The Vietage: Luxury train journey to Vietnam's 'Cancun without the crowds'

We all love a little bit of luxury but for most of us it comes with a price tag we can't afford. Except in this one destination, where mass tourism hasn't returned quite the way it has in Europe. So if you're looking for luxury digs without the crowds of say, Bali, then Vietnam is your country, and in particular, its hottest new beach destination Quy Nhon. And in this instance, getting there really is half the fun.

And luxury resort brand Anantara have created a novel way of transporting guests from their new resort at Quy Nhon to another in Hoi An. Based on Emirate's business class cabins, the brand came up with the idea of a first-class train carriage with six booths seating 12 people, with a sit-up bar and spa on board. They pitched the idea to the Vietnamese government who agreed to the plan and "The Vietage" was born, hitched to the Reformation train as it travels north to south and back again between Hanoi and HCM city.

Transport to the station from the hotel is provided at both ends making the journey relatively seamless and in air-conditioned comfort.

I experienced the journey on a recent trip to Vietnam after a few nights at their beautiful French colonial resort on the Thu Bon riverfront, a five-minute stroll from UNESCO-Heritage-Listed Hoi An. We have an early start and while I wait for the carriage to arrive, I'm handed a glass of chilled prosecco flavoured with dried hibiscus: it may be 9am in Vietnam, but it is midday in Australia. Our carriage is ready to board in 10 minutes and I'm seated in my "cabin", elegantly separated from others by rattan and bamboo dividers. It includes two wide-cushioned seats around a table, which can be unfolded into a bed for sleep when the carriage resumes its journey back to Hoi An in the evening. Passengers are even provided with slippers, pillows and blankets for the journey back; there are also charging stations at your seat and Wi-Fi on board. Everyone has a window seat with aisle access.

A blow of the whistle and a wave from the station guard and we're off, chugging past the backyards of Da Nang as we're served a breakfast of pastries and coffee (I choose Vietnamese iced-coffee, that addictive blend of coffee and condensed milk).

The next five hours are among the most relaxing I've experienced in Vietnam. There's no panic about getting to the airport on time; no need for endless queues at the airport and the hassle of removing half your clothing at security; no delays. Nope, for the next five hours we are finally able to cast our eyes over the Vietnamese countryside (something else you can't from a plane).

For around the same time it would take to fly from city to city, I sit back and enjoy a three-course meal and as many cocktails and glasses of wine as I choose. Lunch is served around 11am and there are three options, which you choose before you board. I have a vegetarian green bean and quinoa salad, with lemongrass and chilli followed by a French inspired salmon with chilli beurre blanc. For dessert, a rich creme brulee made with local dark chocolate. There's a well thought out wine list and I particularly enjoyed the light Provence rose. If you are looking to celebrate or want to splash out, you can pre-book bottles of champagne and other bottles of rare vintage wine; caviar and cheese platters. The cocktails, too, are works of art.

There's also a good mix of non-alcoholic options including mocktails and specialty herbal teas lightly flavoured with Vietnamese mint, ginger and lemongrass and a range of coffees, as well as a steady supply of water - sparkling or still - poured into crystal glasses. The Vietage also has its own bathroom, which is spacious and clean.

After lunch I'm ushered in for a spa treatment: a relaxing 20-minute head, shoulder and back massage.