Luxury in converted carriages
Thailand is famous for its extensive rail network, which has been an important means of transportation for many decades. By embarking on long rail journeys, travelers could enjoy the slow pace and return to an era when overcrowded planes and clogged airports weren't as common.
The history of railways in Thailand dates back over 100 years, and one of the most famous historical routes leads from Bangkok towards Khao Yai and further east. This path was popular with city dwellers looking for beach retreats or cooler spots to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Today, more than a century later, the new resort, designed by the incomparable Bill Bensley, immerses guests in the essence of this era. The Khao Yai InterContinental consists of more than 65 suites and villas, including a number of converted Thai rail cars converted into luxury accommodations.
The magic of detail: designer Bill Bensley brings the project to life
Bill Bensley, a Bangkok-based American designer, is known for his unparalleled creativity and ability to immerse himself in the world of fantasy and fairy tales. His work always evokes genuine surprise and makes guests explore every detail.
InterContinental Khao Yai is no exception. Bill Bensley admits his love of train travel was an influence on the resort's design. He himself traveled on many luxury trains around the world and spent summers traveling on the Canadian Coast Railway.
When Bensley discovered a Thai railway yard filled with decommissioned trains, he couldn't resist the idea of bringing them back to life. "I looked at all these rusty, old cars and thought, 'Oh my God, they're just lying there and rotting... We have to do something about it,'" he recalls. Six months later, they began to buy these cars.
However, the most difficult part of the project involved getting heavy and old trains into the resort's hilly landscape. Their original plan was to bring the wagons on rails. However, a sharp turn in the road, where the wagons were to be placed, did not allow the wagons to be placed without the additional help of construction equipment.
“We hired a huge crane 70 meters high. Then we moved the wagons and set them up on the slope. It was a tough day... The crane cost us a lot, but we were able to complete everything in one day,” says Bensley.
The uniqueness of the Khao Yai InterContinental project
As a result of the revitalization of old Thai trains at Khao Yai's InterContinental Resort, guests not only get to experience unique luxury carriages, but also enjoy other beautiful spaces. In addition to accommodation cars, the resort also offers a spa, kids club and three restaurants - Poirot, Papillon and Tea Carriage.
The Poirot restaurant, which overlooks Swan Lake, epitomizes the atmosphere of "Murder on the Orient Express". Papillon Restaurant, located next door, is a jazz bar serving strong cocktails and live music on weekends. Tea Carriage is located in another part of the resort with a beautiful landscape, where guests can enjoy a variety of drinks such as iced coffee and fine afternoon tea.
But those who can't fit into the converted carriages will find comfort and luxury in the resort's other rooms and suites. Each room, designed in the style of a classic wagon, is unique and offers panoramic wallpapers and decorative panels.
Guests can head to Khao Yai National Park, or spend time enjoying the resort itself. The 19 hectares of InterContinental Khao Yai are filled with over 30,000 trees and several lakes, the largest of which is inhabited by numerous black and white swans. Here, guests can take bicycles and ride around the lake, as well as enjoy the peace while watching the swans swim nearby.
InterContinental Khao Yai offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Thailand's rail travel, immerse themselves in the fantasy world of Bill Bensley and enjoy the comfort and luxury of this special resort inspired by the golden age of trains.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
