SCENIC WONDER AT INTERCONTINENTAL KHAO YAI

06 Mar 2024

InterContinental Khao Yai offers a unique place to set up base to explore the myriad attractions of Khao Yai.

Khao Yai is the antithesis of Bangkok. While Thailand’s capital is known for its nightlife, shopping and enthralling culinary scene, the rural region of Khao Yai is best synonymous with natural beauty, local culture, wildlife and adventure. Only two and a half hours north of the city, it might as well be a world apart.

The wealth of accommodations in Khao Yai has grown in recent times, but few can refute that the luxurious InterContinental Khao Yai is one of the most unique places you can kick up your feet while visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems and plethora of activities including numerous quality golf courses.

GETTING THERE

Khao Yai is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok. The completion of a new highway due later in 2024 and a new high-speed rail connection due for completion in 2026 will shorten the journey. A new private charter eight-seater seaplane flight will be launched soon, offering an alternative option, with a flight time of just 50 minutes.

THE RESORT

Opened in 2022, InterContinental Khao Yai is located on 19ha of lush tropical landscape with over 30,000 trees and five lakes. Designed by acclaimed architect and designer Bill Bensley, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort incorporates the romance of train travel, drawing on the historical inspiration from the area’s history as a gateway for rail transportation to north- eastern Thailand during the reign of King Rama V.

Bensley’s rich storytelling is built into the design concept around a train conductor and afficionado called Somsak and his love for train travel in Thailand and beyond to neighbouring Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore.

THE ROOMS

You probably won’t find anything as unique as the accommodations here. The 45 luxurious rooms and 16 suites is built within 19 abandoned heritage train carriages from the 19th century that have been meticulously and exquisitely restored and upcycled into luxurious suites. The resort offers a memorable experience that transports guests to the glamorous age of train travel.

EAT & DRINK

Combined with renowned Thai hospitality and intuitive service, the resort offers signature restaurants that raise the bar for dining and culinary experiences.

Somying’s Kitchen offers all-day dining and is named after the mother of the train conductor. Within two upcycled train carriages are the Papillion Bar to welcome social butterflies and the Tea carriage. The Poirot Restaurant is named after Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot. Their quarterly murder mystery dinners are reason enough alone to visit this exquisite and captivating property. The function lawn is perfect for outdoor – tented garden style parties, celebrations and special events.

WHAT TO DO

At the off chance that you can peel away from your comfortable room, you can jump into the 12 x 6m outdoor Water Tank Pool for a dip, or perspire away at the fitness centre.

Prefer having activities done on you? Treat yourself to a session at the Back on Track Spa which is located in an upcycled heritage railcar with four individual treatment suites. Little ones in tow will surely bug you to enrol them in the popular Planet Trekkers Kids Club which is also housed in a heritage railcar and has its own garden.