Published 13th Apr. 2026
Written by Holly Catton
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In Vietnam, it’s full steam ahead for the slow travel revolution. At the forefront: The Vietage by Anantara. This luxury rail carriage, which winds its way along the coast between Hoi An and Nha Trang, gives passengers a taste of the golden age of train travel. For those of us who want to slow down and smell the roses (or rice paddies) along life’s journey, this undeniably romantic experience offers the perfect blend of pleasure and practicality. So, read on to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to practise slow travel aboard The Vietage...
The Vietage sets off on two journeys each day: one from Da Nang in the morning (headed for Nha Trang) and one from Nha Trang in the early afternoon (headed for Da Nang). The route traverses Vietnam’s eastern coast, passing many of the magnificent bays of the South China Sea. With its calm pace and eco-friendly presence, this tranquil train is a perfect example of the deliberate, gentle and purposeful moments slow travel is all about. We couldn’t think of a better way to put the (metaphorical) brakes on and relax away from the rush of our everyday lives.
Image by The Vietage by Anantara
Stationed in Da Nang, just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An, The Vietage prepares to depart at 8am sharp. If you happen to arrive before the train is ready to welcome its first passengers, don’t worry: early arrivals can head to a private lounge in the station and enjoy a refreshing cup of hibiscus tea. A friendly member of staff will then relieve you of your pesky luggage (phew) and escort you to the train.
An exclusive experience, The Vietage occupies a single swanky carriage within the larger Reunification Express (a public train that travels between Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City). Inside, there are six two-seater cabins, a bar that dispenses made-to-order cocktails (yum) and a dedicated area for head and shoulder spa treatments. The Vietage’s interiors are styled in a contemporary take on Indochinese design, and each cabin is luxuriously private, thanks to rattan screens and thick, cream curtains. This doesn’t mean extroverts can’t have their fun; the crescent-shaped bar offers the perfect opportunity to chat with fellow passengers.
Image by The Vietage by Anantara
Once the train’s wheels begin to turn, white-gloved servers will appear to offer French pastries and premium coffee. Through the large windows of your cabin, you’ll see Da Nang unfold before you, with its colourful streams of scooters, vast array of street food stalls and crowds of weaving pedestrians. Soon, urban life slips away completely as the train passes through a series of sparsely populated villages, complete with local women tending their gardens, children heading to school and herders leading their cattle. This, too, eventually gives way to a new landscape, filled with green rice paddies, bountiful banana trees and farmers wearing traditional conical hats. You might even spot some wildlife along the way, including grazing water buffalo and cruising cranes – proving that slow travel aboard The Vietage can introduce you to a whole host of natural wonders.
Image by Anujak Jaimook / Fotolia
As these idyllic landscapes pass by at the gentle pace of 30 miles per hour, you’ll have ample opportunity to scale up the indulgence – from a soothing massage in the rear of the carriage to a selection of free-flowing wines and cocktails (enjoyed either at the bar or in the privacy of your own cabin). And what would a luxury experience be without decadent food? Thankfully, The Vietage doesn’t give its passengers the chance to imagine such a bleak scenario. As you chug along the coast, even your palate is invited to take the scenic route as you’re served a three-course fine dining menu for lunch, consisting of a tantalising blend of contemporary French cuisine and traditional Vietnamese flavours.
Image by The Vietage by Anantara
After a leisurely six-hour journey, The Vietage arrives at Quy Nhon in the early afternoon. From here, you can either disembark to enjoy the town’s fragrant frangipani and turquoise waters or head on to the resort city of Nha Trang, where the train makes its final stop at around 7 pm. Nha Trang is a standout destination for any foodies due to its spectacular seafood scene, but both destinations offer miles of white-sand beaches and arcing palm-lined bays. If there was ever a chance to be too relaxed, this is it – not that we’re complaining.
Header image by Anujak Jaimook / Fotolia
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