The romance of rails: A family journey on The Vietage by Anantara

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about travelling by train—a blend of slow elegance and connection to the land that air travel simply can’t replicate. The Vietage by Anantara offers a fantastic and affordable introduction to luxury train travel, and it’s less than two hours from Hong Kong. The Vietage by Anantara consists of two railway carriages, each undertaking daily journeys in opposite directions. The first carriage departs in the morning from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, continuing on to Nha Trang. The second carriage departs from Nha Trang in the afternoon, traveling to Quy Nhon and then up to Da Nang. 

 

When we boarded the train in Da Nang for the first leg of our journey, it was clear this trip would be one for the books. Our itinerary included a stopover—a few peaceful days at the secluded Anantara Quy Nhon Villas—before continuing along the coast on the newest leg of this luxury journey towards our final stop in Nha Trang. Travelling with our four-year-old daughter, we were admittedly unsure if whiling away hours aboard a luxury carriage would suit our young, active adventurer—and indeed, if it suited her, would it suit the other passengers? But, never ones to shy away from new experiences, we embraced the adventure—and by the end, we were all captivated.

 

Luxury rail travel with toddlers: Within the realms of possibility? 

At Da Nang station, we were greeted by the Anantara team and whisked into a private lounge. Soft light spilled across a table set with fresh juices, herbal teas, and delicate snacks. For our daughter, this was the first highlight: a fresh fruit platter she could pick at while scribbling in her travel notebook. Soon after, we stepped aboard the gleaming single carriage that would carry us south along Vietnam’s central coast.

The Vietage isn’t just a train; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience on rails. Twelve private booths, designed with Indochine elegance, invited us to sink into plush seats and take in the panoramic views through generous windows. Right on schedule, the train eased into motion at 8am—a nod to the punctuality of Vietnam’s government-run Reunification Express. Moments into our six-hour voyage, our white-gloved butler appeared, offering sparkling wine, freshly brewed coffee, and warm, flaky croissants. As we savoured the morning treats, my daughter pressed her face to the glass, captivated by water buffalo grazing in emerald fields and cranes gliding over tranquil lotus ponds. 

 

We were then asked to choose a time for our 15-minute head and shoulder treatments in the train’s dedicated spa area—a thoughtful touch that added a welcome layer of indulgence. The journey quickly became a sensory delight, with the onboard dining experience an absolute highlight. For lunch, a delicate Quy Nhon seafood salad teased our taste buds, followed by rich braised Wagyu neck, balanced perfectly by a fragrant sesame jus. My dessert, a tangy passion fruit tart paired with a floral Vietnamese tea. Nearly every ingredient is sourced locally, reflecting The Vietage’s strong commitment to sustainability.

For our daughter, the thoughtfully crafted, train-themed kids’ menu was a hit. She delighted in the “Toby the Tram Engine” pasta Bolognese and the “Railway Fruit Skewers”—complete with a marshmallow treat. Between bites, she happily coloured in her activity sheets, designed with charming train motifs. Her favourite indulgence? A “pink train” mocktail whipped up by the resident mixologist at the stand-up bar.

 

A journey that honours the Earth

Beyond its luxury, The Vietage is committed to minimising its environmental impact at every turn. Efforts are made to prioritise sustainability, with most ingredients on board sourced locally, favouring fresh, regional produce. Teas and coffees are selected from ethical Vietnamese brands, ensuring that waste is minimised while supporting local communities.

The slower pace of train travel itself is inherently eco-friendly, offering a lower-carbon alternative to domestic flights. For me, the knowledge that this experience was designed with sustainability in mind added a deeper layer of meaning to our adventure.

 

Disconnecting in Quy Nhon

Arriving in Quy Nhon, we reluctantly disembarked but were soon enveloped by the tranquillity of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. Nestled on a secluded stretch of beach, the resort offered barefoot luxury with a focus on family-friendly details—think spacious villas and some activities for little ones such as beach games and croquet on the lawn. Note the focus on disconnecting with wholesome activities and connecting as a family rather than packing children off to the kids club. 

Over two days, we unwound to the sound of waves, explored tide pools with our daughter, and dined on fresh seafood—again the highlight of this resort is the food, we feasted on spicy crab and avocado Lomi Lomi, salt-crusted seabass, earth bowls with Wagyu and crêpe Suzette, flambed tableside. 

I also need to talk about the jungle spa. Following a path that winds through lush tropical jungle, you arrive at a serene clearing framed by vibrant ferns, setting the stage for what I predict will be one of the most memorable massages of your life. For me, the 90-minute Signature Massage, paired with a customised oil blend, redefined my expectations and left me feeling completely renewed.

 

From rails to waves in Nha Trang

By the time we boarded The Vietage’s newest route to Nha Trang, we were refreshed and ready to embrace more rail magic. This four-hour journey was every bit as indulgent, with the highlight being a beautifully presented afternoon tea tower featuring poached Bai Dai lobster. For our daughter, another pink mocktail and a plate of “Percy the Green Engine” vegetable fried rice kept her happily nourished, perfectly in line with the standard she had quickly grown accustomed to.

 

 

The second leg of the journey took us closer to the coast, where turquoise waters shimmered under the afternoon sun and fishing villages dotted the horizon. The train’s deliberate pace allowed us to fully appreciate these views. When we pulled into Nha Trang station, our daughter declared it “the best train ever.” 

Known for its seafood and diving sites, Nha Trang greeted us with its sandy beaches and vibrant energy. For families, it’s a destination that effortlessly combines relaxation and adventure.

 

The romance of slow travel within your reach

For those seeking more than just a destination, The Vietage by Anantara offers the opportunity to rediscover the romance of slow travel, the joy of unhurried indulgence, and the beauty of Vietnam, all at an accessible price. With its seamless blend of luxury, sustainability, and thoughtful touches for every traveller—even the youngest ones—this is a journey our family will treasure forever. And here you have it, proof that a luxury train journey with a toddler in tow is not only within your reach—it’s an experience you can actually all thoroughly enjoy.

The train departs daily from Da Nang at 8am and from Quy Nhon at 2.15pm. One-way tickets cost USD $450, inclusive of meals, free-flow drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment. The Da Nang to Quy Nhon route includes a three-course gourmet meal, while the Quy Nhon to Nha Trang route features a luxurious afternoon tea. Overnight sleeper options are also available. Children under four go free, those over four are charged at the adult rate. For more information and to book, visit thevietagetrain.com.