Eastern and Oriental Express
The Eastern and Oriental Express is one, since September 1993 traffic forming between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand luxury train.
The 2030 km long journey between the stations in Tanjong Pagar ( Singapore) and Bangkok Hue Lamphong (Thailand), with stops in Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia), Butterworth (Malaysia) and Kanchanaburi (Thailand), takes three days (two nights), the return four days ( three nights). Since 2007, the train also runs between Bangkok Hua Lamphong and Nong Khai, as well as the first Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to Thanaleng station in Laos. Other compounds within Thailand have been added.
Rolling stock
The luxury train was built in Japan in 1972 and perverted as " Silver Star " in New Zealand. Later, 24 of the 31 cars were sold to the Orient- Express Hotel group and ( 1067mm ) umgespurt to the formula used by the Thai and Malaysian Railway meter gauge (1000 mm) from the Cape gauge used in New Zealand. From the new owner the cars were remodeled, newly furnished and equipped with a new coat of paint. The design comes from Gérard Gallet, who also worked in the design and overhaul other Orient- Express products such as the Pullman Orient Express or the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Side sleeper with 66 two- bed compartments of the train includes a restaurant cars, a bar car with piano, a saloon car and at the end of the train an open observation car. Are offered with Pullman Superior, State and Presidential Suite Cabin three cabin classes. The cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with shower, sink, toilet, electricity connections, sofas are converted overnight into beds, large windows and personal safe.
Operation
The Eastern and Oriental Express operates a total of five routes today. The most widely used route is between Tanjong Pagar and Bangkok:
At intermediate stop Butterworth city tours through the nearby Georgetown on Penang Island, near the stop Kanchanaburi guided tours on the River Kwai. Also other excursions offered on longer-term special trips.