Ever imagined a train that feels like a boutique hotel on wheels?
Thailand is preparing something that will make you forget the classic Bangkok–Chiang Mai sleeper train.
It’s called The Blue Jasmine, a luxurious heritage train set to embark on its maiden journey in November 2025. This isn’t just about traveling from one city to another, but about experiencing "slow travel" with style, comfort, and an authentic touch of Thai culture.
From Japan to Thailand: The Rebirth of a 1960s Train
What makes it unique is that The Blue Jasmine isn’t brand new. It’s a meticulous restoration of a 1960s Japanese sleeper train, reborn as an exclusive luxury experience.
Operated by DTH Travel in partnership with the State Railway of Thailand, the train is designed less like traditional transport and more like a boutique hotel on rails.
Picture this: no more cramped cabins, dark corridors, or overly chatty seatmates. Instead, you’ll find elegant suites, a personal butler service, a panoramic lounge serving exclusive cocktails, and even an open-air balcony where you can take in the scenic beauty of the Thai countryside.
A 9-Day Route: From Bangkok to Chiang Mai’s Mountains
The Blue Jasmine’s epic journey spans nine days, starting in Bangkok. Along the way, it stops at Ayutthaya with its ancient ruins, drifts along the serene rivers of Uthai Thani, explores the grand temples and palaces of Sukhothai, and finally ascends to the cool mountain air of Chiang Mai before looping back to the capital.
What makes this journey even more remarkable is that it connects three UNESCO World Heritage cities—Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, and Sukhothai. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a meaningful voyage that
Limited Capacity, Exclusive Experience
The Blue Jasmine has only 10 carriages, accommodating just 37 passengers. This means the journey is designed to feel more personal, intimate, and tailored.
Guests can choose from three cabin types: Classic, Premium, and Premium Suite. Amenities include private bathrooms, access to the Panorama Lounge, private dining spaces, Wi-Fi, and even an open-air balcony.
After a day of exploration, you can unwind in the Panorama Lounge, sipping a craft cocktail while gazing at emerald rice fields, misty mountains, and tranquil countryside framed by the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
It's Not Just a Journey—It's a Lifestyle
Beyond the comfort of the train, The Blue Jasmine curates cultural experiences at each stop. Travelers can try pottery making, silk weaving, join riverside almsgiving traditions, or enjoy a mountain picnic.
Interestingly, not every night is spent on the train—part of the journey includes overnight stays at heritage hotels, each with its own historical character.
As for dining, guests can expect more than just international cuisine. The menu highlights authentic Thai specialties crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients by top chefs. Each meal is served as a culinary journey, as refined and memorable as the scenery outside your window.
Slow Travel, New Thailand
The Blue Jasmine embraces the philosophy of “slow travel”, a relaxed pace that allows travelers to savor every detail of Thailand’s culture and landscapes without rushing.
This aligns with Thailand’s “New Thailand” tourism strategy, which emphasizes high-value, low-impact travel—attracting visitors who care about experiences, heritage, and the footprints they leave behind, rather than mass tourism.
By drawing travelers toward smaller towns and rural areas, the train also helps support local economies that are often overlooked by large-scale tourism. In this way, the journey is not only enriching for passengers, but also creates a positive impact on local communities.
