InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Thailand
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Neighbouring Thailand’s first National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai, just a few hours northeast of Bangkok, lies a new destination poised to steal the spotlight for international travellers. This forested retreat boasts cooler temperatures, farm-to-table experiences, and fertile lands brimming with fresh produce – drawing comparisons to well-touristed Chiang Mai. Switch out the historic temple-filled old town for wineries, and you might be excused for thinking I’m talking about Adelaide Hills or Portugal’s Lisboa wine region. Of course, neither has mango sticky rice, rich aromatic curries, or the Thai hospitality celebrated the world over. Here, at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, this unique blend of nature’s bounty and cultural immersion reaches new heights. The resort is a marvel of upcycled luxury, where 23 vintage train carriages from across the country have been transformed into unique guest rooms and restaurants.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
Upcycled, Bold Bill Bensley Design
The brainchild of award-winning architect and designer Bill Bensley, the resort impresses with its unique train theme. Twenty-three train carriages were rescued from across the country, some taken from abandoned fields with 50-year-old ficus trees covering them in roots, much like some of the hidden temples in Cambodia‘s famous Angkor Wat. These are genuine treasures rediscovered.
Guests are checked in at the “Khao Yai Station,” aka the lobby, where the “conductor’s” office is filled with period pieces. The benches outside the “ticket office” sit safely behind a line of tiles marked, “For your safety, please stand behind the line.” The train theme is tastefully done with paraphernalia such as signboards and luggage sourced from London antique fairs and Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. We’ve even heard a rumour that vintage Playboy magazines are under the conductor’s mattress (if you find them, let me know!). From here, guests book and collect tokens for a ride on the resort’s tram. The conductor takes your ticket before boarding and departing for your destination.
Train Carriage Suites & Rooms
Restored train carriages, complete with polished brass fittings and plush interiors, are transformed into opulent suites. Stepping into our room is like stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts. Curved ceilings, striking tile patterns and unique furnishings in each carriage mean no two stays are the same. Train windows frame the surrounding landscapes, just as if we were on board travelling through the Thai countryside. Antique steamer trunks, overhead storage, twin-bell alarm clocks, and rotary dial telephones are just a few period pieces that accompany guests on the journey.
The railcar suites come with outdoor bathtubs and patios in varying sizes depending on your booking (some even have private pools). Our patio is comfortable in the early morning or late afternoon in the summer. However, in the cooler months of November to February, it really could be used all day long. The outdoor bathtub is draped with curtains around a ring. It’s not 100% private, so it’s best to wear your bathing suit when you go for a soak.
There are 19 unique train carriage suites and villas alongside 45 rooms overlooking several lakes. All provide incredibly comfortable bedding, including a pillow menu to customise your sleep. An espresso machine and French press coffee (speciality beans from Chiang Mai) are highlights, as are the Byredo bathroom amenities in reusable pumps. All the expected 5-star provisions are as you’d expect: electronic safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, Smart TV, and so on. However, the pet-friendly rooms are particularly exciting for those with fur babies.
Pet-Friendly!
Cats and dogs under 14kg are welcomed with equal hospitality. King Classic Garden View rooms provide dedicated pet bedding and a select range of services to cater to their needs. There are outdoor dining terraces that welcome furry friends, and there’s even a whole park designed for dogs to run and play.
Facilities: Beyond the Rooms & Train Suites
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has a great little gym overlooking the lake, a pretty pool enveloped by the surrounding forest, a friendly children’s club, and a beautiful spa housed in several restored train carriages. Daily activities such as yoga, massage classes, and cinema-under-the-stars nights are also offered. You can learn to make your own coffee scrub and even participate in a Thai Buddhist alms offering. However, it’s the incredible grounds that undoubtedly stand above what many properties provide.
The resort’s expansive grounds are home to a massive botanical garden with over 30 species of trees and hundreds of types of plants, and include several lakes filled with koi and black, white, and black and white, swans. Walkways are shaded by arched trees, and the air is fragrant with flowers. Our visit is between the dry and wet seasons, and the property is alive with butterflies of all kinds. It’s a magical scene where every stroll to our room, restaurant or facilities is an inspiring and rejuvenating experience.
Restaurants & Bars – Dining Out at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort’s restaurants and bars are destinations in themselves. The Tea Carriage, a restored railcar overlooking the peaceful Swan Lake, provides a distinctive setting for afternoon tea. For a touch of luxury, Poirot restaurant offers a concise menu of fine French cuisine in a beautiful refurbished train carriage. Next door, in an adjacent carriage, is Papillon, an excellent bar for pre or post-dinner drinks. Both are ideally poised to capture magical sunset views mottled through the treetops.
Somying’s Kitchen, the resort’s all-day dining venue, offers a medley of flavours, from Thai and international delicacies to locally sourced, organic ingredients. Their Thai dishes are particularly noteworthy, with warm curries and spicy soups as a highlight. The setting is designed to mimic a 1960s American-style diner inspired by the train conductor’s love of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.
Breakfast at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is taken at Somying’s Kitchen. The blue-centric, light-filled restaurant has plentiful indoor and outdoor terrace dining spaces. The breakfast is primarily a buffet with eggs, tea, and coffee made to order. We appreciate several vegan options, such as oat and soy dairy alternatives, abundant tropical fruit, and tasty pork skewers on sticky rice. Our favourite table is on the lower patio under umbrellas and tree foliage.
The Terminus Bar, on the other side of Somying, serves cocktails, mocktails, and cool beverages. Take a close look at the details in the design, such as the electronic boards covered with glass acting as tables. There really is something in every corner to marvel at.
Despite the excellent range of food and beverages at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, guests might be tempted to stay in, especially if staying in one of those gorgeous upcycled train carriage suites. We do that on our first evening, wanting to soak up the views from our patio rather than make ourselves presentable for an outing. We dine on Thai classics like pomelo salad, chicken and coconut soup, and minced pork with basil from the comfort of our verandah.
Further Afield in Khao Yai – Lots to Do!
Beyond the resort, Khao Yai offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Hike or bike through lush forests in Khao Yai National Park, spotting wildlife like elephants and gibbons. Take beautiful photos of the cascading Haew Narok waterfall and feel small from one of several viewpoints overlooking the majestic ranges. After your nature fix, unwind at a vineyard like GranMonte, where you can sip on local wines and savour scenic views of rolling hills. Additionally, you can pick strawberries, visit local farms, explore caves teeming with bats, visit themed villages, or even try your hand at milking cows.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort Review
We’re all aboard for the unforgettable escape InterContinental Khao Yai Resort provides. This meticulously designed property transcends the ordinary hotel experience. From the inspiring upcycled train carriages to beautiful natural landscapes, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression long after your stay.
Reasons to visit InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Thailand: unique, inspiring and tastefully done suites transformed from upcycled train carriages; incredibly beautiful and expansive natural environment; cooler temperatures; butterflies.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
262, Pong Talong Sub-District, Pak Chong District
Nakhon Ratchasima 30450, Thailand
+66 44 082 039
khaoyai.intercontinental.com
@intercontinental_khaoyai
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort on Google Maps
*Parking on-site
**Under three hours drive from Bangkok
***Transport can be arranged with the hotel for an additional fee
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