A new chapter is about to open in the history of Orient Express, an industry name that evokes historical prestige on par with the likes of White Star Line and Thomas Cook.
This fall the luxury train operator will add three- and six-night rail trips through Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. The journeys, which are being marketed under the umbrella name "Chronicles of South-East Asia," will offer new features to travelers, such as onboard lecturers, excursions and overnight, off-train experiences.
Also, for the first time, a selection of wines during meals will be included in rates, which start at about $4,000 per person for a three-night trip and about $9,000 for a six-night, depending on the itinerary.
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"Train travel evokes nostalgic journeys of a gentle and relaxed pace and an era when passengers were introduced to highly anticipated and largely unexplored destinations," said Leesa Lovelace, general manager of Eastern & Oriental Express.
The Chronicles of South-East Asia land voyages, she said, re-create this experience.
According to Lovelace, each of the journeys is limited to 60 passengers. Among the excursions are opportunities for clients to meet and interact with people from all walks of life: rural villagers, artists, museum directors, elephant trainers, wine-makers, craftsmen.
"Both on and off the train, guest lecturers share their expertise and knowledge of the fascinating sites and characters en route," Lovelace said.
Departures begin in November; in most cases, only two or three departures are offered on each itinerary through 2011. The six-night Legends of the Peninsula journey, for example, operates from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The train crosses the famous wooden trestle viaduct at Tham Kasae, considered one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in Thailand, and visits the historical River Kwai Bridge before arriving in Trang for a two-day stopover at the Anantara Ski Kao Resort. Guests can explore the island of Koh Kradan, in the Andaman Sea; take part in a Thai cooking class; or go snorkeling and sea kayaking.
In Malaysia, guests will have a morning in Penang and a full day in Kuala Lumpur, both with a variety of activity and excursion choices.
One journey focuses solely on Thailand. Called Epic Thailand, it features destinations visited by few foreign visitors, according to the company, such as settlements on the Isan plains, 12th century Khmer temples and a vineyard in Asoke Valley.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has 30 pullman cabins; each is 62 square feet. During the day the compartment is a private lounge with a banquette-style sofa. At night the seating converts to an upper and lower bed. Each cabin has private bath facilities.
The train was built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. Its carriages were remodeled by Gerard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The carriage walls are decorated with veneers of wooden marquetry with Eastern designs, while the bar and restaurant cars are decorated in Chinese and Thai lacquer using Malaysian motifs with Thai wall carvings and engraved mirrors.
The open deck of the observation car also has an Oriental theme, and for much of the train local materials have been used, the company said.
For more information, visit the Orient Express website by clicking here.