BANGKOK – Picture stepping onto a beautifully restored 1956 Japanese sleeper train, with its navy and gold details gleaming in the morning light at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station. The Blue Jasmine Train Journey offers a nine-day adventure through some of Thailand’s most treasured destinations.
Created by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and DTH Travel, this new train journey is designed to offer high-value travel with minimal impact on the environment. The first trip takes place from 16 to 24 November 2025, with more dates available in 2026.
With its focus on small groups, elegance, and hands-on experiences, the Blue Jasmine Train is set to offer something fresh for travellers who want to experience the essence of Thailand.
TAT has taken a forward-thinking approach to promoting Thailand. By focusing on stories behind places, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders, they hope to bring something special to global visitors. In 2025, TAT launched its “Value is the New Volume” plan.
The strategy moves away from mass tourism and instead encourages travellers to make deeper connections in each place, supporting local traditions and protecting resources.
The Blue Jasmine Rail trip is a showcase of this vision. With small groups and carefully chosen routes, the train brings visitors to both popular spots and less-visited towns. This helps even out tourism income and eases pressure on overcrowded locations.
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, played a key role in shaping the Blue Jasmine into a top-level experience. This aligns with “The New Thailand” campaign, which encourages visitors to go beyond surface-level touring and get to know Thailand’s history and culture. The train’s preview trip in July 2025, offered to international representatives, highlighted its blend of tradition and comfort.
What Sets the Blue Jasmine Train Apart
The Blue Jasmine Train is more than just transport—it’s a boutique hotel on wheels, welcoming only 37 guests across 10 carriages. Starting in Bangkok, the train travels to Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai before returning to the capital. The pace is relaxed, offering plenty of time in each location. Guests stay two nights onboard and the rest in handpicked heritage hotels that capture the character of their destinations.
Journey Highlights
Day 1: Bangkok
Guests gather for a welcome dinner, meeting their manager and fellow travellers in a lively setting.
Day 2: Bangkok to Ayutthaya and Uthai Thani
After a private ceremony at the station, the Blue Jasmine glides to Ayutthaya, famous for its historic temples. After lunch by a lotus pond and a city tour by tuk-tuk, the journey continues to Uthai Thani, where guests spend the night in a restored school-turned-hotel.
Days 3–5: Uthai Thani and Chiang Mai
In Uthai Thani, guests join a morning almsgiving near the river, explore the beautiful Wat Tha Sung, then continue to Chiang Mai. Here, they visit Lanna-style buildings, enjoy time at a responsible elephant centre, and dine at top local restaurants.
Days 6–7: Sukhothai
The group visits Sukhothai, another UNESCO site, and explores the park by bike or shuttle. Activities include a pottery workshop, a visit to a goldsmith, and a barbecue with traditional dancing under the night sky.
Days 8–9: Return to Bangkok
The final days feature a river cruise along the Chao Phraya and a farewell dinner at a riverside venue. An optional beach extension in Hua Hin is also available.
Onboard Life: Classic Comfort Meets Modern Luxury
The Blue Jasmine offers private cabins in three styles—Classic, Premium, and Premium Suite—all with their own bathrooms and quality comforts. The Panorama Lounge wraps guests in views of the countryside, while the dining cars serve Thai and international dishes made from local ingredients.
The Bar Wagon is ideal for socializing over expertly mixed drinks inspired by local flavours. Every detail, from the service of the dedicated staff to the knowledge of the onboard guides, aims to make the journey memorable.
Off the train, handpicked experiences, such as silk weaving, riverside offerings, and mountaintop meals, allow travellers to meet local people and take part in meaningful traditions. Keeping group sizes small means each guest receives personal attention and the journey has less impact on the places visited.
Price and Value
Current estimates from travel forums suggest the Blue Jasmine Train costs around $7,000 (USD) per person for the nine days. This covers all meals, activities, both onboard and hotel stays, and all onboard services. For up-to-date prices and bookings, travellers should check DTH Travel’s website or talk to specialist agents like The Luxury Holiday Company.
This fare reflects the journey’s exclusive feel, intimate size, and the balance between comfort and culture. Unlike the ultra-luxury Eastern & Oriental Express, the Blue Jasmine focuses on well-curated experiences at a more approachable rate. Stefan Bruns, DTH Travel Thailand’s General Manager, highlights that the focus remains on unique activities and real connections rather than extravagant features.
Why the Blue Jasmine Train Makes a Difference
The Blue Jasmine Train showcases Thailand’s heritage and offers a new direction in sustainable travel. By linking less-known places like Uthai Thani with major destinations such as Chiang Mai, it helps share tourism income more fairly and eases the burden on crowded sites. The slow, thoughtful approach to travel lets guests take their time, build genuine memories, and help preserve the places they visit.
For those curious about Thailand, the Blue Jasmine Train gives a rare chance to see its history, beauty, and traditions, all with exceptional comfort. With journeys planned for early and late 2026, spaces are expected to go fast. More information and booking details can be found through TAT’s official channels or DTH Travel.
