In an era defined by efficiency and speed, there’s a growing allure to the journey itself — a desire to trade the frantic pace of air travel for the rhythmic, meditative movement of the rails. Enter The Vietage by Anantara, an experience that doesn’t just transport you from A to B, but elevates the simple act of transit into a luxury destination.
This exclusive, six-hour passage links the charming, ancient heart of Hoi An (via nearby Da Nang) to the pristine, emerging coastline of Quy Nhon. It’s more than a train ride; it’s a beautifully curated, 12-seat cocoon of Indochine glamour, where the golden age of rail travel is reborn against the backdrop of Central Vietnam’s soul-stirring scenery.
First stop: Anantara Hoi An
Hoi An is well-known for being a historic centre that’s rife with traditional Vietnamese architecture and its riverfront dining scene. Anantara Hoi An sits amongst the lush gardens by the Thu Bon River, and is a short distance away from UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town.
The hotel focuses on tailored experiences for guests, such as a street food tour with a local guide. Rooms are quiet and comfortable, and service staff are friendly and helpful. It’s a choice place for a few nights in Hoi An before setting off on The Vietage.
A Private World on the Rails
Boarding The Vietage is like stepping onto a set piece from a classic film. The carriage, attached to the regular Vietnamese railway line, is a study in sophisticated design: sleek modern interiors, plush, comfortable two-seater booths, and rattan walls that offer a sense of intimacy without feeling enclosed. With a maximum of just 12 guests per journey, the experience is exclusive, ensuring impeccable, personalised service from your dedicated hosts.
Features include:
- Six Private Booths: Each sits two, and features large picture windows, offering a front-row seat to the unfolding scenes outside.
- Onboard Bar: The centrepiece is a chic sit-up bar, a natural hub for conversation, where there’s free-flow wine, local craft beers, and bespoke cocktails crafted by the resident mixologist.
- Amenities: Thoughtful touches abound, from amenity kits to charging points and complimentary Wi-Fi, though you’ll likely find yourself preferring the view to the screen.
Fine Dining and a Spa at 50 kph
Forget the usual railway fare; The Vietage sets itself up as a gourmet adventure. The inclusive three-course meal is a sophisticated fusion, blending modern Vietnamese cuisine with refined French techniques, all prepared and plated like a top-tier restaurant.
Perhaps the most surprising indulgence is the dedicated spa area at the end of the carriage. During the journey, you’ll be invited for a complimentary 15 to 20-minute head and shoulder treatment.
The View: Central Vietnam Unfiltered
The journey itself is a breathing portrait of Central Vietnam. As the train pulls away from the city, the landscape outside the massive windows transforms into a mesmerising, ever-changing tableau. You’ll see along the way:
- Emerald Rice Paddies: Vast, vibrant green fields where stoic water buffalo graze and farmers tend to their daily work.
- Coastal Views: Glimpses of the sparkling East Sea as the train hugs the coastline, revealing stretches of pristine, undeveloped beach.
- Rural Life: The quiet dignity of local villages, where life unfolds in slow motion against a backdrop of forested mountains.
- Historical Echoes: Keep an eye out for the scattered Cham ruins and ancestral tombs that dot the fields, hinting at the region’s deep history.
The six hours fly by, punctuated by the clinking of champagne glasses and the shutter sounds of your camera. The Vietage is the ultimate expression of slow travel luxury — a reminder that the richest part of a trip is often found not just in the destination, but in the unhurried passage between them. You arrive in Quy Nhon refreshed, relaxed, and utterly captivated, ready to explore the serenity of this beautiful coastal city.
The Destination Villa: Anantara Quy Nhon
From the station, you’ll be whisked away to Anantara Quy Nhon, a secluded, luxury all-villa resort situated in Vietnam’s Quy Nhon Bay. The stunning villas have their own private beachfront, each with its own pool that looks out to the ocean. It’s a beautiful sight to wake up to every morning, and to just rest and relax in during the day. It’s the perfect outlet for couples to unwind, or a self-wellness trip where you enjoy peace and quiet.
The resort’s spa facilities are located on three cliffside pavilions. The rooms are spacious and allow couples to have treatments together.
The main dining option is at Sea.Fire.Salt restaurant located on the property, which is also where you can join a delightful salt-making class.
The journey across this small coastal part of Vietnam is food for the soul, and content for any photographer. From the historic town of Hoi An, to the train ride on The Vietage, and finally arriving at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, the pace is a nice change from the bustling city life most of us are used to. And our advice for the perfect trip: pack light, don’t check in luggage at the airports, and spend on the Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service.
See more from our journey with Anantara on our Instagram @nylonsg. And book Anantara directly on their website here: www.anantara.com.
