A Unique Stay in Vintage Train Carriages at a Thai Resort
At the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand, travelers can experience the golden age of rail travel by staying in vintage train carriages that have been transformed into luxurious hotel rooms and restaurants. Ailbhe MacMahon, a travel reporter for Daily Mail, shared her nostalgic experience at this unique resort.
Instead of a typical check-in, guests are invited to ring a golden bell, evoking the sound of a station bell signaling a train’s departure. This small detail immediately transports visitors back to the late 19th century when King Rama V ushered in the golden era of Thai railways.
The resort is located in Nakhon Ratchasima, once a major railway hub. Abandoned train carriages have been meticulously restored and repurposed into 45 villas, hotel rooms, and restaurants with a retro flair, each named after local train stations. The resort’s surroundings include a covered pool area and some rooms even offer outdoor bathtubs.
Upon arrival, guests are escorted to “Khao Yai Station,” the resort’s reception area. The reception mimics an old train station, complete with a train schedule board, ticket window, and a vintage luggage cart. A small corner features staff bunk beds, with classic Playboy magazines tucked under the mattresses, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
To reach their rooms, guests travel by golf cart through the resort’s lush 19-hectare grounds, which are centered around an artificial lake. The interiors, where afternoon tea is served, are elegantly decorated, reminiscent of the grand days of train travel.
The poolside bar, “Terminus,” is artistically designed, providing a unique atmosphere that MacMahon particularly enjoyed. Room rates start at 10,700 baht (around $320) per night, including breakfast, with luxury carriage rooms starting at 16,600 baht (around $500) per night.
The resort’s restaurants also offer distinctive experiences. “Somying’s Kitchen” serves Thai cuisine in an American diner-inspired setting, complete with blue leather booths and vintage posters advertising the Pennsylvania Railroad. The “Poirot” restaurant is infused with a mysterious ambiance, often hosting themed dinners inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
The adjacent spa, “Back On Track,” offers unique massage treatments. Other carriages have been converted into a children’s play area, an afternoon tea room, and a cocktail bar.
MacMahon’s stay concluded with a ride on the resort’s small wooden train along a 500-meter track. Her ticket, marked “Khao Yai to Bangkok, special express, first class,” was a nod to the childhood memories of the resort’s manager, Danuphol Thawachoo, whose family used to travel by train from southern Thailand to Bangkok.
Reflecting on her stay, MacMahon described the experience as a nostalgic journey through time, combining classic romance with modern comfort. It’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates unique accommodations and history.
