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outh-East Asia’s premier rail service, the Eastern & Oriental Express, renowned for its superlative 3 to 4-day classic itineraries across the Malay peninsula between Singapore and Bangkok, has now introduced a fascinating new programme of extended rail journeys to explore destinations a little more off the beaten track with extended itineraries and new routes.

Entitled Chronicles of South-East Asia, these four journeys offer guests not only the quintessential Orient-Express step back in time experience of life on board the luxury train but also the most elegant mode of transport wherein to visit some very special retreats. For instance, there are two extended 6-night journeys along the classic route between Singapore and Bangkok. Fables of the Hills includes a detour to the mist-shrouded Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations and lush jungles. The southward variation of this journey, Legends of the Peninsula, breaks the journey for a leisurely sojourn on the sparkling Andaman coast at Trang. Both journeys visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Tham Kasai Viaduct.

Another 6-night journey, Epic Thailand, leads from Bangkok through Thailand’s remote north-east plain, with its exquisite Khmer temples, and on to culture-rich city of Chiang Mai. Also departing and returning to Bangkok, the final journey, Tales of Laos, offers a truly unique experience as passengers once again head through North-East Thailand and then onwards across the mighty Mekong river on newly laid tracks to neighbouring Laos and its capital, Vientiane. The city will delight with its old-world air, traditional markets, golden temples and colonial residences lining leafy boulevards.