When it comes to luxurious experiences by rail, it’s so easy to think of the Orient Express, which has been synonymous with sumptuous, decadent travel on track for over a century. Luxe furnishings inside gold-trimmed carriages, exquisite meals served with the finest wine, melodious music filters the air—every little detail serves to transport you to a different world. Attentive staff on-board spoil guests and uniformed butlers serve delicacies on silver platters. All of these elements matter to the overall experience; after all, when it comes to rail travel in the modern century, it is not about the destination, but the journey itself.
Trains, unlike private jets that move you from point A to point B as quickly as possible, run slowly on land at their own pace, connecting different cities, countries, and continents. With no rush, no hurry, with no sense of urgency, the prolonged journey allows admiration of the views as they shift and change, while off-train excursions always amaze with unusual destinations and offbeat adventures. The real essence of train travel is authentic and unforgettable, and Robb Report Hong Kong finds these seven experiences memorable.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is aimed at those looking for an absolutely luxurious train journey like no other. Currently owned by Belmond, the VSOE is now a private enterprise that runs between selected European cities. Just this past winter, the train sped along Florence, Paris, Venice, and Vienna in December for the very first time, travelling through some of Europe’s most untouched countryside and frosted forests. Social media experienced a flood of images and Instagram stories as travellers gushed about the incredible experience.
With 17 original midnight blue carriages that date back to the 1920s and 1930s, the train offers Historic Cabins and six Grand Suites as berths. Named after the cities that inspired the designs—Paris, Venice, Vienna, and Prague—the Grand Suites come with 24-hour butler service and free-flowing champagne. Starting in June of this year, eight new suites will join the two existing cabin categories aboard the train. Other star carriages include three restored historic dining cars built in the 1920s—Étoile du Nord, Côte d’Azur, and L’Oriental—and the Bar Car “3674,” a convivial space for evening cocktails and gatherings with a resident pianist. It is pure class and elegance.
Image courtesy of Belmond.
Eastern and Oriental Express
Also owned by Belmond, this luxury train is Southeast Asia’s version of Orient Express that has been travelling down the region’s arteries since 1993. Boasting a plush green exterior and a vintage interior with a hint of classic Asian design, the train takes its guests on journeys that last anywhere from two to six nights between Bangkok and Singapore through Malaysia from September to April.
The on-board experience starts first with the well-furnished suites, which feature a complimentary minibar and private transfer during both embarkation and disembarkation. Fine dining is served in all the three dining cars, which is further complemented by a cocktail or nightcap at the Piano Bar. There is also the Saloon Car that houses a selection of books and games, as well as an open-deck, veranda-like Observation Car at the rear of the train, which is the best spot to appreciate the ever-changing views that race by. The rail adventure is further enriched by off-board excursions such as a Thai cooking classes on a raft cruise, a bike ride through rice paddies, a local rural village visit, and even a one-night luxurious glamping experience in the Janda Baik rainforest in Malaysia.
Image courtesy of Belmond.
Train Suite Shiki-shima
Operated by the East Japan Railway Company and designed by Ken Okuyama, a former Ferrari and Porsche designer, this luxury sleeper train is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year. A nod to the craftsmanship and culture of eastern Japan, the cruise train features elements from each fleeting region from interior furnishings to seasonal ingredients used for meals. It takes passengers on two- to four-day circular tours to different destinations in eastern Japan based on different seasons.
The luxury train is made up of six sleeper cars with a maximum capacity of only 34, one lounge car, one dining car, and two observation cars featuring white walls and contoured windows at either end of the train. Famously, Car 7 houses the two most luxurious accommodations in the train, including a two-floor, maisonette-type suite with a traditional Japanese-style room fitted with tatami on the upper floor, and a deluxe suite room with a fireplace. Both come with a custom-made cypress bath, allowing guests to soak in the tub while appreciating the changing views of forests, fields, and coastlines along the journey.
Image courtesy of JR East.
Maharajas’ Express
With the fourth largest national railway network in the world, India is not short of luxury train experience. The renowned Maharajas’ Express is an attempt to recreate the royal experience on journeys taken by Indian royalty and British aristocracy in their private saloons. For the uninitiated, “maharaja” refers to a ruling king in India, a fine indication of how luxurious and decadent this train is.
The train journey runs on four different itineraries that cover more than 12 destinations in northwestern and central India, most of which are centered around the imperial state of Rajasthan. Off-board highlights include visits to the City Palace in Udaipur, ancient forts and historic sites, and the Seventh Wonder of the World: the Taj Mahal. Other highlights in the itinerary include walking tours in local villages and old markets, safaris at the Ranthambore National Park, where you can see Bengal tigers up close, and exquisite meals at exclusive venues—for example, on the sand dunes of Bikaner.
When it comes to the on-board experience, the most spacious and luxurious Presidential Suite occupies a whole carriage with a living room and two bedrooms that can accommodate up to four guests. All on-board meals are served in the train’s two restaurants and two lounges.
Image courtesy of Maharajas’ Express.
Rovos Rail
This is a train where you can experience Victorian-style luxury in Africa. Started in 1989 as a family business by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious vintage trains in the world. It accommodates up to 72 passengers in 36 suites. The most spacious Royal Suites take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower.
The train takes passengers on journeys that last anywhere between 48 hours to 15 days to some of the more incredible destinations in Africa. Notably, inaugurated in July 2022, the new Copper Trail expedition takes you on a 15-day tour through Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. The 3,100-kilometre journey departs from Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, and includes a visit to Lusaka’s elephant sanctuary, a three-night safari at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and short walking tours along the historical copper trail in Angola.
Image courtesy of Rovos Rail.
Rocky Mountaineer
What separates Rocky Mountaineer from all the others listed above? Well, it is not a sleeper train and it only travels by daylight. And with good reason; as the name implies, the train takes passengers on four distinct routes through the Rocky Mountains of North America, including three in western Canada and a newly added route that traverses down the southwest of the United States.
The train offers two levels of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. If you opt for the GoldLeaf Service, you can expect to board the signature bi-level glass-dome coaches, where the upper level is covered by oversized glass-dome windows offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the surroundings, making it the perfect spot to capture the breathtaking sceneries along the route.
Meanwhile, the lower level is used as a dining room where gourmet meals are served. There is also a large outdoor viewing platform if you want to get a bit closer to jaw-dropping views. There are hosts along the way to share stories and the history of the land to make the journey more memorable.
Image courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer.
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
This luxury train takes you on a 15-day leisure tour on the world’s longest single-service railway line—the Trans-Siberian Railway—which spans two continents and eight time zones, connecting Russia’s capital Moscow and Vladivostok.
During the tour, you can expect to join a private viewing of the Kremlin armoury in Moscow and barbecue on the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake, where you may also go for a swim in its ice-cold waters (if you are brave enough) or watch under-ice fishing in winter. The train will also make a stop in Ulaanbaatar, where you can see Mongolia’s three national sports—wrestling, horse racing, and archery—in a mini-Naadam showcase. A new spin-off tour will take you further to Yakutsk, famed for being one of the coldest places on Earth.
On the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, the Imperial Suites are the most spacious cabins with a complimentary fully stocked minibar. Those staying in the Imperial Suites will also benefit from the option of a private guide and chauffeured car service in most of the places they visit along the route.
Image courtesy of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.
