Just 5km from the city of Ica lies a picturesque lagoon surrounded by the biggest sand dunes you might ever see. Huacachina is a tiny town in southern Peru, an hour away from the Pacific coast. The town is basically a collection of resorts and restaurants around a blue-green laguna surrounded by huge sand dunes. It was originally built as a resort for the Peruvian higher classes. Huacachina has a permanent population of 100 residents, however the village is an extremely popular holiday destination for locals, backpackers and adventurers. Local legend holds that the lagoon was created when an inquisitive young hunter disturbed a local princess while she was bathing. She fled, leaving the pool of water behind which became the lagoon. The legend now proclaims that the princess inhabits the lagoon in the form of a mermaid – there’s even a statue depicting this on the lagoon’s banks.

credit: fjaviergarciaorts

credit: fjaviergarciaorts

credit: fjaviergarciaorts

credit:  Christopher Crouzet

credit:  Christopher Crouzet

credit:  fabien_m

The Eastern & Oriental Express is a truly unique way to explore South-East Asia. It offers accommodation for 132 passengers in fully air-conditioned facilities similar to a luxury 5 star hotel. Luxury train operating in Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand. The train travels through dense rainforests and towering mountains past golden temples; rubber plantations and fields of frangiapani, tapioca, sunflowers and mango orchards; and remote towns and villages. Train from Singapore to Bangkok travels once or twice each month from March to December. Prices from £1,330 per person for two people sharing, including accommodation, tours and meals but excluding drinks. You will spend 2 nights, 3 days on the way, but for opposite journey from Bangkok to Singapore will take 3 nights, 4 days for same price.

credit: Train Chartering & Private Rail Cars