As one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, Vietnam is a country full of history, culture, and landscapes waiting to be discovered. With 28 provinces stretching from misty northern mountains to sun-drenched southern islands, each carries its own story.
My journey unfolded in the very heart of the country, where ancient streets and contemporary comforts intertwine. I set out on a luxury escape through central Vietnam, beginning in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and tracing the coastline to the tranquil shores of Quy Nhon.
Travelling aboard The Vietage by Anantara, Vietnam’s most exclusive luxury railway carriage, transformed the journey between Hoi An and Quy Nhon into an experience in itself. Every detail, from the delicious three-course meal to the attentive service, allowed me to savour the passing landscapes in complete comfort.
Paired with stays at Anantara’s five-star resorts, where every detail tells a story — from the architecture and décor to curated touches like herbal teas at night or ceremonial greetings at arrival — together, these journeys and thoughtful touches offered glimpses of Vietnam’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, all framed by a constant sense of luxury.
It was in Hoi An, however, where the story began — a riverside town steeped in history, setting the perfect stage for the luxury journey ahead.
Stepping Back in Time at Anantara, Hoi An
Arriving at Anantara Hoi An Resort was almost like stepping back in time through the city’s storied past. Lanterns hang from trees, elegant archways frame the grounds, lush greenery surrounds every corner, and French colonial touches imbue the resort with timeless charm.
On arrival, the sound of a gong struck. Upon check-in, two rings are sounded to welcome guests, and upon departure, one ring is sounded as a farewell from the host. Deep in Vietnamese history, this is influenced by the agrarian culture and Matrilineal society.
Boasting over 92 rooms and suites, the resort is located beside the Thu Bon River and just a 10-minute stroll from the Ancient town. I stayed in the Deluxe Balcony Room with garden views and a comfortable cushioned outdoor setting for taking in peaceful moments of the beautiful grounds.
The rooms echo the layout of a traditional Hoi An home, with low-rise buildings surrounding a serene garden courtyard. A narrow, linear design guides the space from a small front sitting area, reminiscent of a reception room, through to a tranquil bedroom and ensuite bathroom at the back. Wooden floors and furnishings add warmth, while subtle cultural touches, including carved wooden décor and a photograph above the bed showcasing traditional Vietnamese life, captured by local artist Rehahn.
There are two restaurants on site, including Hoi An Riverside and Art Space. At Art Space, a restaurant dedicated to showcasing local art, I enjoyed Hoi An Cau Lau — a dish that perfectly balances textures and flavours. Tender char siu pork belly rests atop a bed of chewy, golden noodles, while fresh Tra Que herbs and bean sprouts add brightness and crunch. A dollop of Hoi An chilli paste brings gentle heat, and the dish is finished with shards of crispy toppings for an irresistible contrast.
There is also a dedicated restaurant for breakfast each morning, Lanterns, and a poolside bar for snacks and lunch.
Discovering The Ancient Charm of Hoi An
Hoi An offers an enchanting preserved architectural space that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three cultures, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese, blend harmoniously in every house and street corner. Each structure here is a living testament to the prosperous era of the international trading port between the 2nd and 19th centuries.
There’s nothing more wonderful than getting lost in the unique beauty and history of the ancient town. Lanterns drape shop fronts and buildings, while Vietnamese flags proudly fly and motorbikes weave through the bustling streets. As you wander the ancient town, discover an array of bars, restaurants, and street-food stalls, browse tailor-made clothing, and explore lively markets brimming with local character.
Within the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, many heritage buildings have retained their aesthetic and historical value, becoming cultural symbols. The 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) features a shrine with a Yin-Yang tiled roof, while Phuc Kien Assembly Hall showcases colourful carvings and deity statues reflecting the Chinese community’s prosperity.
During my stay at Anantara, I took a sunset cruise down the Thu Bon River. In a traditional Vietnamese boat, the tour gave me a glimpse of everyday life. Gliding past the ancient town, local villages, and Central Market, I watched fishermen at work against a backdrop of lush greenery, rolling hills, and wildlife, from water buffaloes to grazing cows. As the vibrant sun set over Hoi An, I took in the views with fresh fruit and snacks, before letting a brightly coloured lantern into the river. This is a famous Hoi An tradition that carries a wish or prayer and brings locals and visitors good luck and health.
Guests at Anantara can enjoy a variety of curated activities, including a ten-course street food tour, lantern making, and Vietnamese cooking classes.
The Vietage: A Luxury Carriage Across Vietnam
After a few days of exploring Hoi An, it was time to board The Vietage. Although it was an early start, with cockerels crowing from nearby homes, and I could hardly open my eyes, I was feeling delighted to be on board Anantara’s luxury railway carriage.
This unique experience operates daily with two carriages running in opposite directions, allowing you to board at Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang. With just six private carriages and only 12 seats, this journey feels not merely exclusive but intimately privileged and truly rare.
I was greeted by fresh pastries and green tea to begin the relaxing journey. Followed by a basket full of gifts, including an eye mask, slippers, a blanket, and a neck-rest pillow, which allowed me to unwind in comfort for the six-hour journey ahead from Da Nang to Quy Nhon.
Upon The Vietage was a bar area for guests to enjoy the extensive range of soft and alcoholic drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a dedicated area for back and shoulder massage treatments during the journey.
I sat in comfort, daydreaming out the window, drifting past rural Vietnam with its lush greenery and small glimpses of the coastline, gearing up for my upcoming stay by the beach. Meanwhile, I perused a beautifully curated menu of mocktails and aromatic teas, alongside local beers, soft drinks, fine wines, cocktails, and ethically sourced coffees from Vietnam and around the world.
The journey includes a 3-course meal, with options chosen in advance. For starters, I enjoyed green bean and quinoa salad, followed by pan-fried magret duck breast with potato pave, orange drizzle, black garlic and duck gravy. The standout dish for me was the mango and coconut tiramisu — a heavenly balance of sweet flavours, refreshing fruit, and contrasting textures. Bold as it may sound, it was truly one of the finest desserts I’ve ever experienced, and all on board a rail carriage.
Private Paradise at Anantara, Quy Nhon
After a tranquil journey aboard The Vietage, I was met by the Anantara team and transported to paradise at Anantara Quy Nhon Resort. As the capital of Binh Dinh province, Quy Nhon is renowned for Việt Võ Đạo, which is a form of self-defence martial arts, native to this area. On arrival, I was welcomed by Mr. Phuc — the resort’s head of security and a master of Việt Võ Đạo in Binh Dinh — who gave a traditional martial arts performance, offering a unique introduction to Quy Nhon. I watched the performance while indulging in a soothing neck and shoulder massage — the perfect antidote to a long journey.
With only 25 villas on the resort, I had the privilege of checking into one of the private beach villas. I was truly blown away. The views of the beachfront were breathtaking, and the sound of nothing but the ocean crashing offered a calm oasis.
The beach villas are designed with a private pool, a day bed and sun loungers on the outdoor terrace. With a contemporary feel, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to take in the magnificent scenery from every angle. Whether you’re tucked up in bed watching a storm pass, soaking up a bubble bath, relaxing by the pool, or indulging in room service.
The villa also includes an outdoor shower area, a freestanding bath with a view, an open-plan living and bedroom area, and a shower that is accessible from the outdoor terrace, meaning no trail of sand is left behind in your villa.
I didn’t think the landscape could become any more breathtaking until I woke at 5:30 am to watch the sunrise. The horizon unfolded like a pastel painting, brushed with shades of vivid orange and soft yellow. With only the silhouettes of fishermen’s boats drifting at sea, in this moment, I realised true wealth comes from experiences like this.
Tastes and Traditions of Quy Nhon
Anantara invites guests to delve deeper into Quy Nhon and connect with the places, people, and stories that make this city unique. From treatments at its award-winning spa and Việt Võ Đạo martial art lessons to local handicraft villages and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters.
Visiting Quy Nhon, I not only experienced beautiful beaches and majestic scenery, but also visited the ancient Cham towers dating back thousands of years. Among them, the Twin Towers are one of the typical architectural works in the centre of Quy Nhon. This is the religious architectural work of the ancient Champa Kingdom, which was a place to worship their gods and kings.
While exploring the centre of Quy Nhon, I indulged in a Ban Xeo — a dish hailed from central Vietnam. Similar to a crispy pancake, a Ban Xeo is filled with pork, beef, or shrimp, green onions and bean sprouts and typically dipped in a tangy-sweet fish sauce. It’s a street food staple in Vietnam, specifically in Quy Nhon, where it’s a local speciality, and you will even find it on some fine dining menus, including Anantara resort.
Sea Fire Salt offers an exceptional dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Renowned for its rare salts sourced from around the world by the Salt Guru, Anantara’s restaurant features a dedicated salt library where diners can explore different varieties to elevate each dish. The extensive à la carte menu is a journey of sea, fire, and salt, showcasing the freshest seafood and premium meats, grilled to perfection, and enhanced by the world’s finest gourmet salts.
The show-stopping dish was a selection of grilled meat on the barbecue, divinely cooked on a block of Himalayan salt. Consisting of Angus beef tenderloin, lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, pork ribs, pork skewers, and wagyu striploin. Accompanied by sauteed mixed vegetables drenched in pesto, boiled Da Lat fresh potatoes and garlic butter, peppercorn and spicy barbecue sauces.
For special occasions, Anantara offers a bespoke designer dining experience: a five-course à la carte meal by the beach in an intimate, romantic setting. Draped in flowing white curtains and adorned with radiant fairy lights, fine roses, and delicate seashells, the table is set against the soothing soundtrack of the ocean — the perfect place to celebrate life with a loved one.
Final Goodbyes
My stay at Anantara Quy Nhon had come to an end, and it was time to board The Vietage to Nha Trang. This time, heading further south to experience coastal views and a delightful afternoon tea. Along the way, I spotted lotus flowers (Vietnam’s national flower), water buffaloes, fishing harbours, and many Vietnamese flags in celebration of 80 years of independence.
This luxury journey through Vietnam is like no other. It tells a story unique to the locals and the culture of these cities, offering experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From the moment you step into Anantara, you are whisked away on a memorable adventure, where true luxury meets the richness of local culture.
Discover Vietnam’s central coast with Anantara here. A one-way journey aboard The Vietage, paired with two nights at both Anantara Hoi An and Anantara Quy Nhon, daily breakfast, guided excursions to Cham heritage sites, a 30-minute foot treatment, and private station transfers for two starts from £2,108 / US $2,850.
