Train Travel

Singapore to Bangkok.

Travelling on the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok, takes 48 hours and costs from between £950 to £1,900. So let us see if we can find a cheaper alternative to make the journey. It involves dividing the route across three nations into specific journeys. On the first day travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Penang Island. After a nights sleep travel from Penang to Koh Samui in Thailand. Spend the day exploring Koh Samui before catching the night train to Bangkok. The train journey should cost about £35. This is by travelling on the Eastern and Oriental Express as they are the only company to sell single tickets between the two cities.

Day One. Singapore to Penang Island.

The journey begins in the colonial Singapore Railway Station. It is necessary to queue with all the ordinary travellers to clear passport control this does take time and you start to panic that the train may depart without you. However, you will be pleasantly surprised when you get into the first class carriage. The compartment is air conditioned and has comfortable, upholstered recliners. The train leaves at 8.30 am and will arrive in Penang before dusk.

The train travels through Singapore passing the new development sites and twenty minutes after departing the station the scenery changes as the train enters the Johore Strait before leaving Singapore.

After a journey of several hours the train arrives in Kuala Lumpur station. There is just enough time to have an authentic meal in the Colonial District. Instead of rejoining the train take a bus journey to Penang. This trip will take four hours which is six hours less than travelling by train, it will also allow you the comfort of an overnight hotel room and the chance to explore Penang in half a day.

Day Two. Penang to Koh Samui, Thailand.

If travelling on an all inclusive trip with Eastern and Oriental the train would leave you at Butterworth and then transport you by ferry to Penang Island for a guided tour. However, by travelling the alternate route you are free to explore at your leisure before rejoining the train. Penang Island has a variety of ethniticity and Chinese, Indian and Malayan people live happily side by side.

Rejoin the train for the journey to Koh Samui. On arrival the all inclusive passengers have another excursion, a short boat trip on the River Kwai before they complete their journey to their final destination, Bangkok. Independent travellers can choose what they would like to do, perhaps a few hours on the beach. However, they will need to get from the Surat Thani train station to the town of Koh Samui. The hotels here are poor but at least the beds are clean.

Day Three. Koh Sumai to Bangkok.

The following morning take a ferry to Koh Sumai it takes 90 minutes. Spend time in the seaside resort of Napasai, once there you can spend time reaxing before returning toSurat Thani train station late evening. This is the first time that you will spend the night on the train. If you book a sleeper ticket you are able to lie on a couchette but be prepared to share with other passengers who may demand their turn! Arrive in Bangkok after spending far less money on the journey and enjoying more sights.

Where to get tickets.

Tickets should be available for Singapore and Malaysia online at: www.ktmb.com.my. and for travel in Thailand email Otherwise buy tickets for Kuala Lumpur in Singapore and then at Kuala Lumpur Sentral station you can purchase tickets to Butterworthand for the journey from Butterworth to Bangkok.

Where to stay

On Penang Island try the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, prices start from £75. In Ko Samui try the Napasai Resort where prices start from £95.