Slow travel may be the ideal trend to adopt when planning your next vacation, whether you’re aiming to reduce your carbon footprint or are just looking for new levels of fun. There are countless possibilities for rail travel throughout Asia, from Japan’s fabled bullet trains to sleeper trains that carry travelers the whole length of Vietnam. See below for Marriott Bonvoy’s picks for the top train excursion for ideas for your upcoming journey.
- Fukuoka to Tokyo
Time: five hours
High-speed trains in Japan have come to represent the nation’s renowned efficiency, exquisite design, and engineering expertise. These luxurious, ultra-timely railroad icons give travelers a convenient, secure, and up-to-date way to travel throughout the nation. While Tokyo tops every traveler’s list, Fukuoka is quickly becoming known throughout the world for its thriving start-up sector and exceptional culinary tradition. It couldn’t be any easier to go from Tokyo to the capital of Japan’s Kyushu Island thanks to this quick train trip.
Places to stay
- Tokyo’s Ritz-Carlton and Fukuoka’s Ritz-Carlton
Only the most luxurious hotels will do when traveling in current style. Travelers are welcome to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo for an urban retreat atop a stunning building. Visitors can thoroughly immerse themselves in Japan’s major cultural center from the top of the 53-story Midtown Tower in the city’s Roppongi District. This tower offers travelers unbroken views of Tokyo landscapes. The guest rooms and suites offer a stunning design fusion of East and West and are renowned throughout Asia for their opulent areas and facilities. The Michelin-starred cuisine, first-rate service, and serene décor of this sky-high hotel stand in striking contrast to the busy streets of Tokyo outside.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the ninth highest levels of a 25-story glass tower created by Kume Sekkei, reaching comparable heights. The Genkai Sea and the surrounding hills provide a stunning backdrop for guests to enjoy throughout their stay. Four dining establishments and two bars within the hotel depict Fukuoka’s thriving food scene, from Viridis’ innovative farm-to-sky Western cuisine to the chic Genjyu’s presentation of Japan’s finest culinary traditions. The spa, which is on the 24th floor, has rooms for luxurious spa treatments made with natural ingredients, an indoor pool with a view of the bay, and a gym with spectacular city views.
- Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Time: ten hours
This classic Thai rail excursion, which was Thailand’s first long-distance railway line, is a must-do for leisurely travelers. Travelers are treated to the waking vision of the Thai countryside as they leave Bangkok in the late afternoon and make their way into the night. Highlights like the untamed woodland of Doi Khun Tan National Park, located just south of Chiang Mai, will rouse tired eyes. A ticket on one of Thailand’s brand-new SRT trains ensures an opulent and ultra-modern travel for a small premium over the going rate.
Places to stay
- Le Méridien Chiang Mai and W Bangkok
The contemporary and recognizable W Bangkok is well situated for a Bangkok trip, being only a short stroll from the BTS Station for quick access to trains and the rest of the city. Within seconds after leaving their hotel door, visitors can embark on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River and take in the views and sounds of this unmatched metropolis. On the sixth level of the hotel, W Bangkok offers guests access to a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and cocktail deck. While enjoying these ultra-hip places, visitors can take in Bangkok’s striking skyline. Since it first opened in 2015, the hotel’s restaurant, The House on Sathorn, has established itself as one of the most distinctive dining and drinking destinations in the city. It is renowned for its wonderful seafood dishes, which include lobster, crab, prawns, and fish. Visitors can enjoy the greatest cuisine the restaurant has to offer by ordering off the Experience or Discovery menus.
When arriving in Chiang Mai after spending the night on a sleeper train, Le Méridien Chiang Mai offers the perfect place to unwind. The Le Méridien Chiang Mai is the ideal home base to explore the bustling city. It is situated in the center of Thailand’s northern capital, just steps away from colorful markets and a wealth of dining and nightlife venues. After a long day of walking, visitors are welcome to unwind in the expansive rooftop infinity pool while taking in the breathtaking views of the city and distant mountains. If you’ve worked up an appetite, the award-winning Favola restaurant offers modern Thai food for the ideal way to round off the day.
- 30 hours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).
Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous nations to see from a train’s window, with breathtaking vistas beckoning to be marveled at by onlooking slow travelers. The Reunification Express provides a relaxing, effective, and breathtakingly gorgeous rail journey between the capital city of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Adventurers are in for a 30-hour train ride, but if that sounds a little too long, there are several possibilities for stopovers. Among them are Hoi An and Hu, a beautiful city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Van Long Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers.
Source- Travel daily