InterContinental Khao Yai is a great nature break for families

If you’re looking to explore Thailand beyond the beaches of the south and the buzzing capital city of Bangkok, InterContinental Khao Yai is a stunning resort adjacent to one of the country’s largest country parks and with a unique twist.

The resort is located in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest national park. Opened in 2023, the lakeside resort is created by one of the region’s most renowned hotel designer’s, Bill Bensley. He has drawn on the local area’s history as a gateway for rail transportation using vintage rail cars as hotel suite accommodation.

The upcycled carriage suites include a lounge area with sofa and coffee table, a neatly accommodated bathroom with rain shower and separate loo and a cosy bedroom. Outside jungle-fringed decks include a desk, seating area and alfresco roll-top tub. 

There are family-styled carriages with rail car bunk rooms which are sure to be a hit with younger travellers and some villas also come with a private pool.

The suites are dotted around a 100-acre property which takes in five lakes and more than 30,000 trees. It’s a verdant escape from Thailand’s more traditional beach-scene breaks.

For families, there’s a lot to love about the resort. Of course the grand drawcard is sleeping in a train. They’ll also love ringing the great brass bell at reception to announce their arrival. The kids’ club, Planet Trekkers, is imaginatively housed in a rail car filled with books, games and toys. Outside is a garden complete with a rabbit house. The friendly staff organise a multitude of activities including lakeside treasure hunts, craft sessions and Thai dancing classes. 

Bikes are available to cycle around the lakes and there are lots of swans to spot and fish to feed. And the resort spa even has a treatment menu specially for children.

A cooling pool is located under the trees adjacent to the resort restaurant, Somying’s Kitchen and parents can head off for a massage at the Back on Track spa while kids are engaged at the children’s club.

Days begin with a help-yourself buffet breakfast table at Somying’s Kitchen, groaning with enticing dishes converting Thai hot and cold options to western bacon, eggs, waffles, pancakes, breaks and granolas. There’s also plenty of fruit and juices and kids will love preparing their breakfast rolls over the mini countertop charcoal barbecues.

The area’s drawcard is its proximity to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s third largest national park with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities as well as the option to trek or whitewater raft. The resort offers day tours through a section of the 2,000kmsq park with plenty of opportunities to take in waterfalls and dramatic clifftop views as well as wild monkeys, deer, birds, butterflies and even elephants. 

After a busy day, enjoy a cocktail at Papillion rail carriage followed by dinner at French fine dining carriage, Poirot.

InterContinental Khao Yai is located around two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Bangkok. A hotel car transfer service from Bangkok Airport is available.