An Adventure: The Vietage Luxury Railway
Slow travel is something we talk about a lot here at Turquoise, how we can move through the world with as little impact as possible and still give our clients the unforgettable experiences we know are out there. The answer to this more and more is train travel – lots of people moving together, watching a country’s landscapes morph into one another, often seeing a side to local life that can’t be captured in any other way and this is truer than ever when travelling through Vietnam on The Vietage Luxury Railway.
One Of The Most Scenic Train Journeys In Vietnam
Departing from Danang (30 minutes drive from Hoi An) in central Vietnam, The Vietage rumbles out of the hot, humid city opening up to vistas of lush rice paddies, verdant mountain ranges and local villages, giving you the feeling you might just have discovered a secret side to the country only you and the 11 other passengers have been lucky enough to find. The early morning light streams through the window of your private carriage casting shadows through the beautiful rattan interiors, which extend out into the bar cart, where later in the afternoon you can enjoy a cocktail watching the Vietnamese countryside whisk by, creating a bygone moment of train travels heyday.
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination but this time they might be wrong; and although a ride on The Vietage is undoubtedly a wonderful way to explore central Vietnam its final destination of Quy Nhon is the perfect place to disembark and experience an even more unspoilt part of the country.
Built around a rich fishing history Quy Nhon sits tucked away on Vietnams central coast, on what many locals consider the most serene part of their country. People still live a traditional life here, showcasing the slower pace of life rural Southeast Asia is known for and Zannier have perfectly encapsulated this at their newest property Bai San Ho. Set within a vast private bay, you arrive up high, to a lobby showcasing some of the best views I have seen on my trip so far. From here the hotel tumbles down the mountain, moving between escapist Hilltop retreats, to authentic Paddy field huts, finally arriving to the breathtaking beach where the most luxurious beach front villas are nestled along the shore.
Zannier Hotels: Travelling To Bai San Ho
Possibly the most beautiful hotel in Vietnam, or even the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in – Zannier Bai San Ho is meticulously designed to weave the perfect sense of place, authentic craftmanship and the ultimate luxury. It is also the perfect addition to a journey on the Vietage if travelling with lighter footsteps is on your mind, as the Zannier brand prides itself on a sustainability mindset without any compromise on style or substance.
Spend your days lounging by the beach, enjoying a local beer gazing at the views from the infinity pool or indulge in what can only be described as the most comprehensive spa in Vietnam. If all this relaxing gets to much, Quy Nhon itself is a wonderful destination to explore from historic Cham culture, local seafood restaurants in quaint Quy Nhon town or sundowner boat trips along the bay.
No words about Vietnam would be complete without talking about the food and both The Vietage and Zannier Bai San Ho do not disappoint. You might think dining aboard a train can’t possibly be that good, but even my simple lunch of Hanoi Chicken Rice was an experience to write home about. Whilst at Zannier you can choose dinner with a view, three times over, from beachside, to paddy fields and hilltop vistas each creates a new way to think of traditional Vietnamese flavours.
For the perfect journey through central Vietnam, board The Vietage train in Danang perhaps after a visit to historic Hoi An, then honeymooners should then try a secluded Hilltop Pool Villa or families can enjoy playtime in the sand staying in a wonderful beach villa. Overall, rail is a great way to travel when visiting this beautiful country!
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