Step back in time to the days of luxury travel at the InterContinental Khao Yai, all within a tropical forest in the heart of Thailand.
Text: Crystal Woo. Additional text: Abdul Aziz Draim. Photos courtesy of InterContinental Khao Yai & Crystal Woo.
Aerial view of the InterContinental Khao Yai in Thailand.
The InterContinental Khao Yai is a vintage train converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury resort.Just two and a half hours drive from Bangkok City, the resort is surrounded by 40-hectare of nature. It was designed by Bill Bensley, inspired by the 19th-century Pak Chong Railway Station during the era of King Rama V.
This relatively young resort (opened in late 2022) is 30 minutes drive from the UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park. Thailand’s oldest wildlife reserve, Khao Yai is also the last few places where wild Asian elephants still roam free.
All aboard.
A Charming Throwback
Evening view of the resort’s main building.
Stepping into the remote InterContinental Khao Yai resort is like a throwback to the golden age of slow travel. Shaded by tall trees and tropical plants, travellers arrive at the unusual check-in counter, disguised as a charming ticketing station. Steam train nostalgia interpreted in a playful way, it even comes with the trainmaster’s sleeping quarter.
The check-in counter.
Here, walking lanes are well paved and the green lawn is kept neat. Everything looks and feels immaculate. Fresh crisp air and beautiful emerald-hued railcars are stationed all around the sunny estate. Some are up-cycled as private suites while others as restaurants and a Tea Carriage. Among them is Poirot, a French restaurant named after Agatha Christie’s celebrated detective.
The French restaurant, Poirot.
Then, a small distance away resides the Heritage Railcar Suite, fully furnished with a cosy living area. Features here also include a marble-tiled shower room with hot water, comfy bed on a raised platform, ceiling mounted racks for the luggage, attractive Southeast Asia artwork and textiles, Bensley’s own framed art in narrow hallways, and at the back, an outdoor bathtub and lounge taking space on a patio overlooking a rogue jungle. This is old world luxury dressed with hints of whimsy to spark imagination.
Your suite awaits.
Private sanctuary.
The Watering Hole
But it’s not all about the trains. With wide indoor and outdoor spaces, the blue and white Somying Kitchen is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. Serving Thai and international cuisine, tasty signatures include Somying Saab, grilled whole chicken with spicy Korat-style papaya salad and sticky rice, and the popular Tom Yum Goong, fresh prawns in spicy coconut soup. Also, an excellent breakfast buffet is available everyday.
The industrial-style Somying Kitchen.
Al freso dining at Somying Kitchen.
The breakfast buffet.
Thirsty travellers can find their favourite drinks at Somying’s friendly next-door neighbour, the Terminus Bar. Directly opposite the bar awaits a placid swimming pool fringed by Mother Nature. Be on the lookout for frequent wildlife visitors, including the adorable and not so common virgin-white coloured squirrels.
The Terminus Bar.
Around the corner, follow the sign to reach Swan Lake and a lotus pond. Black and white swans on waters teeming with shiny fishes is something straight out of a fairy tale. With its wooden platform extending out to the lake complete with a garden swing on-shore, the romanticism here is cinematic, earning InterContinental Khao Yai another name: the magical Swan Lake Resort.
Swan Lake.
Thailand, Wine Country
For some of you, it may still come as a surprise that Thailand produces its own wine. GranMonte in Asoke Valley is one of its leading winemakers. Naturally, a visit to its 15-hectare vineyard makes for an eye-opening and educational experience. Strategically located at the foothills of Khao Yai National Park and 350 metres above sea level, GranMonte is a Thai family run business paving the way for winemaking in the country.
GranMonte in Asoke Valley
Using “Smart Vineyard”, a precision microclimate monitoring system, their award-winning wines prove that viticulture in a tropical climate is no pipe dream. Take time to learn about its grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and Durif. The ensuing wine tasting—paired with some delightful cheese—might get you a little tipsy too. While here, stop by the family’s Vincotto restaurant for some braised lamb, bathed in a red wine reduction sauce, naturally.
