In the train journey group and the air travel group, I am always on the side of train journeys. While in air travel, you only get to see the clouds, trains give you a glimpse of changing landscapes and let you experience local culture. It sounds amazing, isn’t it? Across Asia, there are multiple train routes that, apart from offering beautiful journeys, also take travellers through some of the continent’s most exciting food spots. Read on to know more!
Best Asia Train Journeys With Food Spots
1. Vietnam’s Reunification Express
Vietnam’s Reunification Express is a dream journey for food lovers. Running from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the train passes through popular stops such as Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Nha Trang. In Hanoi, travellers can stay at Capella Hanoi or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and enjoy a meal at Hibana by Koki or try the famous Phở Gà Nguyệt.
When you reach Da Nang and Hoi An, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is a popular stay, while Mi Quang 1A is known for its local flavours. In Nha Trang, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers a relaxing escape before the journey ends in Ho Chi Minh City, where travellers can dine at Ciel or Nha Tú for authentic local food.
2. Taiwan’s Western Trunk Line
Travel across Taiwan on the Western Trunk Line, a train route that connects some of the country’s best food cities. Start in Banqiao with a bowl of herbal lamb soup at Da One Gone Lamb or enjoy a broth at Wonderful Baba Bak Kut Teh King of King. In Taipei, stay at Palais de Chine Hotel and enjoy a meal at Le Palais. You can also try local favourites like Chi Chia Chuang for chicken dishes and Lao Shan Dong Homemade Noodles for beef noodle soup. As the train heads to Hsinchu, stop at Miao Kou Ya Xiang Fan, Yuan Wei Duck Noodles, and Dongmen Rice Noodle Soup.
Next, reach Taichung, where you can stay at OKU Hotel Taichung and enjoy a meal at Moon Pavilion or try the famous Taichung Meatball. Continue to Tainan for local favourites like Hsi Lo Tien Beef Soup and Fu Tai Table Third Generation, then spend the night at U.I.J Hotel & Hostel. End your journey in Kaohsiung, where you can dine at Old New Taiwanese Cuisine (Jiuru 2nd Road) or Hou Chi Duck Rice, and stay at Brio Hotel.
3. Mugunghwa Line
Take the Mugunghwa train from Seoul to Busan. During the journey, stop in Daejeon and visit Jungang Market, which is right across from the station. It is known for its street food, dumplings, skewers, and hot broths. As the train continues through places like Daegu and Miryang, you’ll see quiet countryside, farming villages, and local neighbourhoods before arriving in Busan by the sea.
For food, try Sosuheon in Seoul for sushi served in a traditional hanok, or visit Hwa Hae Dang near Yeongdeungpo Station for soy-marinated crab. In Busan, stop at Pyeongyangjip near Gupo Station for North Korean-style dumplings and visit Pyeongsanok near Busan Station for slow-broiled pork. For your stay, choose either L’Escape Hotel in Seoul or SIGNIEL Busan in Busan.
Also Read: OMG! Washroom Or Luxury Hotel Room? Netizens Are Blown Away By Indian Train Toilet
4. Bangkok to Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, start your trip with a food and stay experience. You can eat at Sorn, the world’s first three-star Thai restaurant, or Nusara for a beautiful temple view at night. For stays, choose The Siam by the Chao Phraya River or Rosewood Bangkok.
Next, head to Ayutthaya, where you can check into Sala Ayutthaya and enjoy riverside views. Try a slow river cruise with a meal at Suriyan Chandra, or go casual with Pa Lek Boat Noodles. Don’t miss the sweet treat Roti Sai Mai Abeeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon. In Chiang Mai, stay at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai for lush rice fields and misty mountain views or Rachamankha for a Lanna-style stay. For food, try Rasik Local Kitchen, Aunt Aoy Kitchen, and Baan Landai for authentic northern Thai flavours.
5. Limited Express Route from Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen
In Japan, Osaka, you can enjoy some great food and stay options. For dining, try Sushi Murakami Jiro for precise Edo-style sushi, Kitashinchi Okurano for seasonal kaiseki with a creative touch, or Tanpopo for comforting dishes like okonomiyaki. For a stay, you can choose The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection or InterContinental Osaka.
From Osaka to Kinosaki Onsen, you can travel on the Limited Express trains Hamakaze or Kounotori. A good travel tip is to sit on the left side when leaving Osaka for better coastal views near Akashi. In Kinosaki Onsen, stay at Nishimuraya Honkan, known for traditional kaiseki dining featuring Tajima beef and seasonal crab. The journey moves from the busy city into the quiet countryside, ending in the peaceful hot spring town of Kinosaki.
How excited are you to travel in these trains? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Chennai Metro Gets Approval To Run Trains Every 10 Minutes On Poonamallee-Vadapalani Route
Cover Image Courtesy: website/ Vietnam Tourism
FAQs
In which Vietnam train travellers can enjoy landscape and food spots?
Travellers can enjoy Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and famous food stops while travelling on the Reunification Express train,
Between which Vietnam cities Reunification Express train run?
The Vietnam's Reunification Express train runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Where travellers can stay on Bangkok to Chiang Mai route?
Travellers can stay at The Siam or Rosewood Bangkok in Bangkok, Sala Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya, and Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai along the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route.