ALL ABOARD THE INTERCONTINENTAL KHAO YAI EXPRESS
Nestled in the heart of Thailand’s Khao Yai, the Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort is an awe-inspiring property that offers a luxurious and nature-centric experience. Part of the IHG group it was designed by the renowned architect Bill Bensley which means that of course, it boasts exquisite architecture and stunning interior design that pays homage to the golden age of train travel while seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty of the Khao Yai National Park.
The resort’s accommodations are an epitome of comfort, craftsmanship, and eco-consciousness, blending modern luxury with nostalgic travel motifs and refined aesthetics. Guests are spoilt for choice with a wide range of rooms and private villas, featuring upcycled train carriages converted into luxury suites each thoughtfully crafted to highlight the stunning views of the mountains, forests, and lakes.
With a variety of dining options ranging from casual to sophisticated, the resort’s culinary offerings feature international and local culinary traditions that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Kick off your day at Somying’s Kitchen, the hotel’s canteen-chic diner decked out with sleek Formica surfaces and retro pleather seating in an effortlessly cool Tiffany blue. Morning menus range from traditional Thai congee to the hipster brunch staple, avocado toast, while the evening shifts gear towards the bold flavours of northeastern Thailand with dishes like fiery papaya salad, deliciously spicy curries and the punchy ‘Yang Sua’ Grilled Marinated Wagyu with spicy tamarind sauce.
Just a stone’s throw across Swan Lake (which includes actual Australian White, Black and Black-necked swans) nestled in one of the converted railway carriages, the French brasserie Poirot offers a more formal French dining experience reminiscent of the golden age of first-class train travel.
The menu is small and refined, and the cuisine is fresh and honest, with a focus on taste and flavour. The a la carte menu features a carefully curated selection of dishes featuring culinary classics like the fresh Tour de Fruits de Mer seafood tower, luxurious Crab Royal, a heartwarming boeuf bourguignon and a succulent rack of lamb.
Right next door, the Papillon bar, oozing jazz-era glamour in another railway cart reincarnation, is the spot for sipping on timeless Martinis, Negronis and other wonderful liquor-based house concoctions.
The resort’s gardens, which include over 300 different tree and plant species, are a sight to behold, mimicking the wild beauty of the national park and reflecting Bensley’s unique approach that blends fanciful details with a deep reverence for nature. Khao Yai National Park, located just three hours from Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s oldest and most beloved parks, covering over 2,000 square kilometres of unspoiled nature and is home to a wide range of wildlife, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
The resort also offers guided treks through the national park, providing guests with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wilderness, explore the cultural and natural wonders of Khao Yai, and indulge in the tranquillity that nature offers while admiring the views from up high.
As Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sprawling sanctuary offers a verdant escape into a world where nature reigns supreme. While we didn’t spot any elephants on our trek, we encountered a diverse array of birds, turtles and plenty of cheeky macaque monkeys as well as a Sambar Deer eating grass on the side of the road.
Adjacent to Khao Yai National Park, GranMonte Estate is a picturesque winery situated in the Asoke Valley and managed by the first female winemaker in Thailand. The estate’s optimal microclimate and fertile land yield a variety of premium wine grapes, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Verdelho, Durif, and Grenache. Additionally, the estate produces a range of table grapes, both seeded and seedless, featuring varieties like Muscat of Alexandria, Hamburg, Thomson, Perlette, and Maroo seedless grapes. They also have a pretty fine restaurant on site.
Staying at the Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort promises an unparalleled experience where luxury meets style, and every detail contributes to the journey. From morning views of misty mountains to personalised national park tours and evenings under the stars, the resort offers the perfect mix of nostalgic grandeur and personal touch.
As a gateway to both the past and present, the resort stands as a haven for those seeking extraordinary experiences, inviting guests to immerse themselves in design artistry and the timeless charm of Thailand’s natural landscapes with plenty of local charm, history, and flavours crafted in.
Rates at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort start from £230 per night for twin or double occupancy and include breakfast. Rates are subject to applicable service charges and government taxes.
