Located in Nakhon Ratchasima province in Khao Yai National Park, InterContinental Khao Yai is a new resort in Thailand with a big difference. Not only does the property sit on 100 acres of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the latest Southeast Asian opening from IHG Hotels & Resorts has transformed no less than 19 heritage train cars into luxury suites, part of a wider accommodation offering that totals 45 rooms and villas.
With the railcar suites fitted out with original luggage racks, railways signage, and, for some, bunkbeds, InterContinental Khao Yai is shooting for a sense of authenticity to recall Khao Yai’s history as one of Thailand’s most important train hubs. Considering this area served as a gateway to the northeast during the reign of King Rama V from 1868 to 1910, InterContinental Khao Yai has a lot of history to play around with and from the photos it’s looking like this is articulated beautifully through the lends of InterContinental’s signatures.
The train cars were mostly from a Bangkok train yard but also from all across Thailand, most of which are narrow but long enough to offer a generous amount of living space as well as outdoor areas including a bath and large deck. Five of the suites also boast their own private swimming pools, while the biggest of them all, the Heritage Railcar, uses two full-size cars running together.
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Arctitect and interior designer Bill Bensley is responsible for the colourful and imaginative project, having previously worked on various big brand hotels throughout Southeast Asia including the Four Seasons Resorts in Chang Mai and Koh Samui, as well as JW Marriott Phu Quoc, Capella Ubud and Rosewood Luang Prabang.
Bensley also gave InterContinental an easy way out when it came to sustainability initiatives, given that using the old train cabins meant a reduction in new materials required to build the entire resort, which was planned around the natural environment of Khao Yai.
A pop of Wes Anderson-level fantasticism comes into play for guests checking into the resort. A fictional stationmaster named Somsak of Khao Yai Station was dreamed up to give the guest experience a bit of a theme. Upon arrival, guests check in at Somsak’s “ticket office,” which is designed with various antiques and heirlooms aimed at building up a bit of a backstory for the stationmaster.
Somying’s Kitchen, the resort’s on-site restaurant, serves Thai and international cuisines in a space that’s being described as half American diner, half provincial railway station. Other amenities include a Back on Track spa, the Papillon cocktail bar and another French-style restaurant called Poirot Brasserie. Another train carriage has been designated the official Tea Carriage of the resort, where guests can watch black swans glide past as they pick at plates of scones and mango macarons.
InterContinental Khao Yai
Address: 262 Moo 6 at Pong Talong Sub-District Pak Chong District, Khao Yai, 30450, Thailand
Contact: +66 44 082 039
Rates at InterContinental Khao Yai start from around $380 per night.
