Touch down in Singapore and spend three nights in your chosen hotel. You can get around easily, thanks to the efficient public transport system, so spend a couple of days exploring at your leisure.

Head to Singapore’s distinct districts: Chinatown, Bugis and Little India, allowing your taste buds to travel around the world. Perhaps visit Clarke Quay one evening, for incredible dining, entertainment and night life.

Explore Gardens by the Bay, wandering through the Supertrees and lush greenhouses by day, and watching an light and sound show by night. Or, stroll through the UNESCO-heritage Botanic Gardens.

Sample some local art at the Singapore National Gallery, or you may like to enjoy a Singapore Sling at the elegant Raffles Hotel. Head to Marina Bay Bar to take in magical panoramic views.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore or similar

From Woodlands Station, board Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, for four days of luxury rail travel on the Essence of Malaysia route.

Spend the first day settling into your choice of elegant cabin, and enjoy stunning vistas of Malaysia’s lush, green landscapes pass you buy. Enjoy afternoon tea, a gourmet dinner and evening entertainment on board.

Day two will begin with a relaxed morning, as you travel past Western Malaysia’s rural villages and rice paddies. That afternoon, enjoy a choice of excursions. Perhaps opt for a speed boat cruise to Langkawi’s beautiful beaches, spend the afternoon cycling through Perlis Geopark, or learn about Malaysia’s art and traditions.

On day three, you will visit colourful Penang Island. Perhaps immerse yourself historic George Town’s art and architecture on a Vespa tour, maybe take a cooking lesson at the top of Penang Hill, or explore the town by trishaw.

Your final day on board the Eastern & Oriental Express takes you back to Singapore, where you will disembark. Enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow passengers, and enjoy spectacular views of Malaysia’s beaches and rainforests.

After disembarking, you will be transferred back to the Mandarin Oriental Singapore (or your choice of Singapore hotel), for a final night. Perhaps take in the striking skyline from the rooftop pool, or watch the sunset from the bar.

On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

On day 8, head to the airport, where you will fly to Phuket, and be transferred to your hotel in Khao Lak.

Enjoy a week luxuriating on Thailand’s pristine white-sand beaches, staying at the luxurious Devasom Khao Lak (or similar). Perched on the secluded sands of Khuk Khak Beach, and surrounded by coconut groves, the Devasom is a peaceful, intimate resort.

Enjoy gourmet dining at the resort’s Takola Restaurant, featured in the Michelin guide and serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, or take in panoramic sea views at the more relaxed Devasom Beach Grill. The resort also boasts a double storey spa, a beautiful outdoor pool and even a library. Take advantage of a variety of complimentary activities, including a bicycle tour of the village, yoga, or garland making classes.

Khao Lak’s surrounding coastline is littered with secluded beaches, or head in-land to picturesque Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. Khao Sok National Park boasts incredible biodiversity, and you can explore by trekking through the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, kayaking or rafting down Sok River, taking a boat tour to breathtaking Cheow Larn Lake, or meeting Asian Elephants up close.

Devasom Khao Lak or similar