CNN hails Vietnam’s luxury train route

The article by CNN outlines that Anantara, a luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, offers a new five-hour luxury train experience in southern Vietnam. It is also the second route in the country after the first "The Vietage by Anantara" luxury train carriage which was launched back in 2020, with the route being a six-hour journey connecting the central city of Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

CNN quoted Kate Jones, head of PR and marketing for Vietnam of Ananatara, as sayings that the new carriage heads in the opposite direction and aims to expose travelers to even more of the nation’s beautiful views. Like the first Vietage carriage, it will also be attached to the national state-run commercial railway that runs up and down the country.

“The main difference is that the new route connecting Nha Trang and Quy Nhon passes through many more coastal areas than the journey between Da Nang and Quy Nhon,” says Jones.

According to CNN, this is slow travel at its best, with the train reaching an average speed of 51.9 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 32.2 mph.

The travel website stressed that it gives guests on the Quy Nhon-Nha Trang route plenty of time to enjoy their complimentary afternoon tea set, which includes local caviar, Vietnamese artisanal cheeses, a selection of cold cuts, and premium Vietnamese teas.

For the six-hour journey between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, it noted that passengers are served a pre-ordered three-course gourmet meal.

“Guests on either route also get complimentary snacks, free-flow wine, cocktails, mocktails, teas, coffee and soft drinks, plus a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment,” CNN wrote.

The Vietage carriage is fitted out with a sit-up bar and restroom facilities. In addition, it has six private booths that seat two, each of which comes with power outlets, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and amenity baskets with pillows, blankets, and other essentials.

According to CNN, the cost of a one-way Vietage journey is US$420 per person.