Marking the final phase of its opening journey, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort unveils 19 Suites and Villas, housed within repurposed heritage railcars. A spa, French bistro, and cocktail bar – also situated in repurposed railcars, sourced from across the country – have also been revealed.

The train car suites tell the tale of Khao Yai during the era of King Rama V, when the region was a gateway for railroad travel to the Northeast of Thailand and surrounding destinations - Sri Lanka, India, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Yangon, Luang Prabang, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, Sukhothai and Chanthaburi; these voyages became the design inspiration for each of the train carriage designs.

Each wagon is designed uniquely and named after a different destination, transporting to old time train travel glamour. Set around a lake, the well-appointed 47 sqm suites are elevated for a train-like experience, complete with a comfortable bed, bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Rich panelling, skillfully crafted to emulate original carriage windows, is complemented by scenic wallpapers and ambient backlights that evoke the sense of rolling countryside vistas.

In each railcar, delicate bespoke fabrics from famed Thai silk company Jim Thompson further add to the sense of uniquely Thai locality. All rooms also come with outdoor spaces, whether a balcony, terrace, or a private plunge pool, like in the four of the Heritage Railcar One-Bedroom Pool Villas (116 sqm) and the Heritage Railcar Two-Bedroom Pool Villa (223 sqm), giving guests a chance to be closer to nature.

Passionate about melding storytelling with restoration and building in a way that preserves nature, designer Bill Bensley recovered the railcars from around Thailand; some of them had been left unused for over 50 years, and Ficus trees had taken root on the roof and almost completely enveloped the carriage. Some of the root systems have been preserved, furthering the feeling of being connected to Mother Earth.

In addition to the Villas and Suites, two additional dining concepts have opened. Poirot is an elegant French concept with a succinct menu focusing on memorable tastes and flavours, whilst a tableside cocktail cart is evocative of first-class train travel in times gone by.