Enjoy a fascinating 1,600 mile journey of discovery from the remote hill tribe villages of northern Thailand to the cosmopolitan city of Singapore in Malaysia, stopping en route at elephant camps, floating markets, spice estates and more.

• UK/Chiang Mai - 1 to 2
  

  Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is your first stop and your base for the next three nights.

• Chiang Mai - 3
  

  While Bangkok may be the capital of Thailand, Chaing Mai is its northernmost counterpart and a city equally beautiful and worthy of exploration. It is dotted with literally hundreds of temples and you will pay a visit to one of them, the magnificent hilltop Doi Suthep Temple, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city. Then get a taste of the local handicrafts produced here with visits to umbrella, jewellery and lacquerware factories.

• Chiang Mai - 4
  

  Elephants are such regal creatures, fascinating to watch as they move so gracefully by, and you’ll get to do just that as you visit an elephant camp on the outskirts of the city. Getting up close to them really gives you a sense of their immense size, as well as the effortless strength they have. An optional elephant ride is also available. More delicate, but equally fascinating to watch, is the production of silk and cotton which you will also get to experience this afternoon.

• Bangkok - 5
  

  You’ll get a glimpse of rural Thai life as you make the 12-hour, 470 mile journey by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok today.

• Bangkok - 6
  

  Saffron-robed Buddhist monks, floating markets, street stalls and exotic restaurants amalgamate to make Bangkok a truly thrilling place to explore. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Tour Guide, discover the famous Temples of the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha, both intricately decorated and utterly mesmerising. Then visit the Rose Gardens, where many aspects of Thai culture are on display including Thai boxing and monks ordination ceremonies.

• River Kwai - 7
  

  Famous for its bridge, the River Kwai is our first stop today, followed closely by a visit to the cemetery at Kanchanaburi located at the start of the infamous ‘Death Railway’.

• Bangkok To Butterworth - 8
  

  Your rail journey continues through the sprawling suburbs of Bangkok and into a vast landscape of rice fields aboard the overnight International Express.

• Butterworth & Penang Island - 9
  

  The views from your window become increasingly tropical as you continue south towards Butterworth and on to the impressive eight-mile long bridge which connects mainland Malaysia with Penang Island.

• Penang Island - 10
  

  Find yourself immersed in local culture as you watch the art of traditional batik printing, view a spice estate and visit a Malay Kampung, a settlement where the houses are built on stilts. Then admire the capital of the island, Georgetown; the star-shaped Fort Cornwallis which despite its canons and defensive walls, has never actually had to defend the island; and the Wat Chayamankalaram, which houses Penang’s answer to Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha. Later this afternoon, we join the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular, up to the cooler temperatures of this hill station.

• Penang Island - 11
  

  Delve further into the delights of this tropical island paradise with a day at leisure today. Or join one of the optional excursions available – your Tour Guide will give you the full details.

• Ipoh & Kuala Lumpur - 12
  

  The town of Ipoh boasts remnants of its British colonial past, including the railway station, so keep your eyes peeled as you arrive here this morning. There’ll be time for some sightseeing before heading off to the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This exciting city is home to one of the world’s tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers, and you’ll get to see it, and many more sIghts in the company of your Tour Guide.

• Kuala Lumpur - 13
  

  It is hard to imagine that Kuala Lumpur started life as a humble shanty town when you look at the modern buildings that form its skyline. But take advantage of free time to delve a little further into its history today, perhaps with a visit to one of its many museums.

• Kuala Lumpur To Singapore - 14
  

  The final stage of your fascinating rail journey is aboard the Express Sinaran Selatan, in First Class air-conditioned comfort. Oil palm plantations gradually give way to tea plantations, before you pass Johor Bahru and continue to Singapore.

• Singapore - 15
  

  Founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore is a blend of cultures, including Indian, Chinese and Malay, which is reflected in its beautiful architecture. In the company of your Tour Guide, you’ll see Orchard Road, Mount Faber, Raffles Place, the waterfront and Little India before walking through Chinatown, and finally the Botanic Gardens.

• Singapore/UK - 16 to 17
  

  No visit to Singapore is complete without tea at the famous Raffles Hotel, so make sure you do that today before heading to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day.

Accommodation

Chiang Mai - Empress Hotel (4-star) or similar 3 nights.

This hotel offers a choice of three restaurants, a lounge, bar, swimming pool and sauna. Guest rooms feature air-conditioning, minibar and satellite TV.

Bangkok - Eastin Hotel Makkasan (4-star) or similar 3 nights.

This hotel has a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Guest rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, satellite TV and minibar.

Penang - Holiday Inn Resort Penang (4-star) or similar 3 nights.

Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers a choice of restaurants and bars. Guest rooms have air-conditioning and many have views over the ocean.

Kuala Lumpur - Dorsett Regency Hotel (4-star) or similar 2 nights.

This hotel has a choice of restaurants, bars and lounges and swimming pool. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature a minibar and safe.

Singapore - Peninsular Excelsior (3-star) or similar 2 nights.

All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 5:30 am

Includes

Not Included