By Andrew J. Wood
Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive
Lacol Khaoyai - A Chatrium Collection Thailand
KHAO YAI : 10 June 2026: After returning to Lacol Khaoyai – A Chatrium Collection, for a second visit, I was reminded of something that often separates a good hotel from a memorable one: PEOPLE
From the moment we arrived, every guest interaction was accompanied by a warm smile, a traditional wai and a genuine willingness to help. Having visited the resort previously, I was immediately struck by how much it had improved. Everything felt more organised, polished and efficient, yet without losing the relaxed atmosphere that makes Khao Yai such an appealing escape from Bangkok.
Located approximately 180 kilometres north-east of Bangkok and just a short drive from the Pak Chong entrance to Khao Yai National Park, the resort was buzzing with activity during our stay. It was a long holiday weekend in Thailand, with additional public holidays still to come, and the property was operating at near full occupancy. Most guests appeared to be Thai families and couples enjoying a well-earned break.
Domestic tourism in Thailand remains remarkably resilient. With rising international airfares, occasional flight disruptions and ongoing global uncertainties, many travellers are rediscovering the extraordinary attractions available within their own country. Khao Yai continues to benefit from this trend and remains one of Thailand’s most enduringly popular destinations.
This was our second visit to the resort and the improvements were evident everywhere. Whether at reception, around the pool, in the restaurants or simply passing staff members along the pathways, there was a consistency of service that spoke well of the property’s leadership.
What impressed me most was the visibility of management. The GM Mr. Silvano Trombetta and his team were frequently seen throughout the resort engaging with guests and staff alike. Even the owner was present and kindly stopped to say hello on two separate occasions. In today’s hospitality industry, where many owners remain unseen, such personal engagement sends a powerful message.
The resort itself is an interesting combination of hotel accommodation, hillside residences, dining venues and recreational facilities. While some elements are operated independently, this is largely invisible to guests. From a visitor’s perspective, the experience feels seamless and integrated.
Accommodation options range from spacious deluxe rooms and executive rooms to family suites and hillside residences, including pet-friendly options. Contemporary design blends comfortably with Thai-inspired touches, while mountain and pool views create a relaxing sense of escape. The resort successfully balances modern comfort with a genuine connection to its natural surroundings.
One of the most noticeable differences from Bangkok is the environment itself.
The air quality feels dramatically cleaner. After weeks of city living, arriving in Khao Yai almost feels like taking a deep breath for the first time. During my early morning walks around the resort, the freshness of the surrounding countryside was impossible to ignore.
The nearby forests and mountains generate their own microclimate. Humidity levels are high, particularly in the mornings, and evidence of overnight moisture can be seen on pathways and gardens. Yet rather than detracting from the experience, it adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature. Everything feels green, vibrant and alive.
The resort’s landscaping complements this setting beautifully. Gardens are well maintained and the surrounding mountain scenery provides an ever-changing backdrop throughout the day.
◻️Dining
One of the highlights of our stay was dining at Lacol Dome Dining
The concept is both unique and memorable. Guests dine within elegant transparent domes offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and evening sky. The setting is romantic without being pretentious, and the quality of the cuisine matched the spectacular location. Our dinner was first class and undoubtedly one of the highlights of the visit.
Journey Café & Bar provides a more relaxed alternative, offering cocktails, local wines and casual dining options, while other dining venues nearby ensure sufficient variety for longer stays.
◻️Meetings, Weddings and Events
Beyond leisure travellers, Lacol Khaoyai is also well suited to meetings, weddings and special events. Surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh countryside air, the resort offers a refreshing alternative to city venues. Whether hosting a corporate retreat, team-building programme, intimate wedding or family celebration, guests benefit from versatile event spaces, comfortable accommodation and attentive service. The natural setting provides a memorable backdrop, while the experienced events team helps ensure every occasion is delivered with professionalism and care.
◻️Khao Yai National Park
Of course, the true star attraction remains Khao Yai National Park itself.
The park is only a short drive from the resort
Visitors have access to one of Southeast Asia’s most important conservation areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our morning visit we encountered Great Hornbills, monkeys, countless butterflies and an impressive variety of birdlife.
The highlight came on our return journey when we spotted a magnificent wild elephant peacefully grazing in open grasslands. Watching such a majestic animal in its natural habitat is something that leaves a lasting impression.
Equally memorable were the vast fields of tall grasses stretching across the landscape, their white plumes moving gently in the breeze like waves upon the sea. It was one of those scenes that photographs struggle to capture adequately.
We also visited one of the park’s waterfalls - Haew Suwat - before returning to the resort just as a tropical downpour swept across the mountains. It was the perfect conclusion to a memorable morning exploring one of Thailand’s greatest natural treasures.
I was particularly impressed by the upkeep of the national park. Roads were clean, viewpoints were well maintained and there was little evidence of fallen branches or neglected areas. It was clear that considerable effort goes into preserving the park’s natural beauty while maintaining visitor accessibility. For nature lovers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, the proximity of Lacol Khaoyai to the national park is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points.
◽️Good service matters
It was only later, after travelling through Thailand’s south-eastern provinces on our way to Trat, that the quality of service we experienced at Lacol Khaoyai became even more apparent.
Service levels elsewhere often felt inconsistent and, in some cases, disappointingly indifferent. By comparison, the hospitality culture at Lacol Khaoyai stood out all the more. The smiles felt genuine, the greetings heartfelt and the willingness to assist consistently evident. Credit must go to both management and ownership for creating an environment where hospitality clearly matters.
Good hotels can be built. Great service cultures take much longer to create.
Lacol Khaoyai may officially be a four-star property, but what increasingly distinguishes it is not its facilities, attractive though they are. Rather, it is the human element.
Combined with Khao Yai’s extraordinary natural environment, excellent dining, comfortable accommodation and noticeably improved service standards, the resort offers a compelling reason to return.
Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply feeling welcome.
At Lacol Khaoyai, that welcome is impossible to miss.
◽️About the author
Andrew J. Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and well respected tourism expert. A former hotelier he has lived in Thailand since 1991. A past President of Skål Asia and long-time tourism industry leader, he writes widely on hospitality, travel and tourism trends across Asia.
