A trip that traverses Asia can be altogether exotic and exhilarating, but can also be intimidating, especially for first-timers. That’s why we love the peace of mind travelers can enjoy being shuttled about courtesy of the classy Eastern & Oriental Express (www.orient-express.com), which offers several different itineraries to major Southeast Asian cities in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Laos. Our favorite is the three-night train trip between elegant Singapore and the bright lights of Bangkok, with stops along the way in Malaysia, as well as at natural attractions like the River Kwai. Onboard, deep wood-paneled passenger cars, an ornate bar car, and a panoramic observation room provide maximum comfort to view the passing bucolic landscapes of rice paddies, small villages, and water buffalo, as well as of bustling urban areas, each providing great insight into Asia's history and future.

For more trip-planning information, see our Asia Travel Guide.