Looking to read a detailed InterContinental Khao Yai Resort review before booking your next trip to Thailand? You’ve come to the right place!
The award winning 5-star luxury resort is located in one of Thailand’s most beloved nature reserves, a convenient 2.5 hours drive north of Bangkok.
I spent 3 nights in a luxurious pool villa at the train themed hotel. My InterContinental Khao Yai review features info on the luxury resorts accommodation options, wellness programs, restaurants and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
Planning a trip to Thailand and looking to stay at a truly unique, might we even say magical, resort that will blow your design-loving socks off?
Thanks to the imagination of award-winning designer Bill Bensley, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort stands out as one of the most playful and posh resorts in all of South East Asia.
Bensley spent years collecting abandoned train carriages in Thailand and up-cycled them into accommodation suites, villas, restaurants, bars, a spa and even a kids club (complete with a cute bunny pen).
Upon arrival guests are welcomed by a train ticket master. It is a ritual for guests to ring the bell at the lobby entrance. This signifies they are onboard the train and ready for their journey to begin!
Bensley’s was inspired to design the resort once he explored the history of the region’s rail transportation to northeast Thailand during King Rama V’s reign.
Nestled within a lush tropical landscape InterContinental Khao Yai Resort offers the attentive service you’d expect at a 5 star hotel but with a boutique vibe. The resort has 64 luxury rooms and suites and repurposed heritage railcars suites and villas.
The resort is located in the heart of Khao Yai National Park, which is part of a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s a popular countryside weekend getaway for those living in Bangkok. There are also several world class golf resorts in the area, hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and most surprising, hillside winery estates!
InterContinental Khao Yai Review Highlights
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort stand out from the rest:
- InterContinental Khao Yai is a truly one-of-a-kind luxury resort, perfect for those looking to sleep soundly in a heritage train car!
- Whether you’re a train enthusiast, romantic couple or family with kids, the resort is the perfect weekend getaway for those with a penchant for eye-catching design.
- The hotel is spread out across five scenic lakes, which guests can stroll or cycle around.
- Nature lovers have the opportunity to spot over 100 kinds of tropical plants and seek out various animal species like black-necked swans, ducks, roosters, peacocks, white squirrels, hornbills and koi fish.
- The pet friendly hotel boasts a dog park so it’s easy to bring your pooch on a posh holiday.
- Rest and relax at Back On Track Spa, offering massages, body scrubs, and facials.
- Keep fit on holiday at the 24 hour fitness centre or join a complimentary yoga class.
- On a hot day cool off by swimming in the hotel’s 12 metre salt water pool. Relax on comfy loungers by the pool and order sips and nibbles from attentive attendants via the Terminus Pool Bar menu.
- The property features 5 unique culinary concepts, including a French brasserie and Tea Carriage serving elegant afternoon tea.
- Enjoy complimentary programming daily like Hatha Yoga, DIY Coffee Scrub Workshop, Botanical Garden Tour and Mixology Class.
Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a InterContinental Khao Yai Resort review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday?”
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a train car fit for a Thai king? At InterContinental Khao Yai guests can chose from a selection of accommodation options, including entry level rooms, chic suites and luxurious villas.
If you’re on a romantic honeymoon we suggest splurging on the Heritage Railcar 1 Bedroom Pool Villa.
A surprise and delight to even the most well-travelled globetrotters. Four elegant heritage railcars have been transformed into jaw-dropping villas, with contemporary amenities, Victorian era outdoor bathtub, private plunge pool, and indoor lounge.
Each boasts private access and a king-sized bed, elegant furnishings, spacious indoor living areas and large outdoor lounges built around an outdoor bathtub and plunge pool.
Amenities include goose down pillows (and additional pillow menu), oversized bath towels, plush robe and slippers, refrigerated private bar, fulled stock mini bar, tea and coffee nook, walk-in shower, and Byredo toiletries.
Nightly turn down service for all guests includes a smile-spreading chocolate elephant.
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Back On Track Spa
If you’re looking to rest and relax on holiday book a relaxing body treatment at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort’s wellness oasis.
The guest experience at Back On Track Spa begins in an upcycled traincar, and includes a full team of massage therapists, spa trainers, established health consultants and an in-residence healer, who leads activities such as yoga and pilates.
Healing Thai massages and traditional western modalities are available. All therapies feature locally sourced 100% natural organic products by Siam Botanicals.
The spa features 4 well-appointed treatment rooms located in charming heritage train cars. One of the spa treatment rooms features a tree root still attached to the carriage from when it was abandoned in the jungle, which has become a popular selfie spot at the hotel.
Flip through the Back On Track Spa menu and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to pamper. Guests can select from traditional Thai massages, facials, full body wraps, relaxing aromatherapy baths, and invigorating body scrubs.
The spa’s must-try signature treatments include the Aroma Massage utilizing plai root and ginger, Body Scrub with virgin coconut oil and Body Wrap with turmeric and zingiber.
Khao Yai Experiences
Khao Yai National Park was established in 1962 as Thailand’s first national park. It remains one of the largest, and includes more than 2,200 sq km of mountainous rainforest. The park is one of 5 which comprise the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex UNESCO heritage site.
The surrounding region is surprisingly diverse, offering plenty of holiday fun for romantic couples or adventure-seeking families.
The concierge at the hotel can organize plenty of fun experiences to visit Khao Yai’s gems. Due to the region’s beautiful nature reserve cycling and hiking are a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike.
Art fans will find happiness paying visits to Khao Yai Art Museum, 129 Art Museum and Prammika Art Gallery, uniquely located adjacent to a modern Thai Catholic Cathedral.
If spirituality is of interest be sure to pay a visit to Phu Hai Long Temple, which features an oversized fat golden Buddha.
Wine lovers like me will be shocked to discover that vinis vinifera grapes are growing well in the cool hills here. Skip through scenic vineyards at GranMonte Winery and Alcidini to sip Khao Yai’s unique terroir. Popular varieties include shiraz, viognier and chenin blanc.
If you’re a fan of golf the region boasts a handful of world-class courses including Rancho Charnvee, Toscana Valley, Mission Hills and Karimaya.
Thrill seekers looking to get outdoors can enjoy canyoning, ATVing, zipling, and white water rafting. For a more relaxed nature experience enjoy a soak at Ban Tha Chang’s natural spring.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort Restaurants
No InterContinental Khao Yai Resort review is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel boasts 5 unique food & beverage concepts, from a French fine dining restaurant to dainty afternoon tea hosted in historic train carriage.
Somying’s Kitchen
Somying’s Kitchen is the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, offering chic indoor and outdoor dining options.
The creative menu is crafted to showcase the rich flavours of the region, providing a true taste of Khao Yai via mouth-watering International and Thai dishes.
The Somying’s Kitchen menu is broken down into Thai and Western sections that include soups, curries, appetizers, family dishes, rice & noodles, pastas, and pizzas.
The restaurant’s must-try signature dish is Somying Saab, a grilled whole chicken served with spicy papaya salad with laab moo and sticky rice. We also recommend authentic Thai dishes like Grilled Porn Neck Red Curry, Pomelo Salad with Grilled Prawn, Grilled Magyu Steak with tamarind sauce, and Fried Rice with crispy pork crackling.
If you’re craving a taste from home there are plenty of Western options like Caprese Salad, Spaghetti Carbonara, Seafood Risotto, Ribeye Steak Sandwich, and Burrata Pizza.
Poirot
Named after Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot, The Poirot Restaurant invites guests to indulge in an elegant French dining experience reminiscent of the golden age of first-class rail travel.
The highlight here is the quarterly murder mystery dinner, making a visit to this exquisite and captivating property an experience unto itself.
You can dine in style inside the train car on plush booth seating or skip down the steps to an atmospheric outdoor terrace.
Enjoy a fantastic French feast at Poirot with a fancy menu featuring decadent Gillardeau Oysters, Crab Royal, Steak Frites, Mushroom Tart, Beef Bourguignon, Chocolate Fondant and Lemon Mille Feuille.
Papillon Bar
Deepen your appreciation of the golden age of first-class travel in this jazzy nightclub lounge.
The high-end drink menu includes a selection of fine Champagnes, wines and whiskies – plus classic French cocktails, accompanied by small bites and canapes.
Pop up at the bar and you’ll find a selection of top shelf spirits like Zacapa Centenario Rum, Patron Anejo, Johnnie Walker Gold Scotch, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Remy Martin XO Cognac, Taylor’s Special Ruby Port, Grey Goose Vodka and Mokey 47 Dry Gin.
The mixologists at Papillon Bar are a lot of fun, shaking up classics like the Mint Julep, French 75 or Negroni. The signature cocktail list is so inspiring you won’t be able to sip just one tipple. Enjoy a taste of Thailand in a glass by sipping the Platform, muddled with Nua Spumante Brut, Beefeater Gin and local Rosella Water.
We suggest visiting during Happy Hour, which offers all-you-can-drink from 5-6 PM. If you’re on a weekend getaway plan to visit after dinner in the evening to kick back and relax to live jazz music on Friday and Saturday night.
Tea Carriage
Experience unparalleled elegance in the resort’s much-loved Tea Carriage nestled within a repurposed train car. This Instagrammable haven offers breathtaking views overlooking serene Swan Lake.
Between 11am and 6pm each day guests partake in a traditional British afternoon tea, indulging in an array of sweet and savoury bite-sized treats infused with local cultural influences. If you’re celebrating a special occasion you can elevate the experience with optional champagne and rosé wine pairings.
Once seated guests select from an extensive beverage menu. You can of course stick to traditional teas or get creative by ordering a Matcha Latte. Those with a penchant for buzzy beans can pair their 3-tiered service with quality espresso beverages or a drink from the signature iced coffee list.
The afternoon tea menu evolves with the seasons but during our visit the parade of pretty eats including savoury choux pastry filled with parmesan cream, mango stick rice pastry cup, Victoria orange chiffon cake, cucumber & tuna sandwiches, banana cake with cream cheese, pistachio madeleines, matcha green tea brownies, French opera cake, classic scones with jam and clotted cream, pepperoni bruschetta, and larb gai quiche.
Terminus Bar
For a refreshing mid-day indulgence or an afternoon treat visit the Water Tank Pool and Terminus Bar.
If you’re keen to spend a hot day relaxing by the resort’s pool friendly attendants are on the ready to fetch you a towel, ice-cold beer or craft cocktail.
Wag your finger down the Terminus Bar menu and you’ll find plenty of poolside pleasures like fresh juices, soft drinks, wines by the glass, and the world’s favourite cocktails like a Moscow Mule, Mojito, Caipirinha, Paloma, Bloody Mary, Maitai and Aperol Spritz.
You can pair a thirst quencher with a mid-afternoon bite off the Somying Kitchen menu.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort Contact
262 Pong Talong Sub-District, 66-44-082-039
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