Eastern and Oriental Express
by Rowena Carr-Allinson

Additional information -- where to stay:

To complement your trip you'll be needing some stylish accommodation at either end.

If you are making your own plans the Sukothai in Bangkok is said to be the most stylish in town. An interior designer’s dream, the hotel exudes luxury and comfort - from the smart porter opening doors, the bell boys with their shiny brass buttons carrying your bags, and the welcoming staff who will take you to your quarters. The hotel boasts three restaurants and has gained international recognition when one of them was named "The Best Restaurant in Bangkok" by Travel & Leisure Magazine 2000.

In a crazy city like Bangkok, The Sukothai is an oasis of calm and plush luxury.

At the other end, in keeping with the style to which you’ve become, head for Raffles hotel. An institution, the hotel was declared a national monument in 1987. The hotel was originally opened in 1887 and keeps much of its golden age charm. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, the hotel exudes style and tradition, from the impeccable staff to the dazzling antiques.

Travellers planning on taking the train from April to September should enquire about the ”Privilege scheme” which entitles those booking a Pullman cabin to a free night's accommodation in both Bangkok and Singapore at The Oriental.

The efficient and friendly staff here will make sure your stay in Singapore goes according to plan. Enjoy the outdoor pool on the fourth floor, where you can sip a cocktail while taking in the panoramic view of the city's slick skyline or visit the newly refurbished spa.

The hotel overlooks Marina Bay. Most rooms benefit from either a harbour view or a city view. Humidity allowing, it's a short stroll to both the famous Raffles hotel and the new hotspot: The Fullerton. For shopping fiends, The Oriental is situated between several massive American style malls: Suntec City, Millenia Walk and Marina Square.

Despite being a giant hotel, The Oriental provides personal service and makes you feel special all the way. The hotel boasts seven restaurants. I recommend the 'Wasabi Bistro', a sushi restaurant with a twist. If you can, try a sample menu. The chef will take you on a voyage sampling a vast array of Japanese dishes fused with a Californian influence. From classic California rolls to fresh white Vichyssoise in a Martini glass and the smoothest melt-in-your-mouth tuna and yellow fin belly sashimi - a total treat.

A perfect place to finish a perfect trip. So good in fact, that you'll be resolute on coming back...

Where to book:

The Orient Express
http://www.orient-express.com/

Hotel Sukothai
13/3 South Sathorn Road
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
http://www.sukhothai.com/

Raffles Hotel1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65-6337-1886
Fax: +65-6339-7650
Email: Raffles@raffles.com

The Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue,
Marina Square
Singapore 039797
http://www.mandarin-oriental.com/

Practical details on arrival in Thailand

Visas:
Most European citizens do not require visas.

Health:
If you are planning on extending your stay in Thailand.
Immunisation against Hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria are advised. Malaria precautions are essential in Ko Chang and along the borders of Laos Cambodia and Myanmar, all year round. (There is very little risk in cities and main tourist areas such as Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, Changmai, the river Quai bridge area and offshore islands except Ko Chang.)

Currency Exchange
On arrival you will need Thai Baht to pay for a taxi if you are arranging your own transport. Make sure you have smaller change for the taxi. They will usually claim to have none. Don Muang Airport in Bangkok also has ATM machines.

Rate of Exchange
Approx 67Baht to £1.

Taxis from the Airport
Ignore the touts who will approach you at the terminal exit. Find the taxi-meter service kiosk and ask for a taxi. The fee is a flat fee of Bt 50, which will be added to the meter. Don't let the driver have your copy - it is a reference in case of any problem with the taxi. Let the driver take the toll way. This adds Bt 30 - 70 to the fare but avoids much of Bangkok's heavy traffic. The trip into town should be about Bt 250 - 300. Don't allow taxi drivers to take you anywhere but your chosen destination or you risk ending up in a hotel for which they work.

Weather
January to August is mostly sunny. March and April are the hottest months. The rainy season starts in October and lasts until January. End of February is a great time to go with temperatures between 28C and 34C.

Rowena Carr-Allinson is hipvoyages.com's editor. She is also evalu8.org's Contributing Editor Travel and Hip Travel Editor for Suite101.com. Her articles have appeared in Travellady.com, Travelmag.co.uk, Britishexpat.com, Renault.co.uk, Newwoman.co.uk, Redmagazine.co.uk, and Men's Health Magazine UK. "My mixed European background has given me broad horizons. Born in one country, raised in another, and being seen as a 'foreigner' everywhere, has led me to feel home is wherever I lay my hat.

Starting my career in journalism at the Financial Times in London, I then worked as a sports reporter and editor. Steering away from sports took me to a position producing interactive programming for UK-based lifestyle cable channel: LivingTV. Producing content for web and interactive TV took me to the spookiest places- from interviewing oddball celebrities to all-night live ghost hunts. Next up the day job took me to Columbia Tristar producing content for big blockbuster movies.

My passion is travel, preferably long-distance in business class, but anywhere will do. I have visited over 23 countries and am planning to see a lot more. I live with my partner in London and am partial to cooking, entertaining chez moi, cats, sarcasm and global shopping.