BANGKOK, 19 November 2025: Here are the first two days of my Blue Jasmine diary, documenting each stage of an extraordinary nine-day rail journey through Thailand on the Blue Jasmine Train by DTH Travel.
Updates will follow every other day, providing a vivid, unfolding portrait of one of the country’s most exciting and culturally meaningful new tourism products.
There are moments in travel when you feel you are not only witnessing history, but actively taking part in it. The inaugural departure of the Blue Jasmine Train was precisely such a moment. More than a rail journey, this new service represents the revival of a rare set of heritage carriages, a cross-cultural collaboration, and a bold step forward for Thailand’s experiential tourism sector.
A launch steeped in culture
The celebrations began on the eve of departure with a private cocktail reception at the Jim Thompson House and Museum. Two distinguished guests were invited to join in the celebration of the launch of the Blue Jasmine train in Thailand, alongside a gathering of international media and tourism specialists from around the world.
They were the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe and the Americas, Chiravadee Khunsub, and Jim Thompson Group Chief Executive Officer Frank Cancelloni.
Their presence was significant, underscoring the importance of this new rail experience and its role in strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination.
The connection between Jim Thompson and the Blue Jasmine is both aesthetic and philosophical. The train has been fully upgraded with Jim Thompson Thai silks and fabrics, explicitly chosen for their craftsmanship and heritage value. These textiles bring warmth, richness, and a distinctly Thai character to the carriages, elevating the interiors to a standard of understated prestige. The involvement of Jim Thompson also symbolises the bridge between tradition and modern silk designs and soft furnishings, a combination that sits at the heart of the Blue Jasmine experience.
As guests explored the museum at dusk, wandering through teakwood houses surrounded by jasmine-scented gardens, the tone was set beautifully for the train journey. This is not about speed, luxury for luxury’s sake or superficial spectacle but more about stories, heritage, artistry and the quiet pleasure of slow discovery.
Departure from Hua Lamphong Station
Morning brought us to Hua Lamphong Station, a place that holds deep emotional resonance for Thai travellers. Completed in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI, Hua Lamphong was designed with input from Italian architect Mario Tamagno, whose influence is seen across several of Bangkok’s most important civic buildings. The station’s signature arched façade, symmetrical lines, and classical flourishes reveal a distinct European inspiration; yet, the building has become a cherished symbol of Thai rail heritage.
For more than a century, Hua Lamphong has been the setting for homecomings, farewells, pilgrimages, family holidays and cross-country adventures. Its grand central hall, filled with stained glass light and the rhythmic echoes of travellers, remains one of the city’s most evocative spaces.
To begin the Blue Jasmine journey here felt deeply fitting. As our group gathered, staff greeted guests, cameras clicked, and curious commuters paused to admire the gleaming carriages. The atmosphere carried the unmistakable energy of a departure that truly mattered. When the whistle finally sounded and the train eased forward, the emotion was palpable. We were on our way.
Prestigious train with a Japanese pedigree
The Blue Jasmine is not a luxury train in the conventional international sense. Instead, it is a prestigious, rare and culturally significant heritage experience. Its 10 carriages were built in Japan in the 1960s as long-distance overnight sleepers. Later, as a gesture of friendship and cooperation, the Japanese government gifted these carriages to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
Recognising their potential, SRT entrusted DTH Travel to prepare, reimagine and introduce the train to the global tourism market. Their vision has transformed this Japanese-born train into an extraordinary cross-cultural showcase. The Japanese heritage is reflected in the engineering and carriage structure, while the interiors feature Thai textiles, contemporary craftsmanship, and a warm, welcoming design.
With accommodation for just 37 guests, the train offers an intimate atmosphere. The journey features classic bunk cabins, elegantly updated Premium Suites, a dedicated dining car, and a panoramic lounge that serves as the social hub of the experience.
Ayutthaya and clackety clack to Uthai Thani
Day Two took us north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where towering prangs, serene Buddha images, and temple ruins rise from the landscape. Lunch beside lotus ponds at Baan Thai Ayutthaya offered a peaceful interlude before the group explored the historical zone by tuk-tuk, passing shimmering stupas and ancient waterways.
Later in the afternoon, we continued to Uthai Thani, a province known for its quiet authenticity and strong cultural roots. Our base for the night, the Uthai Heritage Resort, proved to be one of the most impressive boutique properties I have encountered in years. (Two of the nine nights are spent aboard the train, and the others in four-star hotels).
A former schoolhouse transformed with great sensitivity, the resort blends classic Thai architecture with wonderful nostalgia. Rooms still reflect their classroom origins, complete with aged teak, some of the rarest and most beautiful I have ever seen in a traditional Thai building. Their rich patina, their sheer width and the atmosphere they create elevate the rooms from charming to unforgettable.
The sense of arrival was captivating. Steep Thai roofs, weathered timbers and lush gardens framed the property in a way that felt both timeless and authentic. It is no exaggeration to say that one night is not enough. I am already planning a return visit simply to experience this gem more fully.
With Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, monks, markets, and local traditions still ahead, the Blue Jasmine promises a journey shaped by heritage, human connection and discovery.
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With over four decades of experience in hospitality, he has worked with leading hotel groups and served as a former Director of Skål International, as well as Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål Thailand, and Skål Bangkok. He writes for travel publications worldwide and is widely recognised as a long-standing ambassador for Thai tourism.
(Source: Report and photos — AJW)
