French newspapers Le Figaro and Ouest-France publish articles introducing SJourney, a luxury rail tourism service offering a trans-Vietnam travel experience. (Photo: SJourney)

Since late 2024, Vietnam has officially launched its first high-end railway tourism product, enabling travelers to explore the S-shaped country’s beauty along the North - South axis. Spanning eight days and seven nights, the experience is dubbed the "Orient Express of Asia".

The SJourney itinerary is Vietnam’s first luxury railway tour, jointly operated by PYS Travel and Vietnam Railways. The product is expected to open up a new pathway for high-end tourism, based on slow, deep, and emotionally rich travel experiences.

Departing from Ha Noi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, the train travels along the North - South railway line, widely regarded as the backbone of the nation’s transport system.

Throughout the journey, passengers have the opportunity to admire Vietnam’s landscapes, from rice paddies, coastal villages and lagoons to limestone mountains and highlands.

Many stops are designed as cultural and historical landmarks, including Ninh Binh, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the ancient town of Hoi An. At each destination, guests take part in guided excursions that are fully organized and included in the tour package.

Onboard, the train is presented as a “luxury hotel on rails”. Serving only around 60 passengers, it features exclusively private cabins equipped with high-end amenities. Shared spaces include lounges, a bar and a dining car, where guests are served meals blending Asian and international cuisine, accompanied by a selection of wines sourced from various countries.

French media describe SJourney as embracing the spirit of legendary rail voyages, emphasizing a leisurely pace and the journey itself rather than focusing solely on destinations. In an era when air travel compresses distances, the train offers travelers a window-by-window discovery of Vietnam.

Priced at approximately €8,000 per person, the journey reflects its premium positioning, targeting international travelers seeking luxury travel experiences closely connected to local culture and heritage.

The launch of SJourney is seen as a notable step in Vietnam’s efforts to diversify its tourism products, as well as to leverage the value of the North - South railway not merely as a transport route, but as a distinctive and culturally rich tourism experience.

Translated by My Dung