Oriental Express - AST20

Duration: 16 Days
Start/Finish: Chiang Mai to Singapore
Countries Visited: Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore

*LAST MINUTE DEAL: The following departure is currently 20% OFF
10 Sep 2011

Introduction 
Join us as we travel from Chiang Mai to Singapore, on a tour that includes seven memorable train journeys through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as idyllic islands and vibrant cities. We discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and historic Kanchanaburi. We stay at a floating raft lodge with the opportunity to go bamboo rafting, take an elephant ride or explore a Mon minority village. In complete contrast, we spend time in the bustling city of Bangkok and visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. We relax on Koh Hai Island with its mountains, forests and beautiful sandy beaches, and take a boat trip to Emerald Cave. Next stop Penang, with its Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, and then Kuala Lumpur with its colonial buildings interspersed with modern skyscrapers. In Malacca we see the imprints of the British, Dutch and Portuguese, before our journey finally ends in Singapore at the southern end of the Malay Peninsular.

Itinerary 
Day 1 Join Chiang Mai Day 2 Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep Temple, Old City Wall Day 3 Train to Uttaradith. Transfer to Sukhothai UNESCO Site – Historical Park, Wat Sri Chum Day 4 Drive Phitsanulok, Train Ayutthaya. UNESCO Site - AyutthayaDay 5 Drive Kanchanaburi – Train across the Bridge over River Kwai to Hell Fire Pass, Long-tail Boat to Floating Raft Lodge Day 6 Floating Raft – Mon Minority Village. Optional Elephant Ride, Bamboo Rafting Day 7 Transfer to Bangkok Day 8Bangkok – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River Boat Trip. Overnight Train to Trang Day 9 Ferry to Hai Island – Boat Trip to Emerald Cave, Snorkeling Day 10 Hai Island – Free Day. Optional Visit Rok Islands Day 11 Ferry to Pakmeng, Drive into Malaysia to Penang Day 12 Penang – Snake Temple, Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas Temple, Teluk Bahang, Penang Hill. Overnight Train to Kuala Lumpur Day 13 Kuala Lumpur – Chinatown, Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek Mosque, Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple Day 14 Train to Tampin, Transfer to Malacca – Guided Tour including Fort Day 15 Train to Singapore Day 16 Singapore – Tour Ends After Breakfast

Top 5 Highlights 
There are many amazing places that you will visit on your Oriental Express tour. Here’s what we feel are the Top 5 places guaranteed to blow you away!

1. Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand. In recent years Chiang Mai has grown, although with a population of 200,000 it is still a comfortable size and you will find that people here are relaxed and easy going. We take a road trip up the mountains to the Doi Suthep temple, a pilgrimage sight in Northern Thailand. From here you will see spectacular views down the mountain to Chiang Mai.

2. Ayutthaya: Capital of Siam until the 18th Century, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning complex of palaces, shrines, stupas and monasteries. We will spend the afternoon visiting the main sights including Wat Chaiwatanaram, Si Sanaphet and Mongkol Bophit.

3. Bangkok City Tour: A city tour includes a visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a boat trip. The Chao Phraya river, has been the lifeline of Thailand’s ancient kingdoms and agricultural sustainability. There are traditional houses still perched at the edge of the river and its canals. We visit one of Thailand’s greatest visual wonders, the Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Grand Palace.

4. Hai Island: We board a ferry to Hai Island and take a boat excursion to visit Emerald Cave. By swimming through the tunnel (80 metres) to the other end, it opens onto a beach surrounded by high cliffs. The boat trip also includes snorkeling at Chuak Island or Maa Island.

5. Penang: In Penang morning we take an excursion which includes the Snake Temple, Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas Temple, Teluk Bahang and to the top of Penang Hill by funicular. There is free time to explore the city’s contrasts – visit the Jami Masjid Mosque or the Hindu Temple, shop in Chinatown with its apothecaries, jewellers, snake charmers and fortune tellers, or perhaps see a game of cricket on the Padang – a very British scene with a sublime backdrop of Moorish styled buildings!

What’s Included 
• 13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners • All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary • Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Tour Leader and/or Local Guides • UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sukhothai, Ayutthaya • River Kwai & the Death Railway • Idyllic Islands of Ko Hai & Penang • 7 Train Journeys through Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore

Accommodation & Transport 
• Hotel (11 Nights), Sleeper Train (2 Nights), Floating Raft Lodge (2 Nights)
• Private Vehicle, Train, Ferry, Long-tail Boat, Bicycle, Funicular and on foot

Call the office to reserve your spot on this tour now!