With demand for rail holidays on the rise, destination marketing company DTH Travel is stepping confidently into the spotlight with the introduction of fresh, innovative rail and slow-travel journeys across Asia.
The DMC has launched a fresh portfolio of rail-based tours in Laos, China, Thailand and Vietnam, experiences built to help agents meet growing client appetite for immersive and hassle-free overland travel.
This development arrives at an ideal moment. As the world marks the 200th anniversary of train travel, interest in slow tourism and scenic cross-country journeys is rising.
“Train travel is one of Asia’s fastest-growing trends, and as slow tourism gains more awareness, we see rail experiences shaping the region’s future,” said Stephan Roemer, CEO of DTH Travel. “Agents need partners who can deliver low-impact, high-value journeys that connect travellers to local communities, culture and heritage. Our strength lies not only in the logistical expertise to operate these routes, but also in enriching them with genuine local experiences along the way – by rail, road or river.”
DTH has recently announced a range of new product highlights for 2025–26.
The Blue Jasmine – Thailand’s new signature rail journey (9 days) DTH Travel’s flagship rail product, The Blue Jasmine, is a 9-day premium adventure from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani and Sukhothai. Launched with its inaugural departure on 16 November 2025, the experience blends heritage travel with boutique comfort. This exclusive 1960s charter train features just ten carriages for 37 passengers, creating a private and nostalgic atmosphere. Interiors showcase Jim Thompson’s iconic silk designs, complemented by a bespoke amenity kit and the world’s first onboard Jim Thompson Showroom. Availability remains for upcoming 2026 departures: 24 January, 21 February, 11 July, 21 November, and 12 December.
The Great Train Trip – Laos, China & Vietnam (14 days) A new country combination, ‘The Great Train Trip’ takes place in Laos, China and Vietnam on a 14-day program that combines modern rail routes with traditional cultural experiences. Travellers discover Luang Prabang and the Kuang Si Falls, take a cooking class with the Khmu in Namkat, cross the border into China by train, and meet ethnic groups such as the Yi and Sani in Kunming. In Vietnam, the journey takes travellers to the sustainably operated Topas Ecolodge in Sapa, to the villages of the Red Dao, and finally to Ha Long Bay, where they spend the night on a traditional wooden boat.
Rail & River: Cambodia & Vietnam (2026) This new concept pairs the elegant journey train with the boutique Jayavarman river cruise. Travellers begin on the Mekong from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City before continuing north by rail through coastal Indochina, passing golden beaches, rice fields and UNESCO-listed cultural sites en route to Hoi An.
The Night Train to Tibet – China’s signature slow-travel route – One of DTH’s top-selling products, this adventure follows the Qinghai to Tibet Railway from Beijing to Lhasa. Travellers experience breathtaking alpine landscapes and gain rare insights into Tibetan culture through monastery visits and local encounters. A standout choice for clients seeking bucket-list rail travel.
As demand for rail travel grows, DTH shares these top sales tips for agents.
Position rail as “soft adventure”
- Emphasise comfort combined with a sense of discovery: exploring new places, big windows, extraordinary scenery and countless photo moments which would otherwise be impossible to experience without traveling by train.
Promote Asia’s modern, efficient rail systems
- Highlight key advantages over flying: city centre to city centre connections, no airport queues, and excellent punctuality.
Explain class and comfort options
- Outline differences between Business, First and Second Class; note features such as spacious seating and quiet carriages. For sleeper trains, contrast Soft vs Hard Sleeper cabins and mention the added value of travelling overnight without needing a hotel saves money.
Appeal to eco-conscious travellers
- Rail and river travel significantly reduces carbon impact compared with domestic flights.
Guide clients through practicalities. Agents can add value by clarifying:
- e-ticket usage and ID/passport requirements
- How to navigate stations, lounges and boarding gates
- onboard dining options (and the benefits of preparing snacks or arranging for food to be delivered to the station gate)
When booked through DTH Travel, complex elements such as cross-border rail connections, ticketing and logistics are fully managed giving agents reliable, innovative products while giving travellers complete peace of mind.
