Eastern & Oriental Express + Mekong River Cruise
22 day Luxury Rail & Cruise Holiday – from £10365
With flights from £11730
Embark on a magical journey through South East Asia, enjoying first class service aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, and immersive off ship activities on your luxury Mekong River cruise.
Highlights:
- Travel on the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express through Western Malaysia
- Visit the ancient Temples of Angkor, and Tonle Sap floating village
- Enjoy a luxury three night cruise on the Mekong River
- Explore the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City
- Relax at Six Senses, by the beautiful beaches of Con Dao
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your South East Asia holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Speak to one of our Asia Experts for ideas and inspiration.
After landing in Singapore, you will be transferred to the Mandarin Oriental (or similar), where you can freshen up before heading out to explore.
Perhaps spend your first evening enjoying a signature Singapore Sling at Raffles, or watch the sun set from Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar.
On your second day, continue to explore Singapore at your leisure. You may choose to visit bustling China Town, or take a stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, renowned as a UNESCO-heritage site. Explore Gardens by the Bay, a peaceful park during the day that becomes an immersive music and light show by night. Consider heading down to Clarke Quay to enjoy delicious food and nightlife on the waterfront.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or similar)
Day 1 & 2
| Welcome to Singapore
After landing in Singapore, you will be transferred to the Mandarin Oriental (or similar), where you can freshen up before heading out to explore.
Perhaps spend your first evening enjoying a signature Singapore Sling at Raffles, or watch the sun set from Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar.
On your second day, continue to explore Singapore at your leisure. You may choose to visit bustling China Town, or take a stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, renowned as a UNESCO-heritage site. Explore Gardens by the Bay, a peaceful park during the day that becomes an immersive music and light show by night. Consider heading down to Clarke Quay to enjoy delicious food and nightlife on the waterfront.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or similar)
Day 3 – Board the Eastern & Oriental Express
Spend your morning in Singapore at your leisure, before heading to Woodlands Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. You will spend four days on the Essence of Malaysia luxury rail journey.
Spend your first day aboard enjoying the magnificent views of Malaysia’s lush, green landscapes from your comfortable cabin. In the evening, head to the dining car for a delicious dinner and enjoy entertainment in the Piano Bar.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 3
| Board the Eastern & Oriental Express
Spend your morning in Singapore at your leisure, before heading to Woodlands Station to board the Eastern & Oriental Express. You will spend four days on the Essence of Malaysia luxury rail journey.
Spend your first day aboard enjoying the magnificent views of Malaysia’s lush, green landscapes from your comfortable cabin. In the evening, head to the dining car for a delicious dinner and enjoy entertainment in the Piano Bar.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 4 – Perlis
Wake up in your choice of luxurious cabin, as you travel through Western Malaysia’s rural villages and rice paddies, before embarking on an excursion in the afternoon.
You can opt to explore Langkawi by speed boat, go on a bike tour through Perlis Geopark, or immerse yourself in Malaysia’s art and traditions.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 4
| Perlis
Wake up in your choice of luxurious cabin, as you travel through Western Malaysia’s rural villages and rice paddies, before embarking on an excursion in the afternoon.
You can opt to explore Langkawi by speed boat, go on a bike tour through Perlis Geopark, or immerse yourself in Malaysia’s art and traditions.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 5 – Penang Island
The next day, you will travel to colourful Penang Island. Choose from a range of complimentary excursions to explore this cultural melting pot.
Perhaps you’d like to explore George Town by Vespa, or take a cooking lesson atop Penang Hill. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, spend the morning navigating the winding streets by trishaw, escorted by your own driver.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 5
| Penang Island
The next day, you will travel to colourful Penang Island. Choose from a range of complimentary excursions to explore this cultural melting pot.
Perhaps you’d like to explore George Town by Vespa, or take a cooking lesson atop Penang Hill. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, spend the morning navigating the winding streets by trishaw, escorted by your own driver.
Your chosen Eastern & Oriental Express cabin
Day 6 – Return to Singapore
On your final day, you will travel back to Singapore. Reflect on your adventures with your fellow passengers during your last breakfast, and soak in the views of Malaysia’s rainforests and beaches.
After disembarking the Eastern & Oriental Express, you will be transferred back to the Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or your choice of Singapore hotel), for a final night. You may wish to watch the sun set over the skyline from the hotel’s bar, or go for a swim in the impressive pool.
Perhaps take in the striking skyline from the rooftop pool, or watch the sunset from the bar.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or similar)
Day 6
| Return to Singapore
On your final day, you will travel back to Singapore. Reflect on your adventures with your fellow passengers during your last breakfast, and soak in the views of Malaysia’s rainforests and beaches.
After disembarking the Eastern & Oriental Express, you will be transferred back to the Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or your choice of Singapore hotel), for a final night. You may wish to watch the sun set over the skyline from the hotel’s bar, or go for a swim in the impressive pool.
Perhaps take in the striking skyline from the rooftop pool, or watch the sunset from the bar.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or similar)
Day 7 to 9 – Siem Reap
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your luxury hotel for a 3 night stay.
Siem Reap, in north-western Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor and boasts lots to explore. Visit the Old Market to sample some local produce, go for a ride on a traditional gondola at Tonle Oum whilst the sun sets or even take a cooking class.
Spend your second full day in Siem Reap exploring its famous temples on a Temples of Angkor Tour. You’ll explore atmospheric Ta Phrom and Angkor Thom, as well as magnificent Angkor Wat.
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (or similar)
Day 7 to 9
| Siem Reap
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your luxury hotel for a 3 night stay.
Siem Reap, in north-western Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor and boasts lots to explore. Visit the Old Market to sample some local produce, go for a ride on a traditional gondola at Tonle Oum whilst the sun sets or even take a cooking class.
Spend your second full day in Siem Reap exploring its famous temples on a Temples of Angkor Tour. You’ll explore atmospheric Ta Phrom and Angkor Thom, as well as magnificent Angkor Wat.
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (or similar)
Day 10 & 11 – Phnom Penh
This morning, you will leave Siem Reap, travelling by road through the heart of Cambodia, past views of the rural markets and rice paddies.
On your way, you will visit the floating villages of Kamong Phluk, situated on Tonle Sap. During the dry season the houses appear to soar atop their 6-metre stilts, submerging again in the wet season. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques.
You’ll then continue your journey to Phnom Penh, where you will spend 2 nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal (or similar).
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital, and its full of history and culture. Enjoy a tour of Silver Pagoda, housing the beautiful diamond encrusted Buddha. Explore the National Museum, or admire the traditional architecture of the Royal Palace.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal (or similar)
Day 10 & 11
| Phnom Penh
This morning, you will leave Siem Reap, travelling by road through the heart of Cambodia, past views of the rural markets and rice paddies.
On your way, you will visit the floating villages of Kamong Phluk, situated on Tonle Sap. During the dry season the houses appear to soar atop their 6-metre stilts, submerging again in the wet season. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques.
You’ll then continue your journey to Phnom Penh, where you will spend 2 nights at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal (or similar).
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital, and its full of history and culture. Enjoy a tour of Silver Pagoda, housing the beautiful diamond encrusted Buddha. Explore the National Museum, or admire the traditional architecture of the Royal Palace.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal (or similar)
Day 12 to 15 – Mekong River Cruise
Embark on a three night cruise of the mighty Mekong River, following the flow of the river and crossing the border from southern Cambodia into southern Vietnam.
Settle in to your cabin, and bid farewell to Phnom Penh. In the lounge of the ship you may wish to join a talk held be a former prisoner at Tuol Sleng prison, who will recount their harrowing time during the Khmer Rouge period.
Begin your second day with a Tai Chi session, before you explore Gieng Island, visiting its workshops, local vendors and families. After lunch continue along the Mekong to My An Hung Village, sample Vietnamese tea and watch a traditional dragon dance before complimentary cocktail hour and dinner back on the ship.
You may wish to start day three trying your hand at Tai Chi again, before exploring a charming riverside town in the Dong Thap Province: Sa Dec. In the afternoon, visit Cai Be, learning about the production of rice paper and rice wine, and Than Phong Island, sampling traditional fruits. Enjoy a farewell celebration this evening, as you make your way to My Tho.
On day four, savour your last breakfast on board, before disembarking, and travelling by coach to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be transferred to your hotel for the next two nights.
Aboard The Jahan
Day 12 to 15
| Mekong River Cruise
Embark on a three night cruise of the mighty Mekong River, following the flow of the river and crossing the border from southern Cambodia into southern Vietnam.
Settle in to your cabin, and bid farewell to Phnom Penh. In the lounge of the ship you may wish to join a talk held be a former prisoner at Tuol Sleng prison, who will recount their harrowing time during the Khmer Rouge period.
Begin your second day with a Tai Chi session, before you explore Gieng Island, visiting its workshops, local vendors and families. After lunch continue along the Mekong to My An Hung Village, sample Vietnamese tea and watch a traditional dragon dance before complimentary cocktail hour and dinner back on the ship.
You may wish to start day three trying your hand at Tai Chi again, before exploring a charming riverside town in the Dong Thap Province: Sa Dec. In the afternoon, visit Cai Be, learning about the production of rice paper and rice wine, and Than Phong Island, sampling traditional fruits. Enjoy a farewell celebration this evening, as you make your way to My Tho.
On day four, savour your last breakfast on board, before disembarking, and travelling by coach to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be transferred to your hotel for the next two nights.
Aboard The Jahan
Day 16 & 17 – Ho Chi Minh City
Today, enjoy a guided tour of fascinating Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the former Presidential Palace, the History Museum, and Notre Dame cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from the sky deck at Bitexco Tower.
Spend the evening enjoying the hotel’s pool and spa, take advantage of the three restaurants, and enjoy the views over the Opera House from the rooftop bar.
Caravelle Saigon (or similar)
Day 16 & 17
| Ho Chi Minh City
Today, enjoy a guided tour of fascinating Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the former Presidential Palace, the History Museum, and Notre Dame cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from the sky deck at Bitexco Tower.
Spend the evening enjoying the hotel’s pool and spa, take advantage of the three restaurants, and enjoy the views over the Opera House from the rooftop bar.
Caravelle Saigon (or similar)
Day 18 to 21 – Con Dao
Leaving the bustling city behind, fly to Con Dao to spend four nights relaxing in the stunning Six Senses resort (or similar). Although it is just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, the resort feels like a remote island paradise.
Just off the South East coast of Vietnam, the island is protected by a National Park, and it makes of incredible diving, and the views over the pristine beach are spectacular. Enjoy watersports and rainforest hiking, or simply relax on the white-sand beaches, or in the resort’s pool and spa.
On day 21, fly back to Ho Chi Minh City, spending one final night at the Caravelle.
Six Senses Con Dao (or similar)
Day 18 to 21
| Con Dao
Leaving the bustling city behind, fly to Con Dao to spend four nights relaxing in the stunning Six Senses resort (or similar). Although it is just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, the resort feels like a remote island paradise.
Just off the South East coast of Vietnam, the island is protected by a National Park, and it makes of incredible diving, and the views over the pristine beach are spectacular. Enjoy watersports and rainforest hiking, or simply relax on the white-sand beaches, or in the resort’s pool and spa.
On day 21, fly back to Ho Chi Minh City, spending one final night at the Caravelle.
Six Senses Con Dao (or similar)
Day 22 – Farewell from Con Dao
Spend your last morning enjoying the luxurious facilities at the Caravelle, before you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Day 22
| Farewell from Con Dao
Spend your last morning enjoying the luxurious facilities at the Caravelle, before you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Choose Your Cabin
Choose your accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express and your Mekong River cruise.
Eastern & Oriental Express Cabins
Pullman Cabins – comfortable and cosy, with vintage charm, Pullman Cabins feature a banquette style sofa by day, and an upper and a lower twin bed by night. Enjoy the views from two large windows.
State Cabins – in ‘lounge layout’, State Cabins have a banquette style sofa and armchairs in which to relax during the day. At night, the lounge transforms into comfortable twin beds.
Presidential Suite – spacious and elegant, the Presidential Suite boasts a plush seating area, which transforms into comfortable twin beds for the night. Enjoy your light and airy bathroom, with indulgent toiletries, and treat yourself to a complimentary treatment at the on-board spa.
With the Presidential Suite, you will also receive private arrival and departure transfers, 24-hour onboard service and direct access to the General Manager to discuss your journey and excursions. You will be welcomed on board with caviar, a fruit basket and flowers, and you have access to free-flowing Champagne.
Eastern & Oriental Express Cabins
Pullman Cabins – comfortable and cosy, with vintage charm, Pullman Cabins feature a banquette style sofa by day, and an upper and a lower twin bed by night. Enjoy the views from two large windows.
State Cabins – in ‘lounge layout’, State Cabins have a banquette style sofa and armchairs in which to relax during the day. At night, the lounge transforms into comfortable twin beds.
Presidential Suite – spacious and elegant, the Presidential Suite boasts a plush seating area, which transforms into comfortable twin beds for the night. Enjoy your light and airy bathroom, with indulgent toiletries, and treat yourself to a complimentary treatment at the on-board spa.
With the Presidential Suite, you will also receive private arrival and departure transfers, 24-hour onboard service and direct access to the General Manager to discuss your journey and excursions. You will be welcomed on board with caviar, a fruit basket and flowers, and you have access to free-flowing Champagne.
Mekong River Cruise Cabins
Superior Staterooms – on the ship’s main deck, Superior Staterooms feature a private balcony with seating, and a stylish bathroom, including an antique vanity and a comfortable shower. Chic white wood furniture and fine-art paintings complete the room.
Deluxe Staterooms – on the upper deck, Deluxe Staterooms boast a private balcony with chairs and side table accessible via a large sliding door. The cabin’s warm tones and opulently carved wood furniture create a relaxing, warm atmosphere.
Signature Suite – at the very front of the river boat, the two Signature Suites are artful abodes, each housing a solid wooden four-poster king-size bed and an impressive bas-relief Khmer artwork. Both suites have a balcony facing sailing direction and are serviced by a dedicated butler.
Mekong River Cruise Cabins
Superior Staterooms – on the ship’s main deck, Superior Staterooms feature a private balcony with seating, and a stylish bathroom, including an antique vanity and a comfortable shower. Chic white wood furniture and fine-art paintings complete the room.
Deluxe Staterooms – on the upper deck, Deluxe Staterooms boast a private balcony with chairs and side table accessible via a large sliding door. The cabin’s warm tones and opulently carved wood furniture create a relaxing, warm atmosphere.
Signature Suite – at the very front of the river boat, the two Signature Suites are artful abodes, each housing a solid wooden four-poster king-size bed and an impressive bas-relief Khmer artwork. Both suites have a balcony facing sailing direction and are serviced by a dedicated butler.
This Holiday Includes
Flights & More Options
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights by the beach in Con Dao
- A guided tour of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay
- A cycling package during your cruise
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Asia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Eastern & Oriental Express + Mekong River Cruise
22 day Luxury Rail & Cruise Holiday – from £10365
With flights from £11730
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
Map
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