Q&A: Airbus A380 for the first time, and Eastern & Oriental Express train

Q: I've been to Thailand many times but have yet to take and the luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train. I've heard it will soon operate a new route. Do you have the details? Thanks. Lenka

A: This luxury train offers you a once-in-a-life-time experience. The Eastern & Oriental Express is admittedly one of the world's great train journeys, but if you've been to Asia many times already, you may be less exited about the exotic scenery than by the luxury and charm of the train service as well as the amenities found in its suites and compartments and, of course, the fine dining and wine.

The new route will take passengers from Bangkok across the Friendship Bridge to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The new schedule is due to start on February 23 and the four-ay, three-night trip, known as "Voyage to Vientiane" will start and end of Bangkok.

If you've never explored northeastern Thailand and have deep pockets, this trip is definitely worthwhile. Interesting stops includes Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima as well as a side trip to Khao Yai's vineyards to taste Thailand's premium "new latitude" wines. Arriving in Vientiane, passengers will have a full day tour of the city before returning the next day.

The short journey is rather pricey, starting from US$1,950 (Bt65,000) for a State Cabin and $3,780 for a Presidential Suite per person and based on share accommodation. The price includes all meals on board, with complimentary tea and coffee in your compartment, and sightseeing tours.

That said, the trip would add a real bonus to a holiday in Thailand. Enjoy your stay!

Q: I'm travelling to London in April and would really like to experience that most talked-about aircraft, the Airbus A380, for the first time. Do any airlines operate the super jumbo from Bangkok to London? Luckhana

A: You must be an aircraft enthusiast! The A380 is the world's first double decker airliner and is said to the most environmentally advanced commercial aircraft in the skies today. However, at the moment, there is no direct A380 flight between Bangkok and London. In fact, your options are limited as only two airlines offer a convenient flight with one connecting stop. They are Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

Singapore Airlines, the first airline to take delivery of the new aircraft for its Sydney route, flies the Airbus A380 between Heathrow Airport and Changi with up to 525 passengers seated on the two decks. It's a good choice if you are travelling to Heathrow, as there are good connections from Bangkok. The airline also offers the super-jumbo service to Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Paris.

Emirates also operates daily A380 flights from Bangkok to Dubai with onward connecting flights on both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, making it another good options.

A third choice would be Qantas, which recently started using the A380 on its service between Singapore and Heathrow.