For decades, the journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by overnight sleeper train has been a rite of passage for budget travellers and slow travel enthusiasts. There is something special about waking up to early morning views of misty mountains and verdant rice fields as the train approaches Chiang Mai. As enjoyable as the journey can be, there are limits on the amount of comfort you have on the standard trains. While the first-class berths on the newer trains are good, they are not luxurious. For the first time on the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route, there is now a genuine five-star alternative: The Blue Jasmine.
Luxury train travel
The Blue Jasmine, a restored heritage sleeper train originally built in Japan, made its inaugural trip in November 2025. With only 10 carriages and passenger numbers limited to 37, this luxury rail holiday is described as a “timeless rail journey through Thailand”.
The prestigious trip is organised by the specialist Asian tour operator, DTH Travel, and the train is designed in conjunction with the State Railway of Thailand. Travelling on board The Blue Jasmine is a unique experience that takes in some wonderful destinations en route to Chiang Mai. The unhurried journey north features immersive cultural experiences, boutique hotel stays, and guided excursions.
In collaboration with Jim Thompson, rich textiles and design elements have been selected for the interiors. The result brings warmth, colour, and a distinct sense of Thai identity to every carriage.
The Blue Jasmine features a pair of dining and lounge cars with wraparound windows to maximise the views. Passengers can select from three categories of cabin: Classic, Premium, and Premium Suite.
Classic
The Blue Jasmine private cabin accommodates two passengers with seating that converts into nearly 2-metre-long bunk beds. Each cabin includes a sink, mirror, side table, reading light, and a large window. Complimentary drinking water and basic amenities are provided daily. Shared toilet and shower facilities are located at the end of the carriage. Single-occupancy use and connecting cabins are available on request.
Premium
Premium Twin Cabins are located at the end of the train for reduced foot traffic. Guests have access to the Panorama Lounge and an outdoor balcony. Each cabin features restored interiors with twin bunk beds. Single-occupancy use and connecting cabins are available on request. Premium guests share a larger bathroom with fewer passengers in the same carriage and dine in a separate dining wagon reserved exclusively for Premium cabin guests.
Premium Suite
Premium Suites are the largest cabins on the train. Each suite contains a full-size double bed, a seating area, two large windows, and a separate storage space. The suite features a private en-suite bathroom with a separate toilet and shower, and amenities are replenished daily. Guests receive dedicated butler service, including assistance and escorted access to the Panorama Lounge and outdoor balcony.
Slow travel in style
The Blue Jasmine journey includes nine days of travel. Two nights are on board the train, with six nights at different boutique hotels along the route. Meals, guided excursions, and transfers are included, and guests are supported by English-speaking guides.
Starting in Bangkok, The Blue Jasmine travels north to Chiang Mai with stops at Ayutthaya and Uthai Thani. From Chiang Mai, the return journey stops at Sukhothai and finishes back in Bangkok.
The carefully curated itinerary is built around daily cultural experiences. Although there is no obligation to join the various excursions, they are included in the ticket price and allow travellers to experience the diversity and charm of different regions of Thailand.
Bangkok
The journey begins and ends in the Thai capital. Befitting this heritage train, the departure point is Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong train station. A welcome dinner provides the opportunity to meet and greet the other passengers before you commence the leisurely journey north.
Ayutthaya
The first destination is Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site is filled with ancient temples and atmospheric ruins. Passengers on the Blue Jasmine can take a guided tuk-tuk tour covering many of the main attractions.
Uthai Thani
From Ayutthaya, the journey continues to Uthai Thani, where passengers stay overnight at a boutique heritage hotel. It’s an early start the next day to experience a local side to life with the morning Buddhist alms-giving ritual. There is also an opportunity to visit the striking ‘Crystal Temple’ before dining on a traditional rice barge on the Sakae Krang River.
Chiang Mai
Back on the train, it’s time to travel to the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai. Enjoy the scenic mountain views while eating breakfast in style on the train. Arriving in Chiang Mai, an early check-in at the hotel allows ample time for guided exploration of the city. The next day, passengers can visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in the morning and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure before a memorable evening that takes in sunset views of the mountains and a relaxed dinner.
Sukhothai
After a couple of days enjoying northern Thai hospitality in Chiang Mai, the luxury adventure continues on board the train for the scenic journey to Sukhothai. Another of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sukhothai, is a wonderful destination to immerse yourself in Thai culture.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
End of the trip
After Sukhothai, The Blue Jasmine continues south to Bangkok. This wonderful travel experience culminates with an evening cruise along the Chao Phraya River and a farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant before transfers to the hotel for the final night of the trip. Although The Blue Jasmine part of the adventure is complete, there is the option to continue exploring more destinations in Thailand independently.
Booking The Blue Jasmine
The inaugural journey was in November 2025. Further excursions are scheduled through until the end of 2026. For full details, visit The Blue Jasmine website:
https://www.thebluejasminetrain.com
If you’d like to add flights or need help extending your travels in Thailand, consider contacting a specialist luxury tour operator:
Images: courtesy of The Blue Jasmine (unless stated)
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