Hotel Review: Khao Yai’s newest luxury hotel brings back the glory days of train travel

The mountainous region of Khao Yai in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, is no stranger to themed hotels. The area is packed with properties inspired by cowboy ranches, Tuscan villas and the English countryside. But the latest opening, of the train-themed InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, raises the bar by a few notches.

Designed by superstar architect Bill Bensley, the brain behind over 200 projects across 50 countries, the train theme echos the region’s history as the railroad gateway to Northeastern Thailand during the reign of King Rama V. The American designer journeyed all across Thailand to source old train carriages, 19 of which have now been transformed into well-appointed suites and villas that transport guests to a romantic age of train travel – all without the rumble.

Swan Lake offers ample space for walks, biking and picnics. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

Refurbished vintage train carriages are just part of the draw at the InterContinental Khao Yai. The hotel, opened since August 2022, spans 19 hectares and has five lakes, with dozens of swans that roam the property. Although only a 20-minute drive away from Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel’s own verdant landscape provides more than enough space for walks, biking and connecting with nature, thanks to its forested mountain views, towering fir trees, as well as exotic imports such as baobabs from Madagascar.

The Arrival

The storybook atmosphere begins right from the time you check in. The lobby’s decor resembles a ticket counter, with real and replica railway memorabilia, such as luxury leather trunks, from Bensley’s own collections. The staff welcomes you with a ring from the stationmaster’s bell and a refreshing glass of yellow dragon fruit juice, before escorting you past the landscaped gardens and grand man-made lakes to your suite.

The journey at this resorts starts at their reception that is fashioned like a train station. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

The Glamor of Train Travel

All of the 19 upcycled train suites and villas, arranged lakeside in three parallel rows, are each uniquely designed and named after regional destinations, from Sri Lanka to Chanthaburi. Bensley’s interiors for these carriages range from rich paneling details and dark woods to Barbie-pink wallpaper and contemporary furniture. The smallest train suites are 47sqm, and it’s impressive how they’ve managed to fit a fully lined marble bathroom, full-size Byredo amenities and a connection to a spacious outdoor terrace with a sofa, working desk and bathtub with views of the lake.

All carriages feature an outdoor deck with a lounge area and bathtub.

If you’re tall and large-built, the carriage suites might feel tight. Opt for one of their 45 suites in the main building which are styled to look like train carriages too, with balconies overlooking the landscaped greenery. The spa, kid’s club and several F&B outlets are housed in train carriages, so there are more than enough opportunities to revel in these repurposed creations even if you’re staying in the main building.

Drink and Dine in Train Carriages

In the main dining building, there’s a solid offering of Thai and international favorites at Somying’s Kitchen (think rice with krapao or a handful of pasta dishes), where the portions are hearty and the ingredients come from the hotel’s own organic farm.

Do make time for formal afternoon tea at Tea Carriage. Set in a sumptuously revamped heritage railcar, their tea set consists of a light but sophisticated array of salmon bagels, brie cheese on crackers and delightful mango chocolates. If you don’t need the train backdrop, having tea on the deck by the carriage, with vantage views of Swan Lake, is just as delightful.

Afternoon tea is one of the outstanding highlights at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

Continue the locomotive dining theme with dinner at Poirot, their first-class French brasserie that serves French onion soup and steaks. Wrap up the night with nightcaps next door at another carriage, Papillon Bar. Raise a Champagne-based cocktail, a glass of fine French wine or a snifter of whisky to this elegant bit of time travel.

A Final Word

Everything about this property may scream trains, but it does so in a refined manner. It’s a dream come true if you want the fantasy of train travel, but with the stationary luxuries of a five-star hotel, and the serenity of a getaway in nature.