For the first time, I sipped champagne in a railway station waiting room before embarking on the inaugural Vietage by Anantara train service from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, in south-central Vietnam. This luxury carriage promises an exceptional travel experience, far removed from the usual crowded train compartments.
After a short ceremony, passengers, including railway dignitaries and press representatives, were ushered into one of six private booths, each accommodating two people. Gleaming windows offered a pristine view of the passing scenery as we settled in with another glass of champagne. With a shrill whistle blast, our five-hour journey began.
The celebration marked the debut of Anantara’s second bespoke carriage, following the success of the original Vietage introduced in 2020. This service, hitched to a regular Vietnamese train, travels at a leisurely 50 km/h, ideal for sightseeing. The route highlights coastal views, breathtaking bays, and the picturesque rural landscapes of Vietnam, including farmers guiding water buffalo and cranes foraging in lotus ponds.
I transitioned from my private booth to the bar area, where the vantage point provided ample opportunities to observe both the train’s interior and the outside world. Staff soon began preparing food and drinks, offering a selection of free-flowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Kate Jones, Anantara’s head of PR and marketing for Vietnam, explained that the Vietage provides comfortable access to Quy Nhon, a city previously hard to reach due to limited flight options and challenging road conditions. The Vietage connects travelers to Anantara Quy Nhon Villas and Avani Quy Nhon Resort from either Da Nang or Nha Trang, both of which have international airports.
A highlight of the journey was the complimentary 15-minute neck and shoulder massage available in a salon near the bar area. Additionally, I discovered that train travel significantly reduces emissions compared to car or air travel, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
The culinary experience on the Vietage was exceptional, with a decadent afternoon tea featuring lobster, caviar, finger sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Chef Vinh Tran, who sources 80% of ingredients locally, curated a menu that also included charcuterie platters, lemon tarts, and strawberry cheesecake.
Our journey concluded as the train arrived at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon. A taxi transferred us to the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, offering private pools and stunning views. The following day, we explored the local market and visited the ancient Champa civilization’s architectural marvels, including the well-preserved 12th-century Thap Doi towers.
After a few days in Quy Nhon, I traveled on the original Vietage to Da Nang, a six-hour journey in a sleeper booth. My final leg was a 17-hour journey from Da Nang to Hanoi, retracing a trip I first made 33 years ago. While the standard service lacked the luxuries of the Vietage, it reminded me of the contrasting experiences in train travel.
Overall, the Vietage by Anantara redefines train travel in Vietnam, offering an unforgettable blend of luxury, comfort, and scenic beauty.
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