Eastern & Oriental Express train journey: "Thai Explorer" Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Bangkok
Indulge in the full Thai Explorer return journey, travelling Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Bangkok (3 nights),
or enjoy a one-way trip Bangkok → Chiang Mai (1 night) or Chiang Mai → Bangkok (2 nights)
Day 1 (Tuesday): depart Bangkok - travel north
Depart Bangkok in the afternoon. Relax in one of the bar cars, saloon car or in the privacy of your comfortable compartment. Afternoon tea is served as you travel into Northern Thailand. Later that evening enjoy dinner in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your compartment, transformed into a cosy bedroom by your steward.
Day 2 (Wednesday): arrive Chiang Mai / depart Chiang Mai
After breakfast in your compartment, the train arrives in Chiang Mai.
- Passengers leaving the E&O disembark at the end of the journey.
- Passengers continuing on the E&O choose a full day’s excursion from a variety of experiences: elephant camp and ride, city tour, handicraft workshops and boutiques. Lunch is included off the train. Return to the train.
- Passengers joining the E&O embark.
Afternoon departure and tea served in your cabin. Swap stories of your day’s experiences with fellow guests over dinner and perhaps a drink in the bar car. Overnight on board.
Day 3 (Thursday): travel south, via Si Satchanalai and Lampang
Breakfast in your compartment before the train arrives at Sawankhaloke. Waiting coaches take you to Si Satchanalai, part of the northernmost citadel of the ancient Khmer empire - explore the impressive 13th century Buddhist temples. Return to the train at Sila At for lunch while you continue your journey through Thailand.
Mid-afternoon disembark at Lampang for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Baan Sao Nok “the house of many pillars”. Enjoy tea as you tour the house which is built in traditional Lanna Thai style and supported on 116 teak pillars. Return to the E&O to prepare for dinner on board and overnight.
Day 4 (Friday): arrive Bangkok
After breakfast, arrive in Bangkok, where you disembark.
| Timetable | arrive | depart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Bangkok (Hualampong station) | - | 15:00 |
| Wednesday | Chiang Mai - choice of day tours |
8:25 | 17:30 |
| Thursday | Sawankhaloke - tour of Si Satchanalai Sila At - reboard the E&O and depart Lampang - pony cart ride, tea at teakhouse |
8:30 - 15:25 |
- 11:30 17:30 |
| Friday | Bangkok (Hualampong station) | 9:30 | - |
Departure dates: *
- Tuesdays, from Bangkok (Bgk)
- Wednesdays, from Chiang Mai (CM)
| from: | Bgk | CM |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | ||
| November: | 11 | 12 |
| December: | 30 | 31 |
| 2009 | ||
| January: | 20 | 21 |
| March: | 24 | 25 |
| April: | 21 | 22 |
| September: | 29 | 30 |
| October: | 27 | 28 |
| November: | 24 | 25 |
* Schedule subject to change