If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of chasing remote corners of the globe, it’s that magic often hides in plain sight. And sometimes, just three hours from a buzzing city like Bangkok, you find yourself somewhere that feels like a portal to Europe—but with a uniquely Thai twist. Enter: InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, where vintage train carriages, misty lakes, and 50,000 newly planted trees create a fairytale escape in the mountains of Thailand.
Picture this: a hotel designed by the brilliant (and probably slightly unhinged, in the best way) Bill Bensley, set around a series of upcycled vintage train carriages, with swans, koi fish, and enough greenery to make you forget that Bangkok exists at all.
And best of all? My toddler was thoroughly entertained. The whole time. And I got to sit still. In silence. With a drink. In the sun. I almost didn’t know who I was anymore.
Getting There (Also Known As: Are We There Yet?)
It’s about two to three hours by car from Bangkok, which is just long enough for someone to ask “how much longer” 38 times, but also short enough to survive without needing therapy after. Once you get there, though, it’s like you’ve been transported to Europe. I’m serious. There are misty lakes, crisp air, and cute cafés. In the cool season (Nov–Feb), it’s around 15–20°C (59–68°F). Which means you can actually wear a sweater without sweating through your soul.
What’s the Vibe?
Designed by the ever-extra Bill Bensley, this place is part hotel, part art museum, part fever dream—in the best way. It’s quirky, gorgeous, and full of unexpected moments.
They planted 50,000 trees on-site, so the air smells like pine and expensive good intentions. You’ll find swans and koi fish gliding across lakes like they’re auditioning for a Disney reboot.
It’s also pet-friendly, which means your toddler isn’t the only one shouting with joy in public. You’ll see dogs, kids, and grown-ups wandering wide-eyed through the greenery.
And the rooms? Each one is different. Some are inside actual train carriages, and yes, my toddler lost her mind (in a good way). It’s luxurious, playful, and just plain fun.
The resort sprawls over 100 acres, offering a whimsical setup with benches overlooking dreamy lakes, swans, and an abundance of butterflies fluttering about. The sheer size ensures a tranquil atmosphere where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling leaves, and gentle water movements.
Where We Slept
We stayed in the 1-Bedroom Pool Suite, and let me just say—this is not your average hotel room. For starters, no two rooms at this resort are the same, which makes check-in feel like unwrapping a surprise gift from a very stylish aunt. Ours came with a private plunge pool overlooking lush greenery, perfect for those rare and glorious moments when my toddler finally napped and I could pretend I was in a magazine ad for serenity.
The interior felt like a train carriage pulled straight from a Wes Anderson daydream—plush seating, intricate wallpaper, hung art everywhere you turn, and design elements that made the space feel alive with character and story. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a place to sink into. And the bathroom? Byredo toiletries, which is the luxury mom equivalent of finding chocolate you forgot you hid from your kids.
There’s a balcony with a sitting area, which we used for room service and late-night unwinding with a view of the stars (and no baby monitor static in sight). It was peaceful, private, and just the reset I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re traveling with older kids or friends, the 2-Bedroom Pool Suite has two very distinctively designed bedrooms—perfect if you love each other but also need the gift of personal space. Deluxe Lake View Rooms are a solid option for parents with one young child. But if you want to go full storybook, definitely consider one of the restored train carriage suites—they’re weird and wonderful in the best way, and an experience you won’t forget.
Virtuoso Perks When You Book with an Advisor
If you book through a Virtuoso advisor (like me!), you’ll get:
- 💫 Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- 🍳 Daily breakfast for two (already included!)
- 💵 $100 hotel credit (not valid on room rate)
- 🕰 Early check-in / Late check-out (if available)
- 📶 Complimentary Wi-Fi
Because a good night’s sleep and an unexpected upgrade are the holy grail of parenting travel.
Food: Manage Expectations, But Definitely Do Tea
The All-Day Dining spot is fine. Not bad, not amazing. Think: hotel staples and a kids menu, which is a win—even if it’s mostly variations of chicken nuggets. It gets the job done, especially when everyone’s too tired to leave the property.
Poipot, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. It has an upscale, romantic vibe and serves a simple menu of Western dishes. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to put on mascara for the first time in days, just to feel fancy again. Ideal for a mellow date night while the kid crashes early from pool exhaustion.
Now, tea time in the train carriage? YES. Absolutely yes. Chic barista-made drinks, beautifully plated desserts, and such a fun atmosphere. It feels a little indulgent in the best way—like you tricked your life into being glamorous for an hour.
If you can swing it, I’d suggest skipping lunch at the hotel altogether and heading to one of the adorable local cafés nearby. They’re cuter, tastier, and honestly more memorable.
What to Do With Kids (So You Can Sit Down)
The main pool is big enough to wear them out, and there’s a bar nearby so you can sip something cold while pretending you’re in a pre-child version of yourself.
I was genuinely impressed by the thoughtful touches, like complimentary sunscreen (even the kid-friendly kind!) and after-sun care. As a mom, that felt like someone had been inside my brain and anticipated my meltdown before it happened.
There’s a tram ride that’s short, sweet, and gives off big Disneyland-energy—without the lines or toddler meltdowns. The botanical tour was surprisingly enjoyable too. It was short enough to keep everyone’s attention and gave a nice little backstory on the resort.
And the Kids Club? Honestly, it might’ve been my favorite thing. It’s inside an upcycled train carriage, stocked with books, toys, and even has swings and rabbits outside. Rabbits. As in, real live bunnies. My toddler was in heaven.
If you need to walk off a meal—or just need your child to nap—there are biking and walking paths all around the property. You’ll spot swans, koi fish, and sunsets that almost make you forget the chaos it took to get here. (Almost.)
Service + Extras
They provide everything you need for little ones: baby cots, a bathtub, steamer, and toiletries all ready to go. It made packing way less stressful.
The resort is pet-friendly, so chances are your kid will find a furry friend to bond with while you enjoy a glass of wine. Mine tried to follow a corgi home. Twice.
And the staff? Incredibly sweet, endlessly patient, and didn’t flinch when my child knocked over a drink, asked 14 questions in a row, and attempted to hug a koi fish. Big gold star for that.
The kids menu is technically only available at the all-day kitchen, but when we asked nicely, the staff helped us out elsewhere too. Honestly, that kind of flexibility is the dream when traveling with little ones.
Final Thought (Because I Have Them Now)
Here’s the deal. Traveling with kids is not a vacation—it’s a trip. But Intercontinental Khao Yai somehow made it feel like a little bit of both. It’s beautiful and weird in a way that feels like magic. I caught my child sitting quietly watching the swans and my partner smiling for no reason. And I, for one brief glorious moment, drank a full cup of tea while it was still hot.
So yes, go. And if you want all the best perks, book it through Virtuoso—you’ll get upgraded, credited, and breakfasted like the fabulous parent you are.
Now excuse me while I daydream about tea time in a train carriage and the koi fish who judged me, but with love.
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