Located about 2.5 hours northeast of Bangkok by car, Khao Yai has long been a favorite destination for travelers who return to Thailand again and again. This compact UNESCO World Heritage area concentrates everything that draws visitors to the country: lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems and wildlife, regional culture, adventure activities and wellness retreats.
With season three of White Lotus scheduled to film in the region and set to premiere in 2025, Khao Yai’s once-hidden charm is poised to reach a wider audience. Filming will take place across some of the area’s most exclusive properties during the spring shoulder season. Among them, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort stands out as a top-tier option for the kind of travelers the show often portrays. Opened in late 2022 and designed by architect Bill Bensley, the resort blends a worldly hotel sensibility with an intimate scale: 45 luxurious rooms and 16 suites set across 19 hectares of tropical grounds featuring more than 30,000 trees and five lakes, offering privacy and seclusion.
© InterContinental Khao Yai
Bensley’s design pays homage to the region’s historical role as a rail hub. Restored 19th-century heritage train carriages have been upcycled into elegant suites, creating a narrative that runs through the resort’s architecture and amenities.
The storytelling continues through its dining outlets. Somying’s Kitchen, named for a conductor’s mother, serves all-day fare. Two converted carriages house Papillion Bar and a tea carriage, while The Poirot Restaurant—named after Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot—hosts quarterly murder mystery dinners. Other facilities include an outdoor Water Tank Pool, a fitness center, Back on Track Spa (located in a refurbished railcar with four private treatment suites) and Planet Trekkers Kids Club, also set in a heritage carriage.
© InterContinental Khao Yai
Outside the resort, Khao Yai offers classic Thai outdoor experiences: bush trail hikes, zipline adventures, guided bike tours, mountain biking and quality golf at courses such as Rancho Charnvee and Toscana Valley. Khao Yai National Park invites visitors to trek through verdant forests, discover waterfalls and take in scenic viewpoints. Wildlife sightings can include wild elephants, gibbons and a rich variety of bird species. Ban Tha Chang Spring is known for its clear waters—perfect for swimming and for romantic picnics.
The local towns and villages complement natural attractions with cultural and culinary offerings. Art lovers will appreciate the Khao Yai Art Museum, while two notable Buddhist temples—Wat Then Phithak Punnaram and Wat Pa Poo Hai Long—offer insight into regional spirituality and architecture. The area also supports organic farms, eco-tourism experiences, a floating market and a growing number of independent cafés and restaurants. Notably, Khao Yai’s wine industry and vineyards have expanded in recent years, and Toscana Valley blends central Italian inspiration with Thai character, creating an unexpected but appealing fusion.