Luxury train operator Orient-Express announced it will feature a new ‘Thai Explorer’ itinerary in northern Thailand in its Eastern & Oriental Express programme for 2004. The E&O, which will also continue to operate its traditional journey
between Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore, celebrates its 10th anniversary this September.
The new two night itinerary was first offered to E&O customers during the SARS epidemic that recently affected South East Asia as an alternative to the Bangkok – Singapore route. The new route which is Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai – Lampang –
Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) – Bangkok was popular with passengers so the decision was made to make it a regular feature.
Next year there will be seven ‘Thai Explorer’ departure dates – 9 February,
8 March, 26 April, 27 September, 11 October, 25 October and 22 November, leaving Bangkok on Monday morning and returning on Wednesday afternoon. Prices start at £780 per person based on two adults sharing a Pullman compartment (inclusive of all meals on
board and off train guided tours).
The Monday departure date means long haul travellers can arrive in Bangkok at the weekend and spend a night or two in a hotel before their train trip. It also ensures that E&O guests see Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, on a traditionally
quiet day.
As well as offering guests the most luxurious and stylish way to see the exotic landscapes of Thailand the itinerary includes off train guided tours of some of the most interesting sights in the north of the country.
Ayutthaya, the ancient Siam capital and its many temples, is explored with afternoon tea served on a classical rice barge. Guests can take a walking tour of Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai, which is renowned for its handicrafts; visit Lampang, a
traditional Thai town by horse drawn carriage or trishaw; and cruise the River Kwai with its famous bridge, on a floating barge (see attached itinerary for more details).
Commenting on the new itinerary chief executive of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Nick Varian said, “This is a great new addition to our E&O programme which gives long haul travellers the opportunity to explore the beauty of northern Thailand
combined with Bangkok, before perhaps going on to one of the country’s many beaches or islands. It also offers past E&O customers a chance to return to the train to experience something different.”
Special Offer – Passengers who chose to travel the traditional Singapore to Bangkok route, combined with the Thai Explorer, in a State compartment will get three FREE nights at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok in between itineraries.
Summer Promotion – Passengers who book a Pullman compartment on E&O from Singapore to Bangkok (or visa versa) travelling between April & September 2004, will get one FREE night in Bangkok and Singapore at either end of the trip. Those booking a
State compartment receive ONE additional night in either city.
For further information on this and other Eastern & Oriental Express journeys call 0845 077 2222.
ENDS
For further press information call;
Kathryn Malone on 0207 805 5064 (kathryn.malone@orient-express.com)
Notes to Editors
1 - Thai Explorer Itinerary
Monday: AYUTTHAYA
The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok in the morning. Lunch is served while the train journeys northwards through the Thai countryside. You disembark at Ayutthaya where the magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and crumbling fortresses
provide eloquent testimony of the former capital’s splendour. A guided tour is followed by a relaxing cruise onboard a classical rice barge. Sit back and watch the riverside life glide by and admire the famous Wat Chai Wattanaram and the Queen of
Thailand's Ayutthaya Palace. Dinner and overnight on board as the train continues its journey.
Tuesday: CHIANG MAI / LAMPANG
Awake to your steward serving breakfast in the comfort of your private compartment before arrival into Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city. Chiang Mai has a rich and colourful history evident in its architecture and is renowned for the greatest
concentration of handicraft industries in the country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous sites before returning to the Eastern & Oriental Express for lunch. Later that afternoon you arrive into Lampang, one of Thailand’s most attractive
provincial capitals, having retained a number of its old wooden buildings. Lampang is also known throughout Thailand for its horse-drawn carriages. Dinner and overnight onboard the train.
Wednesday: KANCHANABURI (River Kwai)
Enjoy breakfast as the train makes its approach to Kanchanaburi where you disembark for a private tour. Rejoin the train at Kanchanaburi station, from where the E&O journey continues. Lunch is served before arrival into Bangkok in the
afternoon.
2 – As well as this new Thai Explorer itinerary the Eastern and Oriental Express travels from Bangkok to Singapore (and visa versa) year round and can be booked as a complete route or for shorter sectors with pick up points in Hua Hin,
Butterworth or Kuala Lumpur. Bangkok to Chiang Mai (and visa versa) routes can also be booked individually.
3 – Three types of compartment are available on E&O – Pullman, State and Presidential (only two on the train). Prices start from;
- £990 Singapore – Bangkok (visa versa)
- £780 Thai Explorer
- £1590 for Singapore – Bangkok plus Thai Explorer
- £580 for Bangkok – Chiang Mai (visa versa)
4 – The inaugural journey of the Eastern & Oriental was in September 1993 and made history as being the first train to transport passengers directly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok. The train was conceived by James B.
Sherwood, Chairman of Orient-Express Hotels, following the success of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express launched in 1982. It is run in conjunction with both Malaysian
railways (KTM) and Thai Railways (SRT). It is the only luxury train in South East Asia.
5 – Orient-Express Hotels is a hotel and leisure company focused on the luxury end of the leisure market. The company owns and operates 28 highly individual deluxe hotels world-wide, 5 tourist trains, a river cruise ship and two
restaurants, all of which are located in areas of outstanding cultural, historic or recreational interest. The companies distinctive properties include: Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Reid’s Palace, in Madeira, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Mount Nelson
in Cape Town and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
