Luxury train in Vietnam

Is there a luxury train in Vietnam?

Luxury train Vietnam is a relatively new concept and should not be confused with first-class rail service.

For several years, privately operated railcars have been attached to regular services run by Vietnam Railways. These cars offer above-average comfort (improved bedding and basic onboard service), but they remain enhanced transportation options. They do not provide the fully immersive experience associated with the world’s great prestige trains.

Since 2020, Vietnam’s rail landscape has evolved. First came elegant private cars integrated into existing trains, such as The Vietage. More recently, a complete luxury sleeper train was introduced, designed from the outset as a multi-day journey: SJourney.

With SJourney, Vietnam now joins a small group of countries offering genuine rail cruises, alongside historic trains such as the Royal Scotsman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Is The Vietage a luxury train?

Launched in 2020, The Vietage introduced premium rail travel to Vietnam. It is not a full train, but a high-end railcar attached to regular Vietnam Railways services.

Created by the Anantara hotel group, it operates between Hoi An and Quy Nhon on Vietnam’s central coast. The journey lasts about six hours (no overnight stay) and works best as an elegant interlude within a broader Vietnam itinerary.

Only twelve passengers travel at a time, seated in six private booths. The onboard atmosphere feels like a rolling lounge, with wide business-class-style seats, a marble bar, woven rattan screens, Wi-Fi, and interiors blending contemporary design with Indochinese influences.

A gourmet meal inspired by Vietnamese and French cuisine is included, along with a 30-minute massage per guest. Between drinks at the bar and carefully plated dishes, central Vietnam’s landscapes glide past, turning a simple transfer into a refined travel experience.

SJourney - Vietnam’s luxury sleeper Train

At the end of 2024, the launch of SJourney marked a turning point in Vietnam’s rail history. For the first time, the country introduced a complete luxury sleeper train, designed from the ground up to deliver a high-end journey.

Over eight days, SJourney travels from Hanoï to Hô Chi Minh-Ville, offering an in-depth discovery of the country by rail.

The route reveals a wide range of landscapes and heritage sites, including Ninh Binh, Huê, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and on some itineraries Phu Quoc.

On board, guests enjoy private en-suite cabins, a refined dining car with menus inspired by the regions crossed, and an intimate atmosphere created by a limited capacity of around 60 travelers. Early feedback highlights attentive service and thoughtful hospitality, placing SJourney among the new generation of international luxury trains.

How is SJourney decorated?

The interiors draw inspiration from 1920s Indochinese style, combining dark woods, Art Deco motifs, soft lighting, and a few more colorful cars for contrast.

In today’s Vietnam, this colonial-era aesthetic is treated as cultural heritage rather than political nostalgia, evoking classic travel glamour without historical overtones.

This style is also found in landmark hotels such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. SJourney extends this visual language onto the rails, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of historic luxury trains, where décor plays as important a role as scenery and cuisine.

Do you need to book far in advance?

As with most luxury train tours in the world, advance booking is strongly recommended. Cabins are limited and departures are few, especially during the most comfortable weather periods.

Good news: SJourney operates with fixed pricing. Unlike some European luxury trains, fares do not increase progressively based on occupancy.

Cost of luxury train journeys in Vietnam

Pricing varies depending on travel dates and cabin category. As a general guide, luxury train Vietnam journeys fall into the high-end travel segment, comparable to international rail cruises, and typically include accommodation on board, meals, and guided excursions.

At Discovery Trains, all SJourney itineraries are offered on a customized quote basis, ensuring availability and travel conditions match your preferred dates.

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches over more than 1,000 miles, with different climates across regions. In general, the most pleasant periods fall between February and May, and again from September to November, depending on the exact route.

Discovery Trains refines this advice during trip planning, based on direction of travel and scheduled stops.

Can this journey be combined with other stays?

For The Vietage, additional hotel nights are essential, as the experience lasts only a few hours.

SJourney, on the other hand, can easily be extended with extra nights in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or paired with a beach stay. The train then becomes the backbone of a wider Vietnam itinerary.

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