Despite the fact that very few of us travel long distances by train these days, there still remains a sense of romance when it comes to the “idea” of rail travel. Conceived with that idea in mind, the train-themed InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand is the swing-for-the-fences result of a project by renowned architect and designer Bill Bensley. To the average visitor, this place is thoroughly enchanting. For true railway nerds, it is a veritable nirvana, complete with a miniature museum packed floor-to-ceiling with train-related antiques, curios, and repurposed bits of oddball machinery.
Midway through 2022, when the resort first began welcoming guests, the choices of accommodation in the three main buildings consisted of 45 nicely appointed train-inspired rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools. About six months later, 19 new accommodations were launched, these ingeniously crafted from repurposed heritage railcars recovered from all around Thailand (some of which had been sitting abandoned for over 50 years).
Today, it’s to those 19 accommodations that we turn our focus.
Stepping inside a railcar suite
The 12 one-bedroom Heritage Railcar suites measure 47 square metres, with a seating area and mini-bar at one end, a cosy bedroom at the other, and bathroom facilities — including a toilette, shower, and elongated vanity — sandwiched between. For an even more ultra-luxe experience, there are the one-bedroom villas, each with private access, a king-sized bed, elegant furnishings, indoor living areas, and large outdoor lounges built around an outdoor bathtub and plunge pool (116 square metres, respectively). The villas offer expansive deck space, and the novelty of a private plunge pool means there’s barely a reason to leave the unit at all.
The Heritage Railcars occupy their little private area of the property, which is a bit removed from the three main buildings. On the outside, each railcar is adorned with the name of a different domestic destination (Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phnom Penh, etc.), evoking memories of an era when train travel was dominant in Thailand.
The interiors, meanwhile, have each been given their own dazzling colour palette, as well as bespoke in-room art courtesy of Mr. Bensley. Further enhancing the vintage beauty inside each carriage is elegant panelling, scenic wallpapers, and handcrafted fabrics by Jim Thompson.
Since it’s a genuine old-school railcar it’s a pretty narrow space, which means you should pick your travel partner wisely. Thankfully, though, doors on the inside lead to outdoor spaces behind each railcar, and even the smaller units have a generous wooden terrace with a work desk and daybed, as well a vintage-style bathtub – with wraparound privacy curtain – directly outside the bedroom.
Where:
Khao Yai, located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 130 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, is a picturesque region known for its lush landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls. As Thailand’s first national park and one of South East Asia’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. According to hotel staff, Khao Yai is historically significant as the first train stop built during King Rama V era, adding a touch of historical charm to its natural beauty.
Who stays here:
Railway enthusiasts, history buffs, Bill Bensley fans, extended family groups, pet owners, and upscale city folk from Bangkok seeking a breath of fresh air.
Here’s a hint:
With such a treasure trove of quirky, train-related paraphernalia on display, guests should explore the resort’s grounds as much as they can. An obvious place to start is Somying’s Kitchen, the indoor-outdoor, farm-to-table, all-day dining spot. And while this retro diner-style restaurant may not be housed in a converted train carriage, it’s still overflowing with railway-related décor and vintage posters advertising train voyages of yesteryear. The restaurant, incidentally, leads directly to the resort’s common area swimming pool, which is heated (quite the rarity in Thailand).
What’s there to eat?
Don’t miss out on the dining and drinking railcars. The upcycled railcar concept works exceptionally well at the resort’s three must-try F&B outlets, partly because it feels more like an actual train ride when shared with others. Poirot is the property’s brasserie-style, fine-dining French bistro, inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The mix of plush, dark-coloured upholstery, glittering gold accents on the ceiling, and carefully placed theatrical lighting creates a suitably dramatic atmosphere for diners opting to sit inside, evoking the feel of a ritzy first-class dining car.
By Robin Banks
Michelin Guide, Sep 2024
guide.michelin.com