New train journey with private booths, free cocktails & sea views to launch in world’s cheapest holiday destination

THERE’S a new luxury train service in Vietnam with private booths, a complimentary afternoon tea, free cocktails and stunning sea views.

Hospitality giant Anantara has launched its second luxury train service in Vietnam.

Courtesy Anantara

Known as The Vietage by Anantara, the five-hour train stretches between Da Nang and Quy Nhon along the Vietnamese Coast.

The luxury train has six private booths, each of which seats just two passengers.

Each of the private booths are equipped with power sockets, charging stations and free Wi-Fi.

Passengers are also given amenity baskets that are packed with items like pillow, blankets and other essentials.

The train has also been kitted out with a sit-up bar and restroom facilities.

There are plenty of other free perks too, including a complimentary afternoon tea where guests will be served local caviar, artisanal cheeses, a selection of cold cuts and premium teas.

Snacks and beverages like wine, cocktails, mocktails and fizzy drinks can also be ordered free-of-charge.

The train will run on the country’s commercial railway network travelling at speeds of up to 32.2mph.

Kate Jones, head of PR and marketing for Vietnam, told CNN Travel: “The new route connecting Nha Trang and Quy Nhon passes through many more coastal areas than the journey between Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

“There is a selection of really quite stunning bays and some striking coastline facing the East Sea.

“There are some mountainous areas and still plenty of rice paddies and lotus ponds, but the coastal scenery is the biggest view ‘pull’ for this five-hour journey.”

Anantara launched another luxury train back in 2020, except it runs in the opposite direction from Quy Nhon to Da Nang.

Passengers onboard this train are served a three-course meal, which needs to be pre-ordered before boarding the train, and have the option to request a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment too.

One-way journeys start from £334.44, with trains departing from Nha Trang Train Station at 2pm, arriving into at Dieu Tri Station in Quy Nhon at 6:29pm. 

Earlier this year, The Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money named Vietnam as the world’s best value destination, making it one of the cheapest destinations for Brit holidaymakers.

And if Vietnam is a stretch too far, then there are plenty of other luxury train routes popping up across the UK and Europe.

Other luxury trains

One of those places is Italy, which will see the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

The new route is set to recreate the atmosphere of 1960s Italy, all while passing through some of the country’s most popular holiday hotspots.

Onboard there are 12 deluxe cabins and 18 cabin suites, including the train’s La Dolce Vita signature suite.

All of the cabins boast features like cosy bedding, wood detailing, carpeted floors and huge windows to admire the unmissable views.

Meanwhile, at the end of last year, the Royal Scotsman in Scotland was named one of the best train journeys in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.

The Scottish train made the list thanks to its indulgent and intimate atmosphere.

Another fancy train journey in the UK is the four-night Welsh Dragon holiday, run by Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Travelling from London Paddington through Wales, there is an onboard bar as well as a dining car with a specially made menu.

Starting from £995pp, the steam train trip is set to run this September.

Courtesy Anantara