InterContinental Khao Yai Resort opens, inspired by train travel

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has opened its doors, welcoming guests to explore the golden age of train travel. The resort, which spans 19 hectares and features five lakes, presents a range of enriching experiences and outdoor adventures, where every touch point is carefully curated. Marking the opening, a series of guest activities designed to uncover the secrets of the destination have been unveiled.

“We are delighted to be sharing the beauty of Khao Yai with guests from around Thailand and beyond,” said GM James Sutcliffe. “InterContinental Khao Yai Resort will set the tone for unbounded adventure in the area, marrying deep knowledge of the destination with an understanding of what luxury means to the discerning modern-day traveller.”

Transported back in time with InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

The resort has been designed by award-winning architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the area’s gateway for rail transportation to Northeast Thailand during King Rama V’s reign. On arrival, guests are ushered to a check-in area styled like a ticket counter, where a traditional stationmaster bell rings to welcome them. Adorned with railway memorabilia – from vintage trunks to old tickets – the arrival area sets the stage for the rest of the stay. Here, a cool glass of organic Yellow Dragon Fruit juice is served; uncommon in the rest of Thailand, yellow dragon fruits grow in abundance in the Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Guests are then escorted through the verdant grounds to their room. Each of the 45 rooms in the main buildings allow guests to relax in elegant surroundings adorned with wall hangings inspired by the vintage railway signs that once hung in train stations around the province.

In every room, a balcony overlooking the resort’s grounds heightens the sense of being surrounded by a natural, lush haven. 11 of the suites and rooms boast private outdoor pools, creating serenity and a deeper connection to nature.

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort guest room exterior

Curated Experiences of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

Developed exclusively for guests by the InterContinental Concierge team, the resort offers a series of customized and intriguing adventures across Khao Yai’s famed mountains and landscapes. Highlights include ‘Welcome to Khao Yai’, which incorporates visits to Baan Sa Nam Sai, one of the oldest communities in the area and ‘Khao Yai Life & Legends’, which offers visitors a chance to experience the enduring traditional lifeways of local residents, the Tha Maprang community, including sampling seasonal fruits at a local farm, learning about legends at the community temple, and learning to make fragrant kaffir lime incense. The General Manager also welcomes guests to join him on a regular ‘Tour de Khao Yai,’ cycling around the resort and its surrounds.

Experience-Led Dining at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

With a focus on culinary expertise, experience-based dining and the use of locally sourced, organic produce from around the property, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort offers an eclectic selection of unique and authentic culinary experiences. Somying’s Kitchen is a farm-to-table concept in the truest sense of the phrase; the hotel’s own organic farm will be the bearer of many ingredients used, whilst local farmers will also contribute to the pantry. At the farm, guests wishing for a hands-on look at food sourcing can also enjoy a specially catered breakfast whipped up from the freshest produce that Khao Yai has to offer. Elsewhere Tea Carriage, set in a heritage railcar, offers a formal afternoon tea set with optional Champagne, rosé wine or sparkling wine pairings, as well as a selection of Signature Iced Coffees and Teas. Highlights include the Rangsit – house blend Thai origin coffee, corn milk and mint syrup – and Pak Chong –Elixir black tea with mango and 1883 lemon syrup.

Transformative Wellbeing

Health, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness are woven into the guest journey. Complimentary stretching, Hatha Yoga & Pilates group classes are on offer, whilst a Resident Healer will guide guests through their personal wellness journeys. A Cross-Fit-inspired fitness centre overlooks mesmerising views of Swan Lake. There are also a series of jogging and cycling tracks, both in and around the resort.

A Commitment to Sustainable Stays
Sustainability has remained a key priority since the construction stage of the resort; Bill Bensley and his design team made use of locally sourced materials and upcycled train carriages in the resort design, in line with Bensley’s pledge to create sustainable hotel design solutions. As the resort welcomes its first guests, this commitment prevails. In line with IHG’s commitment to reduce plastic waste by removing bathroom miniatures, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is one of the first in Thailand to introduce European luxury brand Byredo in a full-size format. Wooden keycards and biodegradable eco-friendly cleaning products will be used across the resort, whilst the culinary team work closely with farms in the region to source seasonal ingredients and minimise food waste.

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort’s Destination Celebrations

With a range of unique spaces and backdrops located throughout the vast grounds, the resort is the perfect backdrop for events of varying natures – from al fresco birthday parties and outdoor cinema screenings on The Swan Lake Lawn to wedding ceremonies and pop-ups on The Waterfall Edge.