The SJourney train has drawn attention with its price tag of over $8,600 per person for an 8-day, 7-night trip across Vietnam.
The picture above shows the SE61 train stationed on track 4 at Hanoi station.
The train travels at 40 km per hour, providing a quiet and relaxing experience for sightseeing.
The first group of 18 passengers completed their journey from HCMC to Hanoi at noon on Dec. 25.
A new group of passengers departed the same evening.
All passengers on the train have been foreigners.
The train's exterior and stylized logo are painted in red ochre and metallic gold, reflecting Vietnam's signature colors.
The corridor allows two people to pass comfortably, maximizing room space on the train. The interiors are designed in Indochine style and have impressed many guests.
The train has 13 cars, including 10 sleeper cars, a kitchen car, and two restaurant cars positioned at each end of the train. This structure ensures guests don't need to walk far for meals.
The restaurants offer diverse culinary options, ranging from Asian to European dishes, with both fine dining and à la carte options.
Phan Trong Thang, SJourney's CEO, said he surveyed many luxury trains worldwide before launching this service. Through this 8-day, 7-night journey, he aims to demonstrate Vietnam's ability to create world-class tourism products.
"Every detail on this train is one-of-a-kind," Thang said.
Furniture is made by local artisans using materials like bamboo and wood.
"We want to turn the train into a moving exhibition of Vietnam's history, from handcrafted decorations to the passengers' experiences on the journey itself," Thang said.
The twin bedroom is 10 square meters large. Guests can store a large suitcase in the bed compartment.
The double bedroom on the train.
Items like blankets, sheets, and pillows meet 5-star accommodation standards, according to the SJourney.
Each room has a bathroom with muted colors matching the overall interior. Sliding doors minimize vibrations and collisions during the journey.
The Hanoi station lounge welcomes passengers with traditional performances like instrumental music and lion dances.
The journey begins in Hanoi or HCMC, with stops at Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet. Guests experience local cuisine and culture at each stop before continuing with the journey.
In Hoi An, the train's passengers ride jeeps through the countryside and explore traditional craft villages. In Nha Trang, they board a yacht for a day cruise and enjoy a local-style lunch onboard.
A passenger (5th, R), part of the 12-person group departing on Dec. 25, poses with the welcoming team before boarding the train.
"Passengers from the first group were satisfied with their experience on the train," Thang said.
However, he acknowledged some shortcomings in the train's food service during the journey.
