The luxury railway New Year's Eve journey starts from NT$108,000 per person.

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

As the year draws to a close, besides attending concerts with loved ones, joining countdown fireworks shows for New Year’s Eve, or chasing the first rays of the new year, the renowned Eastern & Oriental Express for luxury railway journeys and the Myanmar luxury cruise Road To Mandalay will also launch special New Year’s Eve itineraries at the end of the year. Guests will stay in luxurious cabins on trains or cruise ships, traveling through Malaysia’s tropical jungles on colonial-style trains or exploring Myanmar’s charm aboard a luxury cruise along the mirror-like Irrawaddy River. They can enjoy a unique New Year’s atmosphere, with prices starting from £2,210 (about NT$108,000) and £2,500 (about NT$122,000), respectively.

The Eastern & Oriental Express’s four-night special New Year’s Eve journey departs from Singapore on December 29, passing through Malaysia and arriving in Bangkok. Guests will attend a beach party in Hua Yai, Pattaya, on New Year’s Eve, sipping fine wine while watching spectacular fireworks to welcome 2013. On New Year’s morning, they can further explore the scenic beauty of the Kingdom by enjoying a champagne New Year’s brunch along the River Kwai.

The luxury cruise Road To Mandalay’s New Year voyage runs from December 26, 2012, to January 2, 2013. Departing from the ancient city of Mandalay, it sails down Myanmar’s largest river—the Irrawaddy River—to the ancient capital of Bagan, home to over 2,000 temples. The cruise offers a variety of unique experiences, such as practicing yoga or meditation every morning at sunrise on the top deck or at riverside pagodas, admiring local tribal handicraft exhibitions on the upper deck, experiencing ancient music passed down by indigenous communities, and visiting nearby ancient temples.

In addition, guests can deeply immerse themselves in local culture through performances of traditional Myanmar ethnic costumes and have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional drama Ramayana (Yamayana), which showcases strong local color. They may also witness the first step of local boys becoming temple monks during a tonsure ceremony at nearby temples. On New Year’s Eve, guests will participate in a series of celebratory events after dinner, beginning with dusk cocktails. Live band performances will accompany guests as they welcome the new year with melodious music. For more details, visit the official website at www.orient-express.com.

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