All aboard The Blue Jasmine: A symphony in Sukhothai
As the journey aboard the Blue Jasmine comes to its inevitable conclusion, Travel Daily Media’s Gary Marshall and his fellow travellers were in for yet another royal experience before making their way back to Bangkok.
The old royal capital of Sukhothai is the last stop on the luxury train’s itinerary, a place where history comes alive even in the 21st century.
According to Gary: “It’s a place of wonder, Sukhothai; how could it not be with its magnificent temples and the richness of its history as a place where kings walked with their respective courts? It’s a place that leaves one spellbound, fascinated by the fact that it is both ancient and timeless.”
A storied journey
The road to Sukhothai is scenic and intriguing: the train winds through Thailand’s northern mountains, traversing over great bridges and tunnels.
The scenery makes travellers thoughtful, even insightful: it is as if they are watching time itself march before their eyes as the modern weaves into the archaic.
Chef Patipat Lakpong captures the essence of the journey in a light lunch served aboard the train, the perfect repast with which to prepare travellers for the sights ahead.
Indeed, the sights are awe-inspiring: a graceful temple weathered by time is a classic example of royal Thai architecture from the 13th century; ruins that call to mind a short-lived empire; and a sense of pride that comes from being hailed a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It should be noted that Sukhothai nowadays is known either as the Sukhothai Historical Park or, more formally under its UNESCO appellation, the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns.
Covering a total of 11,852 hectares, the area is actually made up of the towns of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet.
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Sukhothai served as the political and administrative centre of the first Siamese Kingdom, while Si Satchanalai served as its spiritual core thanks to the numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries built in the area.
Following an immersive trip through the ancient capital, travellers made their way to an exquisite garden venue for an al fresco dinner.
Here, they were regaled with traditional songs and dances endemic to the region: musical proof that the old ways are alive and well in Northern Thailand.
Classic comfort in an ancient city
For this leg of the journey, those on the Blue Jasmine made their way to the Sukhothai Heritage Resort for the night.
Just 45 minutes away from the Sukhothai Historical Park and adjacent to Sukhothai Airport, this elegant boutique resort offers just 68 rooms and suites in a low-rise structure inspired by the region’s architectural heritage.
Likewise, the interiors are elegant without being overly opulent, a prime example of Thai design that takes elements of an ancient aesthetic and weaves it with contemporary sensibilities for a truly unique sense of style.
Here, guests spent a restful night before heading out the next day to immerse themselves in the area’s crafting traditions before making their way back to the train.
Following a night on the train, those on the Blue Jasmine enjoyed one final promenade in Bangkok, this time a trip down the Chao Phraya river paired with a sumptuous repast: an exquisite ending to an equally exquisite journey.
To know more about the Blue Jasmine and its itinerary, visit the official website.
