This Luxury Thai Train Hotel Did Something INCREDIBLE for My Wife – Intercontinental Khao Yai Review
We expected luxury. We didn’t expect tears of joy.
On our second night at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand, something happened that made my wife cry — and completely changed our trip.
This is the story of a railway carriage hotel masterpiece by designer Bill Bensley, where restored railway carriages meet heartfelt Thai hospitality, and where luxury is measured not just in thread count or chandeliers, but in the sincerity of its people.
The Ma-Li Card – A Welcome Steeped in Thai Hospitality
It all began after cocktails at Papillon Bar. We wandered past fairy lights strung in the trees, on our way to dinner, when we heard someone call our names. I turned to see Fah — one of the waitresses — running toward us with a card in her hand.
She handed it to Mel, who opened it slowly.
Mel had wanted a pretty Thai name, having talked about it with some of the staff earlier.
Fah had carefully written ma-li in Thai, which means Jasmine: A Gift from God.
The card wasn’t just beautifully crafted — it carried thought, care, and a sense of connection that instantly made us feel more than just guests.
It was a moment that set the tone for our entire stay. We had come for the design, the food, and the location. But this was something else entirely.
Sleeping in Restored Railway Carriages at the Luxury Thai Train Hotel
We weren’t just staying in a hotel — we were sleeping inside restored 1920s railway carriages, each upcycled into a unique luxury suite. This is all part of Bill Bensley’s vision to celebrate Thailand’s golden age of rail travel.
These aren’t replicas. They’re authentic train carriages, repurposed with meticulous attention to detail — some transformed into tea rooms, cocktail bars, and even a spa. Each one tells a different story through its décor, layout, and finishing touches.
Our own room was modelled on the look and feel of a carriage, though it sat in a purpose-built block overlooking one of the resort’s five lakes. The design blended heritage railway style and modern comfort so seamlessly, it felt like stepping back into another era without sacrificing any of today’s luxuries.
Bill Bensley Hotel Thailand – Design Genius in Every Corner
Bill Bensley is known for turning hotels into immersive experiences, and here, every detail feels cinematic. From vintage brass fixtures to views across the still waters of the lake, there’s a sense of storytelling through design in the architecture itself.
I thought I understood luxury hotels in Thailand, but here, it wasn’t the opulence that impressed me most — it was how design and hospitality worked together to create connection.
A Lifestyle Beyond the Room at Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort
This isn’t a place where you simply check in, sleep, and leave. The InterContinental Khao Yai is set among 30,000 trees, spread over five lakes and 19 hectares of landscaped paradise.
Morning might start with sunrise yoga beside the lake. Daytime could mean cycling along shaded paths, walking trails, or simply relaxing by the pool. The air is fresh, the pace is slow, and the setting invites you to truly disconnect.
The surrounding region offers even more — from wine tasting at local vineyards to exploring “Little Italy” (complete with its own leaning tower of Pisa).
One of our favourite days was venturing into Khao Yai National Park to see the Haew Suwat Waterfall, made famous in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach. Standing there, you could see why this location was chosen for such an iconic scene.
Breakfast Magic – The Croissant Moment at a Luxury Thai Train Hotel
I’m not usually a breakfast person — at home, I rarely eat before late morning. But here, breakfast became one of the highlights of our stay.
Served at Somying’s Kitchen, the buffet was an extraordinary spread of farm-to-table Thai and international dishes, made with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients.
One detail I loved? Croissants warmed over individual charcoal burners. Paired with cold drip coffee and perfectly blended pink smoothies, this was no ordinary breakfast.
By the second morning, the staff didn’t just greet us warmly; they remembered my coffee order and Mel’s smoothie, bringing them without asking. It’s a small thing, but it spoke volumes about the personalised Thai hospitality here.
Genuine Thai Hospitality – 20 Names in 5 Days
In just five days, we learned the names of 20 staff members — not because we made a conscious effort, but because their warmth, humour, and kindness made them unforgettable.
From the smallest gestures to moments of pure thoughtfulness, this wasn’t scripted service. It was authentic Thai hospitality at its finest.
For all the Bill Bensley design genius, the natural beauty, and the world-class food, it was the people who made this hotel truly unforgettable.
Honest Review – The Holiday Cost of Enjoyment Index at a Luxury Thai Train Hotel
Was it worth it?
We measured our stay at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort using our unique Holiday Cost of Enjoyment Index, which weighs cost against enjoyment across five categories.
You can try it yourself here → Holiday Cost of Enjoyment Tool
It’s a free way to assess whether a trip truly delivered on value and memories — and it’s a method we use for every major trip, whether it’s a luxury hotel in Thailand or a hidden gem somewhere else in the world.
Would We Return to the Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort?
The real question isn’t whether or not this hotel is perfect. It’s whether it changed us.
Seeing Mel’s tears of happiness was worth more than any five-star amenity. This was more than a hotel stay — it was a reminder of why we travel in the first place: to connect, to experience, and to be moved.
If you’ve ever stayed somewhere that touched you emotionally, you’ll understand exactly why the InterContinental Khao Yai has earned a permanent place in our hearts.
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