A Fairytale Train Ride Through Vietnam’s Countryside

When I close my eyes and imagine myself walking through the ancient alleyways of Hoi An, motorbiking through the mountains of Ha Giang or relaxing on a beach in Quy Nhon, the last thing that comes to mind is how I got myself to these magical places. Daydreaming of Uber rides and sleeper buses, tiny airplane seats and crammed subways just never rang through my memory.That is, until I boarded The Vietage.

‘Getting there’ is a pivotal part of the journey and it’s also one of my favourite parts. Choosing how to get from destination to destination always adds to the fun and it’s where the sense of adventure starts to build. We were about to embark on a luxurious railway adventure through the incredible landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam! ‘Getting there’ may just be the highlight of our vacation!

Welcome aboard Vietnam’s most exclusive railway experience! Keep reading to take a closer glimpse inside this spectacular carriage of old-world comfort, breath-taking views and incredible gourmet dining!

The Journey

The Vietage was created to provide a luxurious cross-country transfer for guests to easily travel between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Resort, however anyone can jump on board Anantara’s incredible railway experience The Vietage. Every morning, The Vietage departs from Da Nang Railway Station at 8:47, arriving in Quy Nhon at 15:14. Also making a return journey in the late afternoon, it departs from Dieu Tri Railway Station at 18:36 and arrives in Da Nang at 00:44. The 318 kilometers of lush scenery and six-hour carriage journey will immerse you in the romance of the rails.

As you watch Central Vietnam pass through your window, its beauty becomes a mesmerizing blur. Look out for ruins of ancient cities, historical relics and the crumbled ramparts of Trà Kiệu. See the first capital city of the Hindu Champa Kingdom, the coastal city of Quảng Ngãi, the Long Wall of Vietnam and the cradle of Sa Huynh culture, An Khe Lake. Steeped in luxury and inspired by the timeless romance of rail travel, The Vietage truly celebrates the art of the journey.

All Aboard The Vietage

Stepping on board Central Vietnam’s most exclusive railway carriage transports your senses to an era of timeless romantic railway travel. Giddy with excitement we boarded the train and took up our seats smiling from ear to ear. This must be what it feels like to board the Polar Express or clamber aboard the train to Hogwarts because our excitement was bursting at the seams.

The Vietage’s elegant 12-guest coach is custom-designed to blend traditional elements with modern flair. Sleek-lined interiors speckled with hints of the IndoChina era offer the luxury of vintage rail travel. The Vietage’s six private booths, separated by rattan partitions, feature two comfortable window seats, allotting everyone an optimal view of the passing scenery. The soft furnishings and interior colours add a complimentary element to the greenery that will pass you by, while wooden features and warm textiles bring an essence of calmness onboard.

This beautifully designed carriage also features gourmet dining, a private restroom and dedicated spa area for head and shoulder treatments. A semi-circular bar area adds hints of contemporary chicness, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy cocktails, local craft beers, wines and snacks.

A Toast To Being Aboard

As we settled into our private booths, The Vietage’s hosts offered refreshments alongside a plate of freshly baked French pastries. We each opted for a tasty morning coffee, Americano for myself and a classic Vietnamese iced coffee for Sam. As we chatted and sipped our coffees, the train was off and our journey to Quy Nhon was underway!

On board, The Vietage offers selected free-flow wines, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout your journey. And for a touch more indulgence, à la carte premium wines, Champagnes, caviar, and international and local cheeses are available to pre-order.

As the train chugged along, we sipped sparkling Prosecco, chatted over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, laughed as we gulped down our Chilean Shiraz and cheersed our flutes of rosé. Our glasses never quite managed to empty thanks to their well-stocked bar and wine cellar! We sipped bubbles to our hearts content as we passed through the spectacular scenery, drinking in panoramic views of postcard-perfect terrains is something you just cannot forget!

Dining On Board

It’s true what they say, time flies when you’re having fun! Before we knew it, it was time to indulge in our three-course epicurean experience. Around 12:00 noon, The Vietage’s Executive Chef brings together modern Vietnamese cuisine, French culinary techniques and international flavours using locally sourced ingredients to bring you an exquisite afternoon meal. Their specially curated menu offers delectable meat, fish and plant-based dishes, which you’re able to choose prior to boarding. As the savoury smells carry through The Vietage, be prepared for an explosion of flavours and culture that makes these dishes simply irresistible!

Before boarding you will be sent the menu to reserve your preferred lunch while aboard. You will be asked to choose one starter, one main and one dessert. Be sure to checkout their amazing options below! What will you be eating?

Starters

Quy Nhon Seafood Salad

Green papaya, carrot and mint salad, served with a sweet and sour irresistible fish sauce.

Foie Gras Terrine & Duck Confit

A beautiful French brioche topped with a compote of onions from Ly Son and Phu Quoc Pepper.

Green Bean & Quinoa Salad

Lemongrass tofu tossed with peanuts and Hoi An’s delectable chilli sauce.

Mains

Salmon Filet

Charred asparagus and micro herbs blend beautifully with lemongrass and roasted chilli beurre blanc.

Barley Risotto

King mushrooms, shaved asparagus, sun dried tomatoes and a hint of pesto come together in an unforgettable risotto.

Braised Wagyu Neck

Shredded carrots, zucchini and green tea are sprinkled with sesame jus atop beautiful braised Wagyu.

Desserts

Passion Fruit Tart

Dragon fruit compote and an airy meringue come together in a savoury tart.

Da Lat Strawberries

Coconut yoghurt and rich strawberries are topped with a sprinkle of Vietnamese basil.

Crème Brulée

70% single terroir Dong Nai chocolate blends beautifully as a creme brulée.

Outside of your three-course gastronomic experience, caviar and local and international cheeses are available to pre-order. As well as a train-themed menu for children.

Relax Aboard With Your 20-Minute Complimentary Massage

Included in your journey is a 20-minute soothing head and shoulder treatment. Relax in their private spa room to soothe that built up muscle tension and let the stress melt away as the train passes through the serene countryside. It is the perfect little massage to have you fully revitalized as you reach your destination!

Booking Your Ticket

No matter the season, you can enjoy a ride through lush, monsoon-green landscapes or spectacularly sun-drenched days. Reserve your seat on their website www.TheVietageTrain.com or through their reservations team at vietage@thevietagetrain.com or +84 (0) 256 3868 168. Guests staying at Anantara Hoi An Resort, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas or Avani Quy Nhon Resort can reserve seats at their resort if they please.

The Vietage links historic Hoi An with the beauty of nature and the unhurried coastlines of Quy Nhon. It’s interior aesthetics and colonial-style architecture embrace the epic romance that is rail travel. Luxurious seating for 12 passengers, gourmet dining, a remarkable bar top, complimentary WiFi, individual in-seat power outlets and head and shoulder treatments make for an exquisite journey through the countryside.

Arriving in Quy Nhon

Our 6 hours aboard The Vietage seemed to have flown by. Through the train’s windows, we watched the landscape blur into an ever-changing feast of colours. Inside we chatted and laughed the afternoon away as Hoi An slowly faded into the distance and Quy Nhon came into full view. To put it simply, my journey aboard The Vietage is a stand out, above any of my other travels. Its charm speaks to the thrill of travel as a whole and my only vice is that I wish our ride was longer!

What You Need To Know!

Find The Vietage online & book your ticket:

Instagram: @TheVietage
Facebook: @TheVietage
Website: www.TheVietage.com

If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!

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After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!

The Vietage: A Luxury Rail Escape Through Central Vietnam

A Fairytale Train Ride Through Vietnam’s Countryside

The Journey

All Aboard The Vietage

A Toast To Being Aboard

Dining On Board