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Vietnam Gliding Past the Window

For me, every train journey across Vietnam carries a sense of nostalgia. It is where time meets at two points, flowing past the window and quietly settling within each carriage. It is no coincidence that the North–South train route is often named among the world’s most fascinating rail journeys and remains a favorite for travelers who cherish slow travel experiences.

From the moment the train departs, villages, rivers, and mountains drift by the window like a slow-motion film showcasing Vietnam’s natural beauty. Even a short route between two coastal towns can reveal the unique charm of each region. As the global trend of slow travel emphasizes depth and mindfulness, luxury rail travel has made a strong comeback, with world-class operators offering five-star experiences rivaling first-class flights. In Vietnam, luxury trains are still a new concept, and few travelers have had the chance to discover this refined way of seeing the country.

A Leisurely Beginning
As a train enthusiast, I felt genuine excitement when I had the opportunity to board The Vietage by Anantara. Lovers of train travel often feel a wistful longing for the golden age of railways, when a ticket promised an indulgent journey, and carriages were designed as elegant moving lounges filled with thoughtful service.

True to those expectations, The Vietage is operated by the renowned Anantara Hotels and Resorts brand. A week before departure, guests receive the seasonal menu and are invited to preselect their meals for the six-hour route between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, or vice versa. The Vietage carriage is attached to the end of the North–South train, yet passengers enjoy a fully distinct experience with personalized service throughout the journey.

Each guest is collected from their hotel by a private car and brought to Da Nang Station, where a dedicated attendant escorts them to a private lounge. In this serene, tastefully designed space, passengers enjoy refreshing drinks and light snacks while their luggage is tagged and loaded onto the train.

Luxury on Rails
When the departure time arrives, there is no rush. After other passengers have boarded, Vietage guests are guided to the final carriage, an oasis of calm separated from the station’s bustle.

The Vietage carriage is a blend of classic and modern design, crafted by ShapeUs Studio. Twelve seats are arranged in pairs, featuring handcrafted wooden frames, soft cotton upholstery, and Indochine-style armchairs. Woven bamboo panels and natural wood details celebrate Vietnamese craftsmanship, while wide windows flood the space with light, offering an uninterrupted view of the passing scenery.

Even on a rainy morning, the golden tones of the interior create a sense of warmth and comfort. Each carriage is attended by a personal butler who assists throughout the journey. Having studied guests’ preferences in advance, they anticipate every need - from knowing how you prefer your coffee to remembering small personal details. Beneath each seat, a woven basket holds amenities such as a neck pillow, blanket, slippers, and toiletry kit, each branded with The Vietage logo. It feels more like checking into a private suite than boarding a train.

Fine Dining in Motion
As the train glides out of Da Nang through the gentle rain, the butler serves a breakfast of freshly baked French pastries and a cup of aromatic Vietnamese coffee. Reading the morning paper, sipping coffee, and listening to soft jazz, I felt time slow down. The ticket includes an unlimited selection of drinks, from signature Vietnamese teas like Earl Grey from Lam Dong and Shan Tuyet from Ha Giang, to coconut coffee, frappes, fruit juices, mocktails, and cocktails.

The wine list is equally refined, featuring selections such as Australian Pinot Noir, Chilean Limarí Valley Chardonnay, and French Rosé Chateau Puech-Haut. The central bar, sleek and contemporary, serves as the social heart of the carriage where passengers gather for conversation while admiring the landscapes of Central Vietnam unfolding beyond the windows. The corridor’s arched design draws inspiration from Vietnam’s heritage architecture, subtly merging history with modern elegance.

Lunch is served à la carte, recreating the atmosphere of a fine dining restaurant. Each course is thoughtfully presented and complemented by a carefully paired wine. As I enjoyed a crisp white wine with my seafood salad starter, the train curved past lush mountains and coastal plains. The main course options ranged from grilled salmon and Italian barley risotto to braised Wagyu beef, but I chose a local favorite, Hoi An chicken rice, followed by coconut yogurt with Da Lat strawberries and basil for dessert.

Throughout the meal, the butler ensured every detail was perfect, quietly refilling water or wine and coordinating service behind the curtains with precision. The attentive, discreet hospitality reflected the highest standard of luxury rail travel.

A Window to the East
Later in the journey, I experienced a 30-minute massage in the private spa cabin, a rare indulgence on a train. The soothing rhythm of the carriage combined with the gentle jazz created a serene atmosphere that embodied the very essence of slow travel.

The Vietage offers more than transportation. It is a meditative journey through the landscapes, culture, and craftsmanship of Vietnam. As fields and villages passed outside the window, I found myself reflecting not just on the beauty beyond the glass, but on the passage of time itself.

After hours of relaxation, reading, and quiet conversation, the train arrived in Quy Nhon. There was a touch of wistfulness among passengers, as if none of us were quite ready for the journey to end. Six hours had passed, yet the experience lingered like a memory suspended in motion, a luxurious and deeply personal way to rediscover Vietnam.