Eastern & Oriental Express: Tales of Laos

Accommodation
The  Chronicles of South East Asia series offers two grades of beautifully appointed compartments; State Cabins and Presidential Suites. The interior walls are cherry wood and elm burr panelled, adorned with decorative marquetry and intricate inlays.

Each cabin has:
• Ensuite with shower, washbasin and toilet
• Luxurious towels, fresh linen and toiletries
• Large picture windows
• International electricity sockets (220v)
• 110v adaptors for shavers
• Individually controlled heating
• Personal safe
• Hairdryer
• 24 hour steward service called by your personal bell

State Cabins:
The Eastern & Oriental Express has 28 State Cabins which measure 84 square feet each. Configured as a private lounge during the day, with a banquette style sofa, fixed chair and one movable chair. Fixed daytime seating converts to two single beds at night

Presidential Suite:
Each Presidential Cabin measures at 125 square feet, the ultimate in luxury train comfort. The cabins are configured as a private lounge during the day, with banquette style sofa and fixed chair, and two moveable chairs. Fixed daytime seating converts to two single beds at night. Guests in Presidential Suites enjoy the additional benefit of a complimentary bar in their cabin.

Dining & Cuisine
Chefs on board the Eastern & Oriental Express are internationally renowned for their ability to create a tantalizing variety of Eastern and European dishes, using the finest fresh seasonal ingredients. Service equals the world's gourmet finest restaurants. Lunch and dinner are served in the two Restaurant Cars, each lavishly decorated with rosewood and elm panelling.

Each morning a breakfast of freshly baked croissants, coffee or tea, juice and fruit is delivered to your compartment and for those passengers wishing to rise early to take advantage of the beautiful scenery; tea and coffee will be served for you in the Observation Car from 7.00am onwards.

Special Diets and Allergies:
Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food related or not, so that we can do our best to make your journey with us as enjoyable as possible.

Observation Car
The Observation Car is located at the very end of the train. Its interior section is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails amidst a colonial ‘veranda’ ambience with its teak wood flooring, panelled walls, rattan furniture and potted plants.

One-third of the Observation Car is an outdoor observation area decorated with teakwood. Offering unobstructed views, it is the perfect place to take photographs of the panoramic scenery and experience the sights, sounds and scents of South East Asia. Smoking is permitted on the outdoor area.

Itinerary
Your vacation includes:
• Accommodation
• All table d'hôte meals
• Complimentary tea and coffee in your cabin
• Sightseeing tours and excursions as described

Day 1: Bangkok
Your journey begins with an afternoon departure from Bangkok and a warm welcome by your steward. As you settle into the privacy of your well-appointed cabin, indulge in afternoon tea and pastries served by the attentive steward.  View the changing vista and the sunset from the unique observation car as the train journeys into northern-eastern Thailand. Later that evening, enjoy an aperitif accompanied by live piano music in the sumptuous bar car before you savour your first dinner onboard amid the elegant setting of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Day 2: Phimai, Khao Yai
Breakfast is served in your cabin before the train arrives in Hin Dat where you disembark for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phimai, one of the most important Khmer ruins complex in Thailand.  Return to the train for lunch as the journey continues to picturesque Khao Yai, where you will spend a delightful afternoon touring the vineyards and an opportunity to sample the wines.   Rejoin the train in early evening to prepare for dinner and exchange stories of the day's experiences with fellow guests. Afterwards, spend an enjoyable evening in the bar car and be entertained by the pianist. Overnight on board.

Day 3: Vientiane
After breakfast, the Eastern & Oriental Express will cross the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand to Laos. Passengers will disembark for a full day's excursion of the capital city of Vientiane, including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. View the contrasts of gilded Buddhist temples alongside French colonial architecture in the timeless and relaxed atmosphere of the city. Reboard the train late afternoon and depart for the return journey to Thailand, relaxing in the observation car or saloon lounge. As night descends, enjoy cocktails and another delightful dinner. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Bangkok
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast as the train proceeds to Bangkok, arriving mid-morning.

Full details regarding the itinerary for this journey are also available to download simply click on the "Download Itinerary" button.

Departure Information

2012
Jan 22

The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Bangkok at 2.00pm on day one and arrives in Bangkok at mid-morning on day four.

All timings shown are for your guidance only. The Eastern & Oriental Express services can be impacted by local railway schedules.

Additional Information
Checkin:
Check-In is at Bangkok’s Hualampong Station.

Passports and Visas:
Your passport has at least 6 months remaining validity at time of travel.

Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express your steward will request your passport and ask you to complete immigration and customs documents. Passport and customs formalities take place at the Malaysian/Thai border and upon boarding or disembarking at Singapore. You will not normally be disturbed during your journey and your passport will be returned to you immediately prior to disembarking.

Passengers on the Tales of Laos journey require an entry visa for Laos. Upon checkin, passengers must provide 2 passport-sized photographs are required upon check-in at Bangkok’s Hualampong Station in order for the visa application to be processed.

Luggage:
Luggage is limited to 30 kilos per person for State Compartment passengers. There is no limit for those passengers travelling in a Presidential Suite.

We recommend that your luggage be labelled with a contact address and your hotel and destination. It will be taken care of as follows:
• Through luggage: We suggest that items not required for your journey are packed separately in sturdy baggage. At check-in this luggage will be labelled appropriately by our staff and will not normally be accessible until you reach your destination. Ideally, large and/or hard cases should be checked as through luggage.
• Compartment luggage: This should contain clothing and items you need during your journey. When you plan your luggage, please bear in mind that storage space is limited. There is a luggage rack plus an additional storage cupboard with hangers. One or two soft sided suit carriers or similar can be comfortably accommodated in each compartment.
• Hand luggage: Your passport, tickets, jewellery, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should not be checked in.

Transportation from Station:
If you are not travelling as part of an inclusive holiday package, or have not pre-arranged a transfer to your hotel and wish to do so, we are able to arrange this on board. Please note that at least 24 hours notice is required to book these services and that all services booked are subject to availability. These services are at an additional charge and can be paid for with cash or any recognized credit card, direct to the representative at the destination.

To Book
This product is not currently available to book through our online booking system.
To book, please contact one of our Rail Specialists on 1300 360 823 or email details of your requirements to info@railtickets.com.au
Orient Express requires a Passenger Information Form to be completed in order to confirm bookings.
Download a copy of the form here.

Terms and Conditions
Bookings require a 30% deposit at the time of confirmation, with full balance payable 60 days prior to the departure date.

Once a booking has been made cancellation penalties apply:
21 or more clear working days before train departure date: 30% cancellation penalty;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 70% cancellation penalty;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% cancellation penalty (no refund). 

Once a booking has been made and a change is required then the following administration fees apply:
More than 56 working days before departure date: One free change then 10% amendment fee;
21-55 clear working days before train departure date: 20% amendment fee;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 60% amendment fee;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% amendment fee.

Administration Fees are imposed for change of passenger’s names, departure dates or compartment types.

Photo credit: Images courtesy of Orient Express © Orient Express Trains