The Eastern & Oriental Express Vientiane Journey: A Hidden Gem in Southeast Asia

The luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, which travels across the Southeast Asian peninsula through countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, not only offers passengers a chance to enjoy the tropical charm and captivating rural landscapes of Southeast Asia but also provides an exceptional level of service for a truly premium travel experience. The Bangkok and Vientiane Journey, launched in February this year, will make its first crossing over the Friendship Bridge—opened in March 2009 between the two countries—offering travelers a glimpse into a hidden and enchanting corner of Southeast Asia.

The fame of the Eastern & Oriental Express is well known to many. On this refined and elegant journey, the train travels at a leisurely speed of 60 kilometers per hour, allowing passengers to fully relax while enjoying the stunning scenery along the way and the excellent facilities and services on board. On February 23 this year, the Bangkok and Vientiane Journey debuted. After slowly departing from Bangkok Station, an unforgettable exploration begins. The train travels overnight through northeastern Thailand and arrives at Phimai the next morning, where you can visit quaint temples that exude the essence of Angkor. Phimai is one of the World Heritage Sites and represents the most iconic Khmer ruins in Thailand.

The Friendship Bridge on the Thailand–Laos border has eliminated the previous circuitous journey that required taking a train to Nong Khai in Thailand and then transferring overland to Laos since its opening. The train bypasses via the Friendship Bridge, crossing the Mekong River into Laos, with magnificent scenery along the way. The next day, passengers can join a curated journey to explore Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and enjoy lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. Vientiane perfectly blends two distinctly different design styles from Europe and Asia—the colonial French architecture harmonizes with the resplendent Asian temples, radiating a uniquely charming allure.

After visiting the attractions in Vientiane, in the evening, the train will once again pass back over the Friendship Bridge and return to Bangkok, Thailand. The 4-day, 3-night “Vientiane Journey” is priced from US$1,950 to US$2,670 for a standard cabin, and US$3,780 for the Presidential Suite. The fare includes meals on board, complimentary coffee and afternoon tea in the cabin, as well as multiple short excursions. For more details and itinerary information, please visit the Eastern & Oriental Express Asia website.

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