Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Natalie Wilson

Inside Thailand’s new luxury train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

A new luxury train is on track to transform Thailand’s sleeper network later this year.

Nine-night journeys on The Blue Jasmine will roll through the Thai countryside across five provinces from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Alongside train travel and accommodation, packages include tuk-tuk rides through Ayutthaya, admission to temples in Uthai Thani, plus a visit to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

There are three private cabin categories – classic, premium and premium suites (DTH Travel)

Other highlights include pottery-making, mountain picnics and silk-weaving.

The 10 carriages are divided into three private cabin categories – classic, premium and premium suites – accommodating 37 passengers overnight.

Each cabin features a double bed, wide windows and access to shared or private bathroom facilities for the two nights spent sleeping onboard.

The charter train was originally configured as a Japanese sleeper train (DTH Travel)

Now operated by DTH Travel, the charter train was originally configured as a Japanese sleeper train in the 1960s.

The Blue Jasmine will make its maiden journey on 16 November 2025, with five further departures scheduled in January, February, March, July, November and December 2026.

All hotels, itinerary excursions, most meals and transfers are included in the price. Tickets start at 245,000 Thai baht, or £5,577, per person.

Blue Jasmine operations manager Nathawut said: “Even after 30 years of working in Thai tourism, I'm thrilled to curate such a unique program for our guests.”

The train rolls across five provinces from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (DTH Travel)

It’s not the only newcomer on the sleeper train scene.

In the UK, the long-awaited Britannic Explorer, operated by Belmond, offers passengers luxury suites and fine dining options – for £11,000 per ticket.

Within its cabins are three grand suites and 15 standard suites, where guests can spend three nights travelling from the capital to Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.