Ride The Vietage along Vietnam’s central coast

The railway between Da Nang and Nha Trang runs along one of the least developed stretches of the Vietnamese coast, through rice fields, fishing villages and the quiet bays around Quy Nhon. The Vietage, operated by Anantara, is a way of travelling it in comfort: not a train of its own, but a private carriage coupled to the regular service of Vietnam Railways.

What the experience is

Each carriage has just twelve seats, arranged in private booths for two beside large windows, and a sit-up bar at one end. The design mixes contemporary finishes with references to the Indochina of the early 20th century, in rattan, dark wood and soft lighting. Seats are sold by reservation only.

There are two routes, each of about five hours. The original carriage links Da Nang, the gateway to Hoi An, with Quy Nhon. A second, introduced in May 2024, links Quy Nhon with Nha Trang. Taken one after the other, they cover the coast between the two resort cities in a day.

The fare includes an afternoon tea or a meal with Vietnamese and French dishes, wines, cocktails and local tea and coffee without limit, and a fifteen-minute head and shoulder massage in a small treatment area. The bartender gives demonstrations, and the staff point out the landscapes as they pass: the Hai Van foothills, the paddies of Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh, and long sections where the line runs beside the sea.

When to go

The central coast is driest and clearest from about February to August. From September to December the region has its rainy season, with occasional storms.

Getting there

The carriage leaves from the main stations of Da Nang, Quy Nhon (Dieu Tri) and Nha Trang. Da Nang has an international airport and is forty minutes from Hoi An. The journey is designed to connect Anantara’s resort in Hoi An with its villas at Quy Nhon, but it can be booked by anyone.

Why OKYTO recommends it

Because it makes a pleasure of what would otherwise be a long drive, and because it shows a part of Vietnam that most visitors fly over. Those with more time can consider the full journey described in OKYTO’s guide to crossing Vietnam aboard a luxury train.