Eastern and Oriental Express

Eastern and Oriental Express
Train History

Following the success of the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express made history as the first ever train to transport passengers directly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok.

Malaysia and Thailand built and maintained separate railway networks and passengers have always had to change trains from Malaysian railways to Thai railways at Butterworth (Penang).  

It was therefore an historic occasion when in Summer 1991 the haulage contracts were signed between E&O and the two operators.  These agreements allow a single luxury train to travel the whole length of the 1,262 mile (2,030km) journey.

This luxury train was first built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. It's carriages were then remodelled and designed by Gérard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of both the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

An enormous amount of work went on behind the scenes to put the E&O on the rails. The same team who had worked on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express created the interiors. As well as adding the required air-conditioning system, and ensuring the carriages were compatible with the Malaysian and Thai railway systems, the windows in the dining cars were also extended to offer panoramic views.

The inspiration for the interiors is derived from the East. 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. 

On board the Eastern & Oriental Express, the atmosphere harks back to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the verandah, linen suits and tea dances. 

The inaugural journey departed in September 1993 and the Eastern & Oriental Express quickly built for itself a highly regarded reputation as providing one of the most adventurous and exciting rail journeys in the world. In addition to the two night journey between Singapore and Bangkok, the E&O also travels overnight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

Whichever journey passengers decide to take, they are assured of the highest quality food and service while enjoying dramatic views across the South East Asian landscape.