temple. Then take a tuk-tuk ride to view the 160-foot reclining Buddha statue, followed by lunch at the landmark Blue Elephant restaurant. Cap off the day by joining our Elective Activity to a Thai dance show, or enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure.

Elegant pavilions and ornamental ponds await during a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Then, you’re in for an eye-opening adventure at the tremendous remains of Thailand’s ancient capital. Ayutthaya Historical Park offers a history that spans over four centuries. Walk the grounds, glimpsing the city’s past grandeur, from fabulous temples to timeworn Buddhas and towering wats. On your return to Bangkok, watch daily life unfold while cruising along the Chao Phraya River.

Fly to Siem Reap this morning and check in to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Discover this quaint provincial capital as you tour Siem Reap in a tuk-tuk, seeing well-preserved colonial buildings, small cafes, souvenir shops, art galleries and more. Later, learn about the spectacular temples and ruins at the 12th-century Angkor Wat in preparation for your visit tomorrow.

The morning rises over the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, exceptional for its artistry and scale. As you duck through stone-structured archways and admire dancing apsaras, you’ll be immersed in a world long forgotten. Later, test your culinary skills while making rice noodles with a local family and enjoy free time in Siem Reap. This evening, travel by tuk-tuk for an entertaining night out at Phare, the lively Cambodian circus, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged Cambodian youth.

Explore Angkor Thom, its 54 towers featuring carvings of more than 200 smiling faces as well as bas-reliefs of epic battles. Marvel at the haunting temples of Ta Prohm, where roots of massive kapok trees have overtaken the buildings. And, visit Thommanon, a small but well-preserved temple that reflects the classical Khmer art and architecture of the Angkor period. Tonight, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner and share your favorite memories with your fellow travelers while enjoying a Khmer classical dance performance.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Some air gateways arrive home today, and some arrive home tomorrow (Day 16).