InterContinental Khao Yai Resort: A luxury resort centred on train carriages

Maximise your next trip to Bangkok by including a stay at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort as part of your itinerary. Trust me when I say that it was hands down the best way to unwind and just escape into nature and solitude after a few days soaking up Bangkok’s exuberant energy. 

Just slightly over two hours from Bangkok by car, you will be transported  into the jungled hills of Thailand’s oldest national park and a World UNESCO heritage site, Khao Yai National Park and into this stunning Bill Bensley sanctuary.   

The American landscape architect, architect, and interior designer who has designed over 200 hospitality projects in 50 countries creative pursuits have led him to conceive Bangkok and Bali-based design studio Bensley. He is the go-to designer for unique luxury hotels and when conceptualising the design for the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, he was inspired by the early days of the Thai railway system during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) (1868 to 1910). 

It was during King Chulalongkorn’s reign that the first railway lines were built in Thailand. He is often considered the father of the modern Thai Railway system as it was under his vision that the State Railway of Thailand (the state-owned railway operator in Thailand, connecting Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai, Padang Besar and Sugai Kolok) was conceptualised.

Thailand’s own storied railway history dates back to the early 1900s, when the city dwellers from Bangkok would ride the train to get out of town for beach escapes or cooler climates. Khao Yai is a beautiful part of the country with mountains and cooler weather, but according to Bensley, it’s a destination always overlooked by international luxury travellers who would prefer Chiang Mai. He believes however that the city could just become the next great nature destination in Thailand for foreign travellers. 

It’s no surprise to find a captivating narrative that drives the design behind every Bensley project. With the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, the team has imagined the hotel to belong to a train conductor who grew up near Khao Yai. He had purchased land to design a train station and ticket office bearing the style of the 19th century architecture and design decor which were all locomotive-inspired. That would include station signboards, luggage racks, bunk beds and various train memorabilia.  

Besides the storied railway inspiration which I promise will give you an Instagram-worthy picture every turn you make, guests will also be reconnected with nature - the grandest way possible. The resort sits on a 19-acre site with sprawling grounds featuring over 30,000 trees and seven lakes. The largest lake which is occupied by multiple black and white swans is known as “Swan Lake”.  

Another bonus is what lies outside the resort. Guests can seek the expertise of the resort’s dedicated guides who are well-versed in the area and are able to lead authentic explorations around the region such as trekking, wildlife tours, vineyards, historic tours and world-class golf courses.

The rooms

The resort features 45 rooms and 19 suites and villas, of which 11 of the suites and rooms offer private outdoor pools, including a series of upcycled Thai train carriages that have been converted into luxury accommodations. 

But fret not if you’re unable to check into one of the upcycled carriages, as the other rooms and suites are just as spectacular.  Every room is designed to look like a classic railcar and features dramatic panelling and scenic wallpaper.

Bensley transformed 19 abandoned train carriages into luxurious hotel suites and acquired these formerly abandoned carriages from all over Thailand. Says Bensley of this sustainably engineered project: “I have always been a fan of upcycling and recycling, so repurposing train carriages was a dream come true. This is the first time such a big hotel operator backs upcycling on such a big scale.” 

The food

The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort’s Somying’s Kitchen is a farm-to-table concept that makes use of ingredients from the hotel’s own organic farm.

Looking for a unique teatime experience? Make your way to the Tea Carriage, set in a heritage railcar which offers a formal afternoon tea set.  

Dress up for dinner and head to Poirot the French restaurant in an upcycled railcar. The setting takes you back to the golden age of first-class train travel in an. Overlooking nearby Swan Lake, it is hands down one of the most stylish and luxurious restaurants in Khao Yai.

A fancy night cap at Papillon, which is right next door, is a jazz-themed speakeasy serving cocktails and live music on the weekends. 

The Neighbourhood

Khao Yai remains a top destination for nature lovers thanks to the UNESCO-listed Dong Phayayen-Khai Yai Forest Complex - Thailand’s oldest national park made up of more than 2,000 square kilometers of forest and grassland.

There are more than 50 km of hiking and biking trails and waterfalls include 150-metre tall Haew Narok and 20-metre tall Haew Suwat. I recommend the taller waterfall as it’s definitely more breathtaking. Remember the Danny Boyle film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCarprio and Tilda Swinton? Leo's character, Richard, jumped off this exact waterfall in the 2000 film.

Bensley says the InterContinental’s location near the national park is what drew him to the project in the first place.“I’m a wilderness guy, so for me, being so close to a primary forest is really what makes me buzz, to be able to get up into that park and see some of the few remaining wild elephants left in Asia… that’s for sure my favourite part.”

Editor’s tips 

If you’re commuting from Bangkok, you can arrange with the resort for car pick up to take you to the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort and back to Bangkok. 

But if you don’t want to travel by car, there is also a train option from Bangkok to Pak Chong station, which is about 40 to 45 minutes from the resort.

Last but not least, you have to treat yourself to a spa experience in the resort. How many times can you say that you have enjoyed a spa retreat in a train carriage?