Gourmet sightseeing train the Vietage by Anantara has added a new rail experience, complete with caviar, free-flowing wine and spa treatments. Gemma Harris reports
In May 2024, the Vietage by Anantara introduced a second luxury railway carriage, which now operates a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon in Vietnam.
Building on the success of the existing carriage running every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will connect the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang served by Cam Ranh International airport, offering "timeless luxury travel experiences" through South-Central Vietnam.
Heralding a new age of slow and sustainable travel, the five-hour journeys meander through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, transporting guests into a world of glamour and nostalgia with all the comforts of modern luxury.
Reservation-only seats in private booths of two, blend sleek modern interiors with inspiration from Indochina, along with big picture windows to admire the stunning views. 
A trendy sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch some mixology in action as the on-board hosts create rail-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while relaxation time beckons in the dedicated spa area for 15-minute head and shoulder treatments on the go.
A fusion afternoon tea features poached Bai Dai lobster and Da Lat caviar, as well as a "tea tower" with selection of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional English scones with cream and jam. An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion. A vegan menu is also available.
Refreshments come in the form of a distinctive tea selection from the Vietnamese tea brand Epicurean Sao, ethically-sourced local coffee from La Folliet, plus free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails and soft drinks.
An à la carte menu also offers premium wines and champagnes for pre-order while caviar fans can purchase extra portions on board.
The Vietage by Anantara operates two 12-seat reservation-only carriages on daily return railway routes between Da Nang and Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon in South Central Vietnam, offering luxury slow train travel experiences for guests exploring Vietnam.
Designed for sightseeing, passengers will glimpse water buffalo, Vietnam’s national animal, as the train makes its way through the country’s landscape, along with a plethora of lotus ponds, rice paddies and plenty of flora and fauna.
Striking stretches of coastline fronting the East Sea and expansive bays will also pass by the windows, after which the train heads inland into the mountainous province of Phú Yên, which is home to one of the country’s Champa people communities and many historical points of interest.
While not visible from the railway itself, the train passes nearby Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Mui Dien, which sits at the easternmost point of the country making it the first place to witness the sunrise. Continuing its northerly track through the province’s capital city of Tuy Hòa, Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge, Bình Thạnh Bridge at 800 metres in length, is a gateway to some other local notable landmarks.
Guests travelling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy combination accommodation experiences with Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for a luxury beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, they can jump on board the Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and enjoy the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.
A one-way ticket aboard the Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs US$420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee.
The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the evening. It then continues up to Da Nang arriving after midnight. Running in the opposite direction, the Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.
The Vietage by Anantara contributes to the "Dollars for Deeds" programme, in which US$1 per ticket is donated by us and guests are at liberty to make their own contribution. Donations are given to the Kianh Foundation, a not-for-profit charity providing a full-time, customised, special needs curriculum for children with disabilities in the Quang Nam Province of Central Vietnam.
