Orient-Express Crosses Friendship Bridge into Laos

Bespoke luxury travel operator Orient-Express recently pioneered its first-ever train crossing over the Friendship Bridge connecting Thailand with Laos.

The Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O) made history on 25 February 2010 with its inaugural 'Voyage to Vientiane'. The unique four day-three night tour departed Bangkok two days earlier. Previous tours into Laos were aboard the E&O only up to the border, with onward travel by road. The opening of the Friendship Bridge in 2009 has now paved the way for E&O journeys into the heart of beautiful and mysterious Laos.

 The thrilling adventure first wound through north-east Thailand, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage temple of Phimai, and a vineyard in the picturesque Khao Yai valley for tasting “New Latitude Wines”. Crossing the mighty Mekong River into Laos over the Friendship Bridge, the new itinerary included a day in the Laos capital of Vientiane, with lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. As with all E&O adventures, the 'Voyage to Vientiane' includes all table d'hôte meals on board and sightseeing tours.

The gleaming green and cream E&O evokes the great age of luxury train travel and a world of opulence - harking back to the 'colonial' age of rattan chairs on the veranda, linen suits, and tea dances coupled with the adventure of a unique train journey.

 Orient-Express also features unique luxury spa packages in Laos, at the 5-star La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, Orient-Express, Laos