Thailand’s rail travel scene is getting a tasteful upgrade with the arrival of the Blue Jasmine, a restored 1960s Japanese sleeper making its debut in November 2025. Operated by DTH Travel, the boutique service promises a nine-day loop from and back to Bangkok that blends onboard luxury with curated cultural stops around the country.
Blue Jasmine Luxury Train Revives 1960s Sleeper Elegance
The Blue Jasmine resurrects the charm of mid-century rail travel by refurbishing a 1960s sleeper train from Japan into a plush, modern cruiser. With 10 wagons configured across three classes, the refit balances period style and contemporary comfort—cabins range from very comfortable to genuinely luxurious, and the train runs a scenic 750 km route through Thailand’s varied countryside. Designers have also included a Panorama lounge for relaxed daytime viewing and, for the most exclusive guests, a private butler to manage itineraries and in-cabin needs.
DTH Travel, the operator behind the venture, leans on more than six decades of experience creating memorable holidays across Asia and operates 14 offices regionally. Comfort is the watchword: two of the nine nights on the itinerary are spent onboard under crisp linens and soft lighting, while attentive service delivers chef-prepared meals and craft cocktails that echo the train’s refined aesthetic. With just 37 passengers per departure, the experience is intentionally intimate—an attractive selling point for train aficionados and luxury travellers alike.
Nine-Day Thai Odyssey: Heritage Hotels and Onboard Butler
The Blue Jasmine’s nine-day itinerary pairs two nights on the train with seven nights in four-star heritage hotels, creating a rhythm that alternates travel days with in-depth stays. Stops include the riverine charms of Ayutthaya and the cultural richness of Chiang Mai alongside other curated cultural hotspots; excursions are built around UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, gleaming temple complexes and guided activities such as pottery workshops and riverside barge rides. In Chiang Mai, guests even have the opportunity to meet the region’s famed elephants, part of an itinerary designed to showcase both history and living traditions.
Between excursions, the journey itself is part of the appeal: guests watch Thailand’s green landscapes pass by while dining on menus crafted by onboard chefs and sipping bespoke cocktails in the lounge. The finale returns travellers to Bangkok for a Chao Phraya River cruise and a farewell dinner, a fitting close to the circle. Demand is already high—bookings extend into 2026—and typical pricing sits around 250,000 baht (about £6,000) per person, with a solo traveller surcharge. For those who value a small passenger list, polished service and a blend of mobility and hotel comfort, the Blue Jasmine aims to deliver an unmistakably luxurious way to see Thailand.
Blue Jasmine offers a fresh take on domestic travel in Thailand by merging classic rail nostalgia with modern luxury, curated shore excursions and intimate group sizes. For travellers seeking a restful, stylish way to explore Thailand’s cultural heartlands, it arrives as an elegant new choice on the map from November 2025.
