Explore the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of this enchanting region with our guide, “Travel in Southeast Asia: Current Train and Airline Journeys.” From scenic train routes that traverse lush rainforests to efficient airline services connecting bustling cities, this guide covers everything you need to know about travel in Southeast Asia.
Whether you're planning a leisurely exploration or a quick city hop, immerse yourself in the diverse beauty and experiences that Southeast Asia offers.
I/Vietnam Airlines to Launch Direct Route Between Hanoi and Phnom Penh
Vietnam Airlines announced it will open a direct route connecting Hanoi with Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, starting on October 27, in response to growing tourism between the two countries. The airline will operate four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Airbus A321 aircraft.
Currently, passengers traveling from Hanoi to Phnom Penh need to transit in Vientiane, Laos.
Since Vietnam reopened to tourism in March 2022, the number of Cambodian tourists visiting Vietnam has grown significantly. In the first six months of this year, Cambodia was Vietnam's fastest-growing market, with a 396% increase compared to pre-Covid levels, followed by India at 312% and Indonesia at 177%.
Between January and June, Cambodia ranked among the top 10 sources of visitors for Vietnam’s inbound tourism.
II/ Thai Airways Resumes Flights to Milan, Connecting to Southeast Asia
Thai Airways will resume daily flights between Milan Malpensa and Bangkok starting July 1, using new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Armando Muccifora, Thai Airways International Sales Manager for Italy, South East Europe, Mediterranean & Africa, stated, “We are proud to be the only airline to operate a non-stop connection between Thailand and Italy. Our Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights guarantee a state-of-the-art travel experience.”
In Royal Silk Class, passengers can enjoy flat beds and Michelin-starred menus curated by Chef Duangporn Songvisava. Economy Class offers ergonomic seats, ample legroom, individual entertainment screens, and a variety of meals inspired by Thai and international cuisine.
III/ A Stunning New Train Route Debuts in Southern Vietnam
As affordable rail passes and new routes enhance train travel accessibility, luxury train journeys are also making a resurgence. This year, a new round-the-world luxury train route is set to launch, highlighting the trend.
In Southeast Asia, a favored backpacking destination is now offering an opulent train experience. Anantara, renowned for its luxury resorts, is introducing a five-hour high-end train service in southern Vietnam. While the brand already operates a route from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, this new service will connect Quy Nhon with Nha Trang.
As travel in Southeast Asia evolves, the new Vietage train route offers a luxurious twist. Similar to its predecessor, this route will be integrated with Vietnam’s state-run commercial railway but will travel in the opposite direction.
Kate Jones, Anantara’s head of PR, explained to CNN, “The new route connecting Nha Trang and Quy Nhon features more coastal scenery than the other journey, with breathtaking bays and striking coastlines along the East Sea.”
This opulent journey includes more than just scenic views. Passengers can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea with local caviar, Vietnamese artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, and local tea. The experience also includes free-flowing wine, cocktails, mocktails, coffee, soft drinks, and a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment.
Vietage Train
Departing from Nha Trang Train Station at 2pm and arriving in Quy Nhon at 6:29pm, or from Dieu Tri Train Station at 2:15pm, arriving in Nha Trang at 6:36pm, this luxurious ride comes at a premium—$420 for a one-way ticket. For a complete luxury experience, consider combining the train journey with a stay at one of Anantara’s three Vietnam resorts.
IV/ Launch of First Passenger Train Service Between Bangkok and Vientiane
On July 14, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) greeted the initial group of passengers on the inaugural trial run of the train traveling from Laos to Bangkok.
The train, which departed from Khamsavath Station in Vientiane, Lao PDR, reached its destination at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok. The official launch of this new train service is set for Friday, July 19.
The Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train service represents a significant development in travel within Southeast Asia, extending the existing Bangkok-Nong Khai route and serving as a collaborative project between the Thai and Laotian governments to improve rail connectivity between the two countries.
The train service features two routes: Rapid No. 133 departs Bangkok in the evening and arrives in Vientiane the following morning, while Rapid No. 134 follows the reverse schedule.
Each train is equipped with 30 seats in a second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriage, 64 seats in a second-class air-conditioned carriage, and 152 seats across two third-class ordinary carriages with fans.
Additionally, SRT operates Rapid No. 147/148 between Udon Thani and Khamsavath Station.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), emphasized that the expanded train route will boost cross-border tourism and economic interactions, strengthening ties between Thailand and Laos. This initiative supports TAT’s strategy to enhance cross-border tourism and intra-ASEAN travel.
“We look forward to attracting more Laotian visitors and reinforcing Thailand’s status as the top travel destination for Laotians,” added Kiatphaibool.
V/ Vietnam Unveils New Tourist Train Service Connecting Hue and Da Nang
The launch of this new route is a key initiative in enhancing travel within Southeast Asia, aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting tourism between the two localities.
This innovative service merges transportation and tourism, offering passengers a unique and engaging journey through Vietnam’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
The train features 10 carriages, each equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seats positioned by the windows. This setup enables travelers to take in the stunning landscapes along one of Vietnam’s most scenic railway routes between Hue and Da Nang.
Two of the train carriages are dedicated to showcasing Hue’s rich culture and culinary heritage.
One carriage features a selection of Hue’s renowned dishes, including ‘banh it’ (sticky rice dumplings), ‘cha lua’ (Vietnamese pork sausage), and ‘nem Hue’ (Hue cured fermented pork), accompanied by a variety of beverages for travelers to savor.
Next to this, another carriage provides live entertainment with traditional Hue chamber music performed by local artists, set against a backdrop that reflects the grandeur of ancient royal traditions.
The three-hour journey offers passengers stunning views of Lang Co Bay, Hai Van Pass, and Tien Sa Beach. The train includes a special stop at Lang Co Station, located midway up Hai Van Pass, where travelers can disembark for a 10-minute photo opportunity.
According to the schedule, train HD1 departs from Hue at 7:45 am and reaches Da Nang Station at 10:35 am, while train HD3 leaves Hue at 2:25 pm and arrives in Da Nang at 5:40 pm.
Returning, trains HD2 and HD4 depart from Da Nang at 7:50 am and 3:00 pm, arriving in Hue at 11:05 am and 5:45 pm, respectively.
