The lush grasslands and shimmering coastlines of Central Vietnam have long held an irresistible allure for those in search of adventure. Exploring this idyllic part of the world, where water buffaloes nonchalantly graze and white cranes drift lazily across azure skies, affords visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Southeast Asian country, while being wrapped up in natural beauty. Adding an additional element on this journey of discovery through bucolic settings is The Vietage, Anantara’s luxury train carriage.
Meandering through the Vietnamese countryside, The Vietage invites travellers to hop aboard and embrace the romance of train travel. As the train winds along the epic coastal line, passengers can look forward to experiencing the charm of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An, the sparkling shores of Quoy Nhon and the bustling city of Nha Trang. Along the way, guests can catch a glimpse of the expansive bays of the East Sea, the undulating mountains of Phú Yên and the country’s longest wooden causeway, the Bình Thanh Bridge. Operating two separate daily journeys, travellers can choose between the morning southbound train from Da Nang to Quoy Nhon and then onto Nha Trang or the northbound afternoon adventure, leaving Nha Trang for Quy Nhon and then continuing onto the final destination of Da Nang.
Fitted out with 12 comfy seats in private two-person booths with mashrabiya-style screens, guests are welcomed into sleek modern interiors, inspired by the Indochina era, with panoramic windows showcasing those dreamy views as the train rumbles along. Take a seat at the bar, mingle with your fellow passengers and savour a rail-inspired cocktail or book a slot in the spa and enjoy a quick blast of relaxation with a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment.
For gastronomes, the five-hour journey between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang serves up an afternoon tea experience, featuring poached Bai Dai lobster and Da Lat caviar, local artisanal cheeses, a charcuterie platter and a tea tower of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings.
Wash down this spread with Epicurean Sao’s selection of premium Vietnamese teas, ethically sourced, local coffee from La Foillet or free-flowing house beverages. Those travelling on the six-hour trip between Da Nang and Quy Nhon are treated to a three-course meal of French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine prepared by Anantara chefs, as well as unlimited beverages and bar snacks.
When the wheels stop turning, the journey doesn’t need to end. Passengers exploring the Nha Trang to Quy Nhon route can combine their railroad adventure with a stay at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for a luxury beachside retreat. Those on the Quy Nhon to Da Nang trip can add a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort to their journey.
Ticket prices begin from US $340 and for every purchase, $1 is donated to the Dollars for Deeds programme. These donations are provided to The Kiamh Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that offers a full-time, customised curriculum for children with disabilities in Quang Nam Province.
Thevietagetrain.com
