We review The Vietage by Anantara

Some travel experiences slip quietly from your memory. In contrast, others arrive with a flourish — the scent of fresh ground coffee, a glass of something sparkling, and the low hum of jazz as the Vietnamese countryside glides by your window. My time aboard The Vietage by Anantara in Vietnam firmly belonged to the second category.

We review The Vietage by Anantara

This isn’t a traditional train in its own right. The Vietage is a luxury carriage — think of it as a first-class cocoon — attached to a regular Vietnam Railways service. With space for only 12 guests, it offers daily journeys between Da Nang and Quy Nhon and a separate service connecting Quy Nhon with Nha Trang. My wife and I experienced both legs within a week. We discovered a rare balance: discreet indulgence wrapped in authenticity, comfort without pretence, and a front-row seat to some of Vietnam’s most captivating scenery.

A slow travel renaissance

There’s a growing movement among travellers — especially those weary of airport queues and the groundhog-day feel of short-haul flights — to embrace slow travel once more. Experiences like The Vietage are leading that charge in Southeast Asia.

Consider this: six hours from door to door, free of security bottlenecks and overhead luggage disputes. Instead, you arrive at the station, board calmly, and settle into a plush armchair with a hot drink or something from the bar. As one fellow guest put it, “I thought I knew what to expect, but this exceeded my expectations from the meeting lounge before departure, especially here in the carriage. London trains will never be the same.”

For domestic legs in Vietnam, where airport travel can feel like a series of stop-and-start hurdles, The Vietage offers something refreshingly different: momentum without stress. It’s transport, yes, but it’s also an experience in itself — something you’d gladly take the time for rather than rush through.

All aboard in Da Nang

Our first journey began at Da Nang Station, with an 8am departure. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail had been quietly handled — our bags were tagged and stowed. We were ushered to our semi-private booth, where our comfortable seats faced each other across the central table. A welcome kit awaited under each seat, stocked with amenities you’d expect in international business class: a sleep mask, socks, hand lotion, and even a pillow. Wi-Fi and in-booth charging points added to the convenience.

Soon, we were gliding south, pastries in hand, with the first round of curated coffees served.
Vietnam, scene by scene

The landscape between Da Nang and Quy Nhon is a lush mosaic, featuring rice paddies in varying shades of vibrant green, dotted with scarecrows and the occasional water buffalo; village houses with bountiful herb gardens; farmers in conical hats tending to fields and flocks of ducks. It all unfolds beyond panoramic windows as if orchestrated by a location scout.

Whether you want to mingle or stay quiet, the space accommodates both. We enjoyed iced tea and coffee at our booth and relished cocktails while sharing stories at the bar with fellow travellers. One guest described the journey as “a stroke of genius by Anantara for coming up with the concept and then delivering impeccable service and experience”. That sentiment echoed throughout the carriage.

Dining, massages and more

Lunch was a standout — a refined three-course menu that wouldn’t be out of place in a top-tier restaurant. We chose seafood salad with green papaya and mint, braised Wagyu neck with a sesame jus, and De Lat strawberries with basil, which proved to be a perfect combination. All were paired with wines from a thoughtfully crafted list.

After lunch, we had our appointment at the onboard spa room — a 15-minute head and shoulder massage accompanied by soft classical music and the rhythmic click of the tracks. It was indulgent, yes, but more than that, it was a rare opportunity to pause and truly take in the moment.

The second leg: Quy Nhon to Nha Trang

We rejoined The Vietage several days later for the southbound afternoon leg to Nha Trang. With different lighting and new passengers, it felt like a completely fresh experience. This time, the highlight was a deluxe afternoon tea featuring delicate individual cakes and fine pastries, lobster and local caviar, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and free-flowing sparkling or still wines, cocktails or mocktails, as well as Vietnam’s renowned coffee and teas.

The countryside transformed once more-rugged hills, expansive rivers, a striking coastline, and the afternoon’s golden light filtering through as day surrendered to evening.

Pair it with a stay

While The Vietage welcomes all guests, not just those staying at Anantara resorts, it’s worth noting that the brand has two standout properties ideally situated to enhance the experience: the serene Anantara Hoi An and the beachside Anantara Quy Nhon. Combining a resort stay with the rail journey creates a seamless itinerary for Central Vietnam — luxury all the way but never stuffy.

Final thoughts

The Vietage is a rare breed: a travel experience that doesn’t just live up to the idea of luxury — it redefines it. Here, luxury signifies calm, space, and time to savour. Perhaps most importantly, it involves reconnecting with the idea that reaching a destination shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like this.

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