What is the best train trip to take from Singapore to Thailand?

Following a two-week cruise to Singapore I want to go to Bangkok and then on to Chiang Mai. Rather than flying, I would like to take a train between these two cities, breaking the journey into smaller sections. What are some good places to stop? Is there a single ticket which lasts for a week, or do you have to buy separate tickets between stops? Is it best to pre-order these from Australia? D. WHITEHOUSE, NEUTRAL BAY

The luxury option on the route between Singapore and Bangkok is the Eastern & Oriental Express operated by Belmond belmond.com, a well-dressed Edwardian wonder straight from the glory days of rail travel with modern refinements.

However, the price is high and it doesn't offer the hop-off, hop-on facility you're looking for.

It's no problem to take regular trains on this route, and there are daily airconditioned trains with various levels of service including sleepers and prices are great value. 

The first place I'd suggest stopping on your journey north along the Malay Peninsula is Kuala Lumpur, from where you could visit Malacca and even the Cameron Highlands as well as seeing the sights of the city itself.

My next stop would be Butterworth to take the ferry across to Penang, a charismatic, time-warped former trading port which will probably be the highlight of your journey. 

If you want to visit one of the Thai resort islands you could stop off at Surat Thani​ in southern Thailand and take the ferry to Koh Samui. 

Since you're stopping off along the way you can't buy a single ticket between Singapore and Bangkok, you'll need a ticket for each section.

Long-distance trains in Malaysia and Thailand come with a reserved seat or sleeper.

Tickets become available for purchase 30 days in advance for Malaysian trains, 60 days in Thailand.

You can buy tickets online at Easybook easybook.com or over the phone from Melbourne-based International Rail Australasia on 1300 387 245.

You'll want to travel as light as possible. 

You'll find heaps more helpful information on this route at the Man in Seat 61 seat61.com.  

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