4 Luxury Trains With Over-the-Top Afternoon Tea

"A train dining car has the power to transport passengers in both time and space-a sense of nostalgia made all the more complete when you have a cup of tea in hand. Each sip serves as an invitation to slow down to the rhythms of the rails, to savor the scenery as the world goes by. On some of the most opulent trains, afternoon tea service is as fundamental a part of the journey as evening cocktails and jazz."

"On its journeys between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, The Vietage train by Anantara serves a gourmet afternoon tea featuring flavors and products local to Vietnam. The vintage-inspired train comprises two cars, each with a minimalist design that highlights simple woodwork and rattan caning. During the service, passengers are seated in one of six private compartments with a table and chairs situated beside an oversized window."

"Just like the trains themselves, these glamorous culinary experiences are reminiscent of the golden era of travel, with gracious table-settings, intricate confections, and a leisurely, unhurried pace. Aboard the below luxury train journeys throughout Japan, England, Vietnam, and beyond, travelers can enjoy the long-exalted tradition of tea time while winding through tropical jungles or chugging along craggy coastlines. Pinkies up."

Afternoon tea service on luxury trains blends regional ingredients, refined presentation, and nostalgic ambiance to create leisurely onboard dining experiences. Gracious table-settings, intricate confections, and an unhurried pace evoke the golden era of travel. Travelers can sip tea while watching scenery shift from seaside vistas and rice paddies to tropical jungles or craggy coastlines. Some services take place in private compartments with oversized windows for uninterrupted views. The Vietage by Anantara pairs minimalist, vintage-inspired cars with local Vietnamese flavors, offering composed mains like poached Bai Dai lobster with Da Lat caviar alongside finger sandwiches.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler