On Location - Eastern & Oriental Express

Marie Claire's fashion team takes a luxury train ride through south-east Asia.

Marie Claire's fashion team takes a luxury train ride through south-east Asia

All aboard...

The Eastern & Oriental Express is an all-inclusive luxury train that shares the glamorous style of the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This year it is celebrating its 20th birthday.

Best-known for its journeys through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, the train now also visits Laos.

The 1,262 mile journey from Bangkok to Singapore includes stops at the River Kwai and Penang for guided tours.

Romance on the rails: a cabin on the E&O Express

Inspired by Shanghai Express, the 1932 film starring Marlene Dietrich, the E&O's en-suite cabins are adorned with ornate elm and cherry wood panelling.

You can watch the jungle roll by from the veranda of the Observation Car, then sip a cocktail in the Bar Car with its pianist.

Dinner is a gourmet affair and dressing up encouraged...

On track: the E&O Express travels through the jungles of south-east Asia

Let's go...

A three-night journey from Bangkok to Singapore (or vice-versa) on the Eastern & Oriental Express (0845 077 2222; easternandorientalexpress.com) costs from £1,560 per person sharing a Pullman compartment, including all meals and off-train excursions.

Thai Airways (thaiairways.co.uk) flies direct from London Heathrow to Bangkok, from £630 return including taxes.

Set beside the Chao Phraya river, the 802-room Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok (shangri-la.com) is a luxurious starting point with a Thai-inspired decor and a spa and pool. Double rooms cost from £131.

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