The Luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express Begins Its Summer Season

(Hong Kong, May 18, 2009) – Enjoy the timeless elegance of train travel as ultra luxurious train operator, Orient-Express celebrates the start of its summer season aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express (E&OE).

With no less than 28 journeys planned over the remainder of the year, the E&OE will leisurely meander between Singapore and Bangkok, passing through the heart of Asia thrilling passengers en route with its varied scenery and breathtaking landscapes.

Measuring a quarter of a mile in length, the air-conditioned gleaming green and cream carriages of the E&OE evoke the great age of luxury train travel and offer a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship. With comfortable and elegant compartments, delicious all-inclusive cuisine and superb service, the atmosphere onboard the E&OE harks back one hundred years to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the veranda, linen suits, and tea dances coupled with the adventure of a journey.

The following voyages and special offers are available for the remainder of 2009:

The Traditional Route

The traditional route of the E&OE runs from Singapore to Bangkok and takes 2 nights / 3 days, covering 1,262 miles (2,030 km). It has been running for over 10 years. The journey in the opposite direction, Bangkok to Singapore takes 3 nights / 4 days and includes a passing over the famous wooden trestle viaduct at Tham Kasae, one of Thailand’s most scenic stretches of railway. The rest of the itinerary follows the northbound routing in reverse.

On this spectacular journey, travel from Singapore to Bangkok, through the heart of South East Asia, with visits to colonial Georgetown, Fort Cornwallis and the infamous River Kwai en route.
Watch the countryside change from regimented rows of rubber trees and rolling hills to thick dense jungle, calming ponds brimming with water lilies and water buffalo grazing, to interesting Thai architecture and intricate templates.

Spend afternoons leisurely in your cabin enjoying afternoon tea, and glamorous evenings in the opulent dining carriages sampling fine wines and gourmet cuisine…

Singapore - Bangkok (3 days, 2 nights)
Departing on June 13, July 11, August 15, September 24, October 8, November 5, 12, 19 and December 20, 27, prices start from USD 2,210 for a Pullman Cabin. Book now for the June 13th voyage in a State or Pullman Cabin and enjoy a saving of 35% per couple by quoting EO35 at the time of booking.

Bangkok - Singapore (4 days, 3 nights)
Departing on May 17, June 16, July 14, August 18, October 4, 18, November 8, 15, 29 and December 23, 30, prices start from USD 2,210 for a Pullman Cabin.

For any bookings made on journeys between Singapore and Bangkok between April 16 – September 24, guests can enjoy a limited time only summer promotion incorporating complimentary hotel accommodation. Passengers will enjoy one free night in Singapore at the Mandarin Oriental or in Bangkok at The Oriental when booking a Pullman Superior cabin; two free nights at the same hotels or a combination of both when booking a State Cabin; and three free nights at the same hotels or a combination when booking a Presidential Suite.

The Alternative Thai Route

The E&OE offers an alternative travel route between Bangkok - Chiang Mai – Si Satchanalai – Lampang – Bangkok, giving guests the opportunity to catch glimpses of the ancient kingdom of Thailand.

On this glorious three night ‘Thai Explorer Journey’ the E&EO departs from Bangkok and chugs north to Chiang Mai enjoying visits to Si Satchanalai, part of the ancient Khmer empire, revered 13th century Bhuddist temples and Lampang en route, before returning to Bangkok.

The journey can also be split into a number of shorter sections for the convenience of guests and are devised to take in the highlights on life onboard: 1 night Bangkok to Chiang Mai or 2 nights Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

The Thai Explorer, Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok (4 days, 3 nights)
Departing on October 13 and November 24, prices start from USD 3,240 for a Pullman Cabin. Bookings include a one night complimentary stay at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok when booking a Pullman cabin, and two complimentary nights for those booking a State Cabin.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai (2 days, 1 night)
Departing on October 13, 27 and November 24, this picture perfect overnight journey onboard E&O takes in the sights of Thailand at a leisurely pace before arriving at Chiang Mai the following day. After enjoying breakfast in the comfort of their private cabin, guests can choose from any of three day trips in Chiang Mai including an elephant camp and ride, before returning to a sumptuous E&OE dinner feast fit for a king. Prices start from USD 1,400 for a Pullman Cabin.

Chiang Mai - Bangkok (3 days, 2 night)
Travel through the magnificent landscapes of Thailand at a leisurely pace on board the E&OE; visit the impressive Bhuddist temples in Si Satchanalai and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride to Baan Sao Nok before returning to the train for your onward journey to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Departing October 14 and November 25, prices start from USD 1,600 for a Pullman Cabin.

Further information and full itineraries, can be seen at: http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/eoe_a2a_home.jsp

Bookings and all other enquiries: +65 6395 0678.