6 Luxurious Sleeper Trains for an Unforgettable Journey in Asia

Imagine traversing the vast and diverse landscapes of Asia not just with any mode of transport, but aboard luxurious sleeper trains, where the journey itself becomes a highlight of your travel experiences. Sleeper trains, combining the allure of overnight train travel with the opulence of high-end accommodations, offer a unique way to explore this fascinating continent. These mobile havens provide not just a bed to rest but a window to the soul of Asia, showcasing its splendid scenery, culture, and heritage as you glide through the night in comfort and style.

In this article, you will be introduced to six of the most luxurious sleeper trains in Asia that promise an unforgettable journey across this expansive landscape. From the elegance of the Eastern & Oriental Express traveling between Singapore and Malaysia to the futuristic luxury of Japan's Train Suite Shiki-shima, and the regal splendor of the Maharajas' Express in India, each train presents a distinct travel experience. You will discover how these trains go beyond mere transportation, offering gourmet dining, breathtaking views, and impeccable service, ensuring your overnight journey is as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore/Malaysia)

Eastern & Oriental Express Overview

Embark on a luxurious journey aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, a sleeper train that epitomizes comfort and elegance. Operating between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, this train is managed to the same five-star standards as the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Created in 1992, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers fully air-conditioned coaches that have been meticulously refurbished to meet luxury standards, complete with en suite facilities in every compartment .

Eastern & Oriental Express Route

Your adventure can span from Singapore to Bangkok, typically lasting 2 nights and 3 days, or the reverse route taking 3 nights and 4 days. These journeys include enriching stops like a brief tour of Kuala Kangsar and a visit to the historic Bridge on the River Kwai. Notably, in 2024, the train will exclusively operate within Malaysia, enhancing its focus on showcasing the beauty and culture of this region .

Eastern & Oriental Express Amenities

The train boasts an array of accommodations from Pullman Suites to the lavish Presidential Suites, ensuring privacy and comfort with options to suit different preferences. Each journey is complemented by gourmet dining in one of the three elegant dining cars, and relaxation is paramount with features like the observation lounge offering panoramic views and a piano bar for evening entertainment. For a touch of indulgence, you can enjoy a range of treatments at the onboard spa .

This train not only offers a remarkable travel experience but also provides an intimate atmosphere with a maximum capacity of 64 guests, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail throughout your journey .

Train Suite Shiki-shima (Japan)

Train Suite Shiki-shima Overview

Embark on a journey where luxury meets cultural immersion aboard the Train Suite Shiki-shima. This ultra-luxurious "cruise train," operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), offers an unparalleled travel experience through Japan's scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With its hybrid electric/diesel propulsion system, the train can navigate both electrified and non-electrified routes, ensuring a smooth journey across diverse terrains .

Train Suite Shiki-shima Route

Your adventure begins at Tokyo's Ueno Station, where the Train Suite Shiki-shima departs for either a 1-night/2-day or a 3-night/4-day journey. Depending on the chosen itinerary, you might explore the mountains of central Honshu or venture into the wilds of Tohoku. Each route is carefully planned to showcase the seasonal beauty and cultural richness of the regions visited, making every journey unique and unforgettable .

Train Suite Shiki-shima Amenities

Step inside the Train Suite Shiki-shima and discover a world of refined elegance and comfort. The train features 17 exclusive suites, including the luxurious Shiki-shima Suite with a maisonette layout offering spectacular views and a relaxing cypress bath. Each suite is designed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, ensuring a serene and opulent environment. Dining on the train is an exquisite experience, with meals prepared using seasonal ingredients sourced from the regions along the route. The lounge car, furnished with beautiful crafts and artwork, provides a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the passing scenery .

Seven Stars Kyushu (Japan)

Seven Stars Kyushu Overview

Experience the epitome of luxury rail travel in Japan with the Seven Stars in Kyushu. This exclusive train, often referred to as Nanatsuboshi, showcases the best of Kyushu's artistry and craftsmanship. Each journey on this train is not just a travel experience but a cultural immersion, highlighting the rich heritage and scenic beauty of Kyushu's landscapes.

Seven Stars Kyushu Route

Your journey on the Seven Stars will take you through the heart of Kyushu, covering multiple prefectures. The train offers a choice between a 4-day/3-night tour and a shorter 2-day/1-night tour. Both itineraries are designed to offer an in-depth exploration of the region, from its volcanic mountains to its vibrant cities and tranquil hot springs. Highlights include stops at key cultural sites and the opportunity to engage in unique local experiences.

Seven Stars Kyushu Amenities

Aboard the Seven Stars, you are treated to unparalleled luxury. The train features just 12 suites, ensuring an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Each suite is a blend of Japanese and Western design, equipped with private bathrooms and exquisite furnishings. The train also boasts a lounge car with panoramic windows and live musical performances, providing a relaxing backdrop as you travel. Dining on the Seven Stars is an experience in itself, with meals prepared using fresh, local ingredients that reflect the culinary heritage of Kyushy.

The Vietage by Anantara (Vietnam)

The Vietage Overview

Embark on unforgettable railway adventures through the lush landscapes and spectacular scenery of Central Vietnam aboard The Vietage by Anantara. This luxury railway experience, developed by Anantara, offers daily journeys between Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang, providing an epic romance of train travel with old-world comfort . Each carriage is designed to ensure breath-taking views and gourmet dining experiences, leaving you refreshed and inspired for your next destination .

The Vietage Route

The Vietage operates two separate carriages, each running daily in opposite directions. One journey starts in the morning from Da Nang to Quy Nhon and continues to Nha Trang, while the other leaves Nha Trang in the afternoon, heading to Quy Nhon and then to Da Nang . These journeys offer a unique chance to see the countryside of Central Vietnam, including rice paddies, lotus ponds, and stunning mountain landscapes .

The Vietage Amenities

The Vietage ensures a luxurious travel experience with only 12 passengers per journey, offering privacy and exclusivity. Each carriage features six private booths, luxurious seating, and includes amenities such as complimentary WiFi, power outlets, and charging stations . Enjoy gourmet dining with a three-course meal or a luxury afternoon tea, complemented by free-flow beverages and a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment . For those traveling from Quy Nhon to Da Nang, sleeper booths are available, providing an even more comfortable journey .

Maharajas' Express (India)

Maharajas' Express Overview

Step aboard the Maharajas' Express, an epitome of luxury on rails, offering you an opportunity to explore India's rich cultural heritage. This opulent train provides four distinct tours: Heritage of India, Treasures of India, Indian Panorama, and Indian Splendor, each starting from either Delhi or Mumbai and covering majestic destinations .

Maharajas' Express Route

Travel through five northern and north-central states of India—Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Experience a blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness on routes meticulously planned to showcase India's heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes. Each journey, whether it's the 7-days Indian Splendor or the shorter 4-days Treasures of India tour, is designed to cater to different preferences and time constraints, offering experiences ranging from wildlife safaris in Ranthambore to spiritual visits in Varanasi .

Maharajas' Express Amenities

The train is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a comfortable journey. Accommodations range from deluxe cabins to the luxurious presidential suite, all designed with elegant interiors reflecting India's royal heritage. Enjoy gourmet meals in two exquisite restaurants, relax in the royal lounges with a selection of fine wines and spirits, or indulge in a book or game in the Safari Bar. The train ensures a seamless experience with services like butler service, guided tours, and high-speed internet access, making your journey not just a travel experience but a celebration of luxury and culture .

Orient Express La Dolce Vita (Italy)

Orient Express La Dolce Vita Overview

Step aboard the newly revived Orient Express La Dolce Vita, where luxury meets Italian design from the 1960s and 1970s. This train offers a unique blend of contemporary and classic styles, celebrating the art of living beautifully. With only 62 guests accommodated across 12 carriages, including three technical cars, you are promised an intimate and exclusive experience .

Orient Express La Dolce Vita Route

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita offers a variety of itineraries, each designed to showcase the best of Italy's landscapes and cultural heritage. From the iconic cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence to hidden gems like Matera and Palena, the train traverses through 14 Italian regions. Experience leisurely-paced tours that include off-board explorations, allowing you to immerse yourself in Italy's rich history and vibrant local culture .

Orient Express La Dolce Vita Amenities

Luxury on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita is unmatched, with every detail carefully crafted to enhance your journey. The train features Deluxe and Suite Cabins, each offering sophisticated amenities and room service. Indulge in gourmet Italian cuisine at the Ristorante, where contemporary decor meets traditional flavors, or enjoy an Italian Aperitivo in the elegantly designed Bar Car. The train also provides tailored excursions, onboard entertainment, and 24-hour service to ensure your every need is met .

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of Asia's most luxurious sleeper trains, we've journeyed from the opulent carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express through the futuristic comforts of Japan's Shiki-shima, to the regal splendor of India's Maharajas' Express, and beyond. Each train epitomizes not just the pinnacle of rail travel luxury but also serves as a moving testament to the rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes of Asia. They offer far more than mere transit; they provide immersive experiences that blend scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and unparalleled comfort, truly making the journey as memorable as the destination itself.

The allure of these trains lies not only in their exquisite amenities and services but also in their ability to connect travelers to the heart and soul of each destination. As we conclude, it's clear that whether you're seeking an intimate glimpse into Japan's hidden natural wonders, the historical riches of India, or the vibrant spirit of Southeast Asia, these majestic railway journeys invite you on an unforgettable voyage steeped in luxury. They remind us that in the realm of travel, the path we take can sometimes enchant us just as much as the places we visit.

FAQs

What is the price range for a luxury train journey in Japan?
The luxury train experience in Japan, favored by the Imperial Family and the aristocracy, is the country's most opulent. The cost for a four-night journey starts at ¥830,000 per person (approximately $7,000 USD), while a shorter one-night journey begins at ¥402,000 per person (approximately $3,500 USD).

Which train holds the title of the most expensive in Asia?
The Eastern and Oriental Express is the most expensive train in Asia. Prices begin at $6,800 per person for a Pullman cabin, with tickets available through the Belmond website.

Can you list some of the world's most scenic train rides?
Certainly! Some of the most picturesque train journeys globally include the Glacier Express in Switzerland, The Himalayan Queen from Kalka to Shimla in India, the journey through the Tea Country from Peradeniya to Ella in Sri Lanka, the Vietage Train from Da Nang to Quy Nhon in Vietnam, and the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco in the USA.

What are the costs involved in a global train tour?
A round-the-world train tour, offering the pinnacle of luxury rail travel, is scheduled to depart on August 28, 2024. Ticket prices start at $119,599 per person, and bookings are available through Railbookers. This journey also allows travelers ample free time to explore various destinations independently.