8 Days on Sjourney Luxury Train Southbound

As the morning sun bathes Hue in golden light, the hum of a vintage Vespa signals the start of an immersive journey into Vietnam’s imperial past. The day begins at the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, where the grandeur of the Royal Palace stands as a testament to a bygone era. Within its sprawling citadel, intricate gates and ornate halls whisper stories of emperors and mandarins. Beyond the palace walls, history lingers in unexpected corners. A visit to a traditional bronze-casting village reveals artisans preserving ancient craftsmanship, while the timeworn ruins of the Tiger Arena and Elephant Shrine recall royal spectacles of strength and endurance.

Leaving the city behind, the Vespa winds through emerald rice fields and riverside hamlets, where time seems to slow. An ancient royal tomb, reflected in tranquil lotus ponds, offers a moment of quiet reflection before lunch unfolds in a restored garden house. In this elegant setting, each dish celebrates Hue’s refined culinary heritage, a blend of imperial delicacy and local tradition.

The afternoon brings a change of pace with a gentle journey along the Perfume River. Drifting past waterside villages and lush fields, the river tells the quiet story of life along its banks. A visit to Thanh Tien unveils a centuries-old craft, where delicate paper flowers come to life in bursts of colour. As evening descends, the Ben Xuan Garden House offers an intimate glimpse into Hue’s cultural soul, where traditional architecture, live music, and an exquisite fine-dining experience conclude the day in regal splendour.

As the morning mist lingers over Hue, the train glides along the tracks, departing in the cool early hours. A gourmet breakfast is served as the journey ascends the Hai Van Pass, where lush valleys and the shimmering East Sea unfold beyond the window. Each turn reveals new vistas, a breathtaking transition from mountains to coast. Upon arrival in Hoi An, the pace slows as you settle into a countryside retreat, surrounded by emerald rice fields. The aroma of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee fills the air, a moment of quiet indulgence before the adventure unfolds.

A vintage jeep awaits, ready to whisk you through Hoi An’s rustic landscapes. Crossing the Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island, discover the island’s rich traditions. Watch artisans expertly roast coffee, shaping its deep aroma, before stepping inside an ancestral home where generations have preserved Hoi An’s heritage. Boatbuilders craft wooden vessels along the riverbanks, while skilled hands weave bamboo baskets, a tradition passed through time. The journey continues to Tra Nhieu Village, where a peaceful bamboo boat ride winds through water coconut forests, the gentle sway of the river mirroring the tranquillity of the surroundings. Lunch is served at an organic farm, where each dish highlights the freshness of local ingredients.

The afternoon leads into Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO treasure where lantern-lit streets reveal centuries of history. Wander through the lively market, where silks and spices spill from stalls, before admiring the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall’s intricate architecture. The day concludes at the Japanese Covered Bridge, its centuries-old carvings a symbol of Hoi An’s cultural harmony. As twilight deepens, return to the train for an exquisite onboard dinner, the flavours of Vietnam and beyond marking the next chapter of the journey toward Nha Trang.

The morning begins with a journey to Ta Cu Mountain, a revered spiritual site where the legacy of Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage endures. Rising above the surrounding landscapes, the mountain became a pilgrimage site in the 18th century under the reign of King Tu Duc. A cable car ride offers a breathtaking ascent, revealing panoramic views of the countryside. At the summit, the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda stands in quiet majesty, its intricate architecture framed by lush greenery. Here, the Reclining Buddha, one of Vietnam’s largest, rests peacefully, its presence exuding serenity and devotion.

By 10:00 a.m., the journey shifts to Phan Thiet’s rich culinary traditions with a visit to the Fish Sauce Museum. Within its halls, the unmistakable aroma of Vietnam’s most essential condiment lingers in the air. Unravel the centuries-old techniques behind its production and gain insight into its profound role in Vietnamese cuisine. At midday, the flavours of the region come to life over a leisurely oceanfront lunch, where fresh seafood and local delicacies showcase the delicate balance of Phan Thiet’s culinary heritage.

The afternoon brings a change of scenery as the striking White Sand Dunes rise into view. This unexpected desert-like expanse, sculpted by the wind, offers stunning panoramic vistas of the coastline. Capture the moment from atop the dunes or embrace adventure with a thrilling sandboarding or quad-biking experience. As evening falls, the journey culminates at the ancient Poshanu Towers, a Cham-era relic standing as a symbol of the region’s history. Beneath the twilight sky, a farewell feast unfolds, where local seafood and traditional dishes are served in the shadow of these storied ruins. As the night settles, return to the luxury of your train, where the gentle rhythm of the tracks carries you toward Ho Chi Minh City, the memories of Phan Thiet lingering as the next chapter unfolds.