In February 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, made waves in the travel industry for returning to the rails after a long hiatus. Introducing two new seasonal journeys from Singapore through Malaysia, it boasts redesigned interiors and enhanced onboard experiences, setting a new benchmark for railway travel in the region. This month, it was announced that the Eastern & Oriental Express will launch the Dior Spa onboard, marking Dior’s inaugural spa in the region.
“The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia offers a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart from Belmond’s other train journeys worldwide,” Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains & Cruises at Belmond, told BurdaLuxury. “It is the only Asian train and the only one travelling in a tropical region. It also stands out with brand new routes in Malaysia, a time capsule ambiance, locally inspired cuisine by Culinary Curator Chef André Chiang, and its beautifully restyled carriages, including the iconic open-air Observation Car, that features laid back interiors paired with natural wicker details.”
Those acquainted with the Belmond group may recognise its other opulent train journeys worldwide, such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice, renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious. They also operate the British Pullman, Royal Scotsman, and Andean Explorer through the Peruvian highlands, among others.
Belmond’s relaunch of its Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, coincides with a growing appreciation for slow travel among travellers. Let’s explore the evolving preferences of travellers in Asia’s train industry.
New luxury trains in Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, represents one of the latest additions to Asia’s lineup of luxurious train experiences, emphasising that the journey itself can sometimes hold more significance than the destination.
“The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia offers a truly exceptional luxury train experience that sets it apart from others in Asia,” Franklin shared. “Stepping aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express feels like entering a time capsule, where guests can capture new experiences and create lasting memories.”
Indeed, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train in Southeast Asia, not only features stunning train interiors inspired by Southeast Asia’s timeless elegance but also boasts 16 beautifully restyled carriages. A standout feature is its Observation Car, offering the perfect vantage point to enjoy the unfolding scenery – from lush jungles and plantations to temples and picturesque villages.
Chef André Chiang’s locally inspired menu complements the journey through Malaysia’s landscapes. Evenings onboard offer live entertainment, including singers and magicians. Special journeys like the Veuve Clicquot Solaire and Tiger Express raise the bar with champagne, culinary experiences, and conservation awareness.
Belmond isn’t the only hospitality group to launch new train journeys recently. The Vietage by Anantara in Vietnam expanded with a second railway carriage, launching daily journeys between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon starting May 15, 2024. Following the success of its existing route from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, this custom-designed addition connects Nha Trang, serviced by Cam Ranh International Airport, offering luxury travel experiences through South-Central Vietnam. The five-hour journey showcases picturesque Vietnamese countryside, providing a unique daytime travel option distinct from overnight train experiences in Asia.
“The Vietnamese countryside is very diverse, so the scenery during the journeys gives guests a visual insight into daily life as there will be rice paddies, lotus ponds, farmers in the fields with water buffaloes, rural villages, mountainous regions, coastal views, city views and some cultural sights across all the journeys – things you definitely cannot see from 35,000 ft,” Kate Jones, the Area Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Minor Hotels in Vietnam, told BurdaLuxury. What’s more, it has unique wellness features. “The Vietage by Anantara also has a spa area on board the carriage, which others do not have, which gives us something different to offer as part of the overall guest experience, as well as the fine dining experiences aboard both carriages, whether it is three-course lunch or dinner, or an opulent afternoon tea depending on which journey guests are taking.”
In February, Aman launched an ultra-luxury train voyage from Jakarta to Amanjiwo in Central Java. This seven-hour journey features a private carriage accommodating up to 15 guests. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and alcoholic beverages onboard, complemented by cultural and historical insights from a Resident Anthropologist. The experience is available on select dates, approximately once a month, until the end of 2024.
In addition to offering actual train journeys, InterContinental has embraced the trend with its Khao Yai property, opened in 2022. Designed by Bill Bensley, the resort incorporates authentic Thai train car suites that have been meticulously restored and redesigned into luxurious accommodation units. “Guests can experience staying in an actual train carriage, but with modern amenities and plush interiors,” the hotel’s general manager Sandy Liw told BurdaLuxury.
The hotel’s lobby, named Khao Yai Station, doubles as a museum curated by Bill Bensley, featuring nostalgic items like iron railings, locomotive whistles, vintage cameras, luggage, and furniture, all reminiscent of that period.
“Bill Bensley has always been a fan of upcycling and recycling, so repurposing train carriages was a dream come true,” said Liw. “Thailand has a long and storied history with rail transportation dating back to the late 19th century. The first railways were constructed during the reign of King Rama V to facilitate trade, travel and development. Vintage trains from that era have become icons of a bygone romantic age of travel in the country.”
Guests at InterContinental Khao Yai can indulge in luxurious train carriage suites, meticulously restored and transformed into lavish accommodations. Alongside gourmet dining and spa treatments, the train carriages offer a unique setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Special themed events, like Murder Mystery Dinners, enhance the nostalgic thrill and mystery of train travel.
“By theming the Khao Yai resort around this nostalgia for Thailand’s golden age of rail travel, InterContinental tapped into an existing desire among travellers to experience the glamour, escapism and sense of adventure associated with luxury train journeys of that era,” said Liw.
A strong demand for luxury train journeys in Asia
Luxury train travel is on the rise globally, and Asia is no exception to the trend. According to TTG Asia, train bookings on Trip.com Group have skyrocketed in Asia where more travellers want “to pursue the perfect trip for a sustainable future”.
Charlotte Harris, founder of the Hong Kong-based luxury travel agency Charlotte Travel, noted that clients in Asia seek unique and immersive journeys, and train travel aligns perfectly with these preferences.
“Clients in Asia are drawn to the sense of nostalgia and elegance associated with train travel, as well as the ability to truly unwind and disconnect from the pace of everyday life,” she told BurdaLuxury. “Customers seem increasingly drawn to the ability to experience a destination in a more leisurely, intimate manner, while enjoying the luxurious amenities of high-end train accommodations.”
Harris has observed a rising demand for train journeys among her clients, spanning a diverse demographic. This includes younger couples, families, and retirees, all expressing keen interest in these immersive travel experiences. Iconic train journeys like the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia particularly stands out as highly popular choices among discerning travellers.
Belmond’s Gary Franklin confirmed that they’ve been experiencing a healthy mix across different regions and a younger generation of travellers who are looking to experience slow travel. “The re-launch of the Eastern & Oriental Express train has attracted affluent travellers, including millennials and Gen Z, who seek meaningful experiences closer to home,” he said. “Asian luxury consumers are increasingly interested in unique and sustainable travel experiences that prioritise nature and culture.”
At The Vietage by Anantara, there has been a mix of travellers booking the experience since its launch. “There has been a great deal of guests from Australia, the UK, the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Switzerland and Germany,” noted Jones. “Guests are also a mix of families, couples and groups of friends. Many are celebrating special occasions and taking The Vietage by Anantara as a bucket-list style experience.”
Like many others, Jones has noticed an uptick in demand for rail travel recently, in large part thanks to the sustainability element. “Trends are showing that travellers are looking not just for a way to get from A to B, but to have an experience in itself in doing so and a slower-paced journey, rather than rushing through an airport,” she explained.
Harris highlighted that clients are drawn to the luxurious amenities and attentive service offered onboard, as well as the opportunity to socialise and connect with fellow travelers during their journeys. “Customers value the comfort and personal service, as well as the opportunity to connect with fellow guests and truly unwind,” said Harris. “The trains also provide an unparalleled vantage point to admire the ever-changing landscapes, making the journey itself a highlight of the overall travel experience.”
Famous and longstanding luxury train journeys in Asia
In addition to the new luxury train journeys, Asia boasts a variety of existing ones that have catered to affluent travellers for decades. In Japan, notable examples include the Kyushu Luxury Sleeper, Train Suite Shiki-Shima, and Twilight Express.
In India, there is the Golden Chariot, the Maharajas’ Express and The Deccan Odyssey. “India boasts some of the most distinctive luxury train experiences in Asia, which evokes the luxurious ambiance of a bygone era,” said Harris. “These trains offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich history and culture.”
In Central Asia, the Golden Eagle is renowned as the most luxurious train operating across the “Five Stans” countries of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
“Golden Eagle Luxury Trains itself will be celebrating its 35th year of operation, so we possess a huge amount of knowledge operating private luxury trains in remote lands,” Ian Lomas, Golden Eagle’s Head of Sales and Marketing, told BurdaLuxury. “Many of the staff within the organisation have been working here for at least 15 years.”
“We are the only fully en-suite train that operates in this part of the world – all three cabin types (Silver, Gold and Imperial) have private en-suite bathrooms,” said Lomas. Its four Imperial Suites offer spacious accommodations of 120 square feet each, featuring a private car and guide for every off-train excursion, upgraded hotel stays at the beginning and end of tours, private dining options, and complimentary minibar access.
According to Lomas, the main markets for the business are from the US, UK, and Australia, although they also receive bookings from around the globe, including South America, Southeast Asia, and mainland Europe.
“Most of our customers are aged 60+ – retired professionals with a sense of adventure and inquisitiveness to visit remote lands in the security, safety and luxury of a private train with like-minded individuals,” he said. After re-starting their programmes in October 2023 (after a 3 year gap), its most popular tour – Republics of the Silk Road – is sold out for 2024 and has excellent forward sales for 2025. “Central Asia is a fantastic area to travel through, with a beautiful welcome everywhere we go and very safe places to visit,” he shared. What makes Golden Eagle unique is the much longer distances that it covers through Central Asia. “It is really the only way to travel across Central Asia due to the excellent connectivity of the railways in this part of the world,” enthused Lomas.
The future of luxury train journeys in Asia
Train enthusiasts have much to anticipate in the coming years, with the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train, “Dream of the Desert,” scheduled for 2025. Operated by the Arsenale Group, known for projects like Soho House Roma and Orient Express La Dolce Vita, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways, this five-star train will traverse 1,300 km of desert and cities, starting from Riyadh and passing through Hail and Quarayyat at speeds up to 300 km/h.
China’s “Train of Glamour” launched a new luxury train called the “Silk Road Express” on July 6th. This tourism initiative integrates oriental aesthetics with Silk Road culture, offering immersive experiences of nature and humanities along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. The train features 15 carriages and offers a 5-day, 4-night journey through deserts, Gobi landscapes, and salt lakes. Travellers can also opt for the “Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop,” starting from Dunhuang, passing through Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Wuwei, and ending in Lanzhou.
Other trains like Golden Eagle have plans to expand too. “We’re looking to move back into China and Southeast Asia with some exciting plans in the pipeline,” said Lomas. Accommodation upgrades are in the mix too. “We’re always continuing to improve our onboard services, and looking to add a flagship full carriage suite with private dining for the new ultimate in rail accommodation!”
Belmond’s Gary Franklin concurred, noting that they are always looking at other destinations to expand into, especially in Southeast Asia.
At The Vietage by Anantara’s Kate Jones added that they are also looking into creating longer luxury railway experiences through the country.
BurdaLuxury’s Lens
Looking ahead, the future of luxury train travel appears promising, embracing a trifecta of sustainability, unparalleled opulence, and evocative nostalgia. As travellers seek more sustainable and environmentally conscious modes of exploration, luxury trains offer a unique allure with their refined amenities and exclusive experiences.
Coupled with a timeless appeal that evokes the romantic era of rail travel, these journeys not only provide luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining but also transport guests through breathtaking landscapes and culturally rich destinations. In an era where discerning travellers prioritise authenticity and meaningful experiences, luxury train journeys promise to captivate and inspire, offering a perfect fusion of elegance, comfort, and adventure.
