A new luxury train route in Vietnam offers breathtaking coastal scenery alongside afternoon tea experiences.
Imaginative train enthusiasts assert that a growing number of high-end travelers are seeking this type of adventure, which forms part of a worldwide movement toward more peaceful and ecologically conscious touristic activities.
Anantara, a top-notch hotel brand, has become one of the pioneers capitalizing on this demand, introducing a new five-hour luxury train experience across southern Vietnam that connects the well-known resort destinations of Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. This is their second such route in the country.
The initial "Vietage by Anantara" deluxe train carriage debuted in 2020, offering a six-hour excursion connecting Da Nang and Quy Nhon.
Kate Jones, Anantara's head of PR and marketing for Vietnam, informed CNN about their fresh carriage that travels in the opposite direction, intending to acquaint tourists with additional breathtaking Vietnamese scenery. As with the first Vietage carriage, it will be coupled to Vietnam's commercially owned railway that runs the length of the nation.
Jones notes that the Nha Trang to Quy Nhon route showcases notably more coastal landscapes than the existing Da Nang to Quy Nhon expedition. "There are several breathtaking bays and genuinely stunning coastlines facing the East Sea. Additionally, there are some mountainous areas and a plethora of rice fields and lotus ponds. However, the coastal views are the primary enticement for this delightful five-hour voyage," she states.
This is an example of endeavoring travel at its finest – the trains typically travel at an average speed of 51.9 kilometers per hour (32.2 mph) as indicated by Anantara.
Due to the slower pace, passengers on the Quy Nhon to Nha Trang route have ample time to savor their gratuitous afternoon tea set that includes local caviar, Vietnamese artisanal cheeses, assorted cold cuts, and premium Vietnamese teas.
Guests on the Da Nang to Quy Nhon route are served a pre-ordered three-course gourmet meal.
Passengers on both itineraries are also treated to free snacks, an unlimited assortment of wine, cocktails, mocktails, teas, espresso, and soft drinks, as well as a fifteen-minute head and shoulder massage.
The Vietage carriage features a standing bar, restroom facilities, and six exclusive compartments designed for two diners, each including power outlets, charging ports, WiFi, and amenity baskets containing pillows, blankets, and other necessities.
Vacationers can book their journey online at Thevietagetrain.com. For those looking to blend their rail ride with a stay at one of Anantara's properties – Anantara Hoi An Resort, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, or Avani Quy Nhon Resort – they may opt for bundled packages via the individual hotel websites.
The cost of a one-way trip aboard the Vietage is $420 per person. Trains depart from Nha Trang Train Station at 2 p.m., arriving at Dieu Tri Station in Quy Nhon at 6:29 p.m. Those inclined to travel in the reverse direction can reserve seats upon the 2:15 p.m. train that arrives at Nha Trang Train Station at 6:36 p.m. The earlier route from Da Nang leaves at 8 a.m., reaching Quy Nhon's Dieu Tri Station at 2:03 p.m. There's also an evening alternative that sets off from Quy Nhon at 7:00 p.m., touching down in Da Nang at 12:53 a.m. the following morning. The Vietage journey on this route is marginally more reasonably priced at $315 per traveler.
In terms of demand, Ms. Jones observes that many are shifting toward rail travel instead of "racing through airports to get from Point A to Point B."
"Domestically, the Vietnamese airline sector is currently struggling, with the disappearance of two airlines and a trimmed fleet with the nation's national carrier. In general, air travel isn't popular in Vietnam and is also extremely costly," she says.
"The Vietage is the sole adventure of its kind in Vietnam and, naturally, now that the Belmond train has returned, the recognition of luxury rail travel is expanding throughout Southeast Asia," Jones added.
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Travelers seeking unique experiences can now include Vietnam's luxurious train route in their itinerary, as it offers breathtaking coastal views while serving afternoon tea.
High-end travelers who appreciate peaceful and ecologically conscious activities are increasingly choosing this type of train adventure, which has gained popularity worldwide.
Source: edition.cnn.com
