Old-fashioned Asia by train

Running the length of the Malayan Peninsula from Singapore to Bangkok, the Eastern and Oriental Express "takes its passengers on a journey through south-east Asia's colonial past", says Sholto Byrnes in the Independent. The journey from Singapore City to Bangkok takes about 66 hours, with three stops - in Kuala Lumpur (very brief); the former British colonial town of Butterworth, Malaysia (allowing a boat trip to Penang island); and Kanchanaburi in Thailand. The train itself has only been running since 1993, but it boasts "sumptuous, old-fashioned decor, all brass lamps and rosewood panelling". Cabins are "spacious", the food is superb and the service "stylish". Such luxury might be "the enemy of observation", as Paul Theroux warned - but this is "a fulfilling, inspiring, sepia-tinged voyage" nonetheless.

Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2200) has fares from £3,235pp including flights and hotels. ·