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A Vintage Train, A Modern Experience
Thailand has a brand-new way to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and it does not involve a budget airline or an overnight bus. The Blue Jasmine is a restored 1960s Japanese sleeper train that launched its inaugural journey in November 2025 and is now running regular departures throughout 2026.
The concept is simple but ambitious: take 37 guests on a nine-day slow travel circuit through Thailand's cultural heartlands, combining the romance of rail with luxury hotel stays and daily cultural excursions.
What the Journey Looks Like
The Blue Jasmine departs from Bangkok and stops at some of the country's most historically significant cities. The route passes through Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai, with experiences built around each destination.
Daily activities include tuk-tuk tours through the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, joining locals during morning almsgiving rituals, visiting centuries-old temples, hands-on pottery and goldsmithing workshops, and a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai. Nights alternate between the train's onboard suites and carefully selected hotels along the route.
Onboard the Train
The Blue Jasmine has 10 vintage carriages designed by DTH Travel in partnership with the State Railway of Thailand. The Premium Suites feature a double bed, private ensuite bathroom, and butler service. With only 37 guests per departure, the atmosphere stays intimate and unhurried.
Meals onboard lean into Thai cuisine, and the dining car doubles as a social space where guests can mingle over cocktails as the countryside rolls past the windows.
2026 Departures and Pricing
Scheduled departures for 2026 include January, February, July, November, and December. Each journey lasts nine days and eight nights.
Pricing starts at approximately 245,000 Thai Baht (around 5,600 GBP or 7,100 USD) per person. That covers all accommodation, transfers, most meals, and the full excursion programme. Given that only 37 spots are available per departure, early booking is strongly recommended. For a more affordable alternative on the same route, see our Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train guide.
Who Is This For?
The Blue Jasmine is designed for travellers who want to see Thailand beyond the beaches and night markets. If you have the budget and prefer slow, immersive travel over quick hops between tourist hotspots, this train fills a gap that has not existed in Thailand until now.
Also worth reading: our Ayutthaya day trip by train guide if you want to explore one of the route's highlights independently. The best hotels in Chiang Mai are a good starting point if you plan to extend your stay at the northern end of the journey.
Bookings can be made through the official Blue Jasmine website or via DTH Travel.
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Sources & References
This article is based on editorial research and verified with the following sources:
Go2Thailand Team
Based in Thailand since 2019 | 50+ provinces visited | Updated monthly
We are a team of travel writers and Thailand residents who explore the country year-round. Our guides are based on first-hand experience, local knowledge, and verified official sources.
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