Eastern & Oriental Express

Marvel at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the impressive Reclining Buddha. Experience the golden age of travel with three nights aboard the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express train as it rolls past the rice paddies of Thailand and Malaysia. From the River Kwai Bridge station, travel along the Kwai Yai River. Explore the Malaysian town of Kuala Kangsar and see Singapore’s iconic Merlion Park and Civil District. Admire Bali’s breathtaking scenery and traditional life.

Dates
Sep 24 - Oct 6, 2017  (13 Days)
Cost

from $5,995 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Sunday, September 24
    Depart the U.S.

    Depart your home city for Bangkok, Thailand.

    Monday, September 25
    In Transit

    Cross the international date line during transit.

    Tuesday, September 26
    Bangkok, Thailand

    Upon arrival, transfer to The Peninsula Bangkok. Enjoy some free time today. Tonight gather for a Welcome Reception.

    Wednesday, September 27
    Bangkok

    Hear a lecture about the history and culture of Thailand. Cruise the Chao Phraya to see the famous Thonburi canals and the Temple of Dawn. Stroll through a local market and visit the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Enjoy a Thai lunch at a restaurant in a century-old historic building. Hop in a tuk-tuk and enjoy an entertaining ride in this three-wheeled taxi to see Wat Pho and the reclining Buddha. For those interested, enjoy an optional evening excursion to a unique Thai dance show and dinner of local cuisine. (B,L)

    Thursday, September 28
    Bangkok / Eastern & Oriental Express

    Enjoy some free time this morning. Take an excursion to the Jim Thompson House. Explore the teak complexes that make up the antique-rich home of this American legend. Ponder his life and perplexing disappearance before enjoying free time to browse exquisite silk goods in the shop. This afternoon, board the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express. As the train departs Bangkok, watch as the cityscape fades into a rural tapestry of sprawling rice paddies. (B,L,D)

    Friday, September 29
    Kanchanaburi

    Marvel at beautiful vistas of the Kanchanaburi countryside as you sip your morning coffee. Then board a watercraft at the River Kwai Bridge station. As you cruise along the Kwai Yai River, learn about the Thailand-Burma railway from a local historian. Drive past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Center. See the Don Rak War Cemetery where 7,000 Allied soldiers who died while building the railway during World War II are buried. (B,L,D)

    Saturday, September 30
    Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia

    Explore the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, the official residence of the Sultan of Perak. Notice the gold dome and gold minarets atop the bedazzled Ubudiah Mosque, a structure designed by British architect Arthur Hubback. Marvel at the Perak Royal Museum, a palace constructed entirely of wood and bamboo without the use of a single nail. Wander through the Sultan Shah Gallery and discover the colorful life of the 34th Sultan of Perak. See displays of ornate clothing and the Sultan’s collection of luxury vehicles.  (B,L,D)

    Sunday, October 1
    Singapore

    Following breakfast, disembark the Eastern & Oriental Express in Singapore. Explore Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Resort and Merlion Park. Drive through the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, City Hall Parliament House, and Supreme Court. This afternoon, check in to the Shangri-la Hotel. (B)

    Monday, October 2
    Singapore

    Enjoy a day at leisure in Singapore. Perhaps stretch your legs on a stroll to Gardens by the Bay. An optional tour "Multicultural Singapore" will be offered giving you a chance to explore the diverse cultures and neighborhoods including Kampong Glam, Chinatown and Little India. (B)

    Tuesday, October 3
    Singapore / Bali, Indonesia

    This morning, depart for the airport for a flight to Bali. Upon arrival, transfer to the Jimbaran Puri Bali, an idyllic oasis in a tropical setting. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

    Wednesday, October 4
    Bali

    Spend the day immersed in Bali’s daily life. Visit a local school to meet the students and their teachers. Observe the local lifestyle and traditional activities of a Balinese housing compound. Learn about subak, an ancient irrigation system still used in Bali’s rice fields today. If you wish, surrender your feet to a relaxing Balinese foot massage. (B,L)

    Thursday, October 5
    Bali

    Enjoy a full day for independent exploration in Bali. 

    An optional day trip to Tampak Siring and Ubud will be available. Head to the hills of Bali and visit a spiritual temple where the water from a bubbling spring is believed to have healing powers. In Ubud, visit the ARMA Museum to see a collection of Balinese paintings and learn about the gamelan, a unique musical instrument. Spend the afternoon at the museum or choose to visit Ubud’s bustling market. Gather with fellow travelers this evening to bid farewell to Bali during a Farewell Dinner. (B,D)

    Friday, October 6
    In Transit

    Transer to the airport for the return flights home. (B)

    Map

                          Full Price            Early Booking Discount     Early Booking Savings*

    Pullman Cabin           $6,245                      $250                                     $5,995*

    State Cabin                $7,245                      $250                                     $6,995*

    Prices are per person, double occupancy, and do not include international airfare. VAT is an additional $495 per person.  
    Pullman Cabins are 62 sq. ft. private lounge with banquette-style sofa. At night the seating converts to upper and lower beds.
    State Cabins are 84 sq. ft. private lounge with banquette-style sofa and chairs. At night the seating converts to two single beds. 

    Single Occupancy:
    Pullman Cabin Single Room (54 sq. ft. with one lower bed). The supplement is an additional $995.
    State Cabin Single Room is an additional $2,595.

    There is limited availability for all single accommodations.

    Included:
    Two nights in Bangkok, Thailand, at The Peninsula Bangkok, a deluxe hotel; Three nights aboard the deluxe Eastern & Oriental Express; Two nights in Singapore at the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel Singapohe address panel. Three nights in Bali, Indonesia, at the Jimbaran Puri Bali; all transfers within the Land Program: flights, train and deluxe motor coaches, including baggage handling; 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners. Tea or coffee is included with all meals;  Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner.

    Not Included:  
    International Airfare; Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; entry/departure fees; personal gratuities; laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly personal nature. Airport transfer costs for those not participating in AHI's FlexAir. 

    What to Expect

    This trip is moderately active and involves walking on many excursions. Surfaces may be uneven or unpaved. Participants must be able to get on and off coaches, boats and trains on their own. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.

    Cancellation
    All cancellations for any reason will be subject to a $250 per person administrative fee. You may choose, at the time of cancellation, to apply the withheld administrative fee to a future AHI Travel program that will operate in the current calendar year or year following. Cancellation from 120 days to 76 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 10% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 75-30 days, 50% of the trip cost per person; cancellation from 29 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel and Commonwealth Club of California. CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS-Purchases of optional excursions, trip extensions and additional hotel nights become fully nonrefundable 45 days prior to departure. Air transportation and private transfer purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines and transfer suppliers.

    Mobility and Fitness to Travel
    The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance.

    Air Transportation
    The price of air transportation offered by AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for arrival and departure transfers, and any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s).

    Baggage
    Baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. Details will be provided with your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Authority to Use Images and Audio Recordings
    On occasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities.

    Responsibility
    AHI Travel and The Commonwealth Club of California do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and BASED ON TARIFFS, EXCHANGE Rates and other information CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT OR BEFORE THE TIME OF DEPARTURE. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip.

    Registration
    Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40 AHI: CST Registration No. 2028271-20. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-33300 Iowa Seller of Travel No. 520 Ohio Seller of Travel Reg. No. 8889139. Washington State Seller of Travel Reg. No. 601-820-781. PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC Member Carriers.