Roi Thai Cooking School

Cooking School:Roi Thai
Location: Klong Nin Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand
Chef: Toey
Cost: Sunset Course is 1,800 bahts
Other Courses: Early Bird Course 1,200. Lunch Course: 1,500. Sunset Market Course: 1,900
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

View from the restaurant

Cooking Stations

Most of my holidays revolve around cuisine. Dishes from around the world will always connect to me at a deeper level than other cultural offerings. To experience the Thailand culinary culture is to taste dishes from the different regions, to distinguish the particular styles & flavors that makes it special. However to take it to the next level, it is best to enroll in a cooking class to learn some of the techniques and style.

Now there are several cooking classes offered in Koh Lanta and after reading several reviews of some of them, the thought of cooking right next to the beach was hard to ignore. So I booked at Roi Thai and they came picked us up on time and took us to the location.

Upon arrival my group of 4 were greeted with a welcome drink and shown the menu that we would be cooking that evening. We were in total 10 people for the course that evening. The menu for the night was:

1. Po Pla Thod (Deep Fried Spring Rolls)
2. Gal Pad Med Ma-Muang (Chicken with Cashew nuts)
3. Tom Yam Goong (Hot & Sour Soup with Prawns)
4. Red Curry Paste
5. Gaeng Phed Pla (Red Curry with fish)

The introduction to the course was done with a dish called Miang Kham. This is a Traditional Thai snack that involves many flavours wrapped in a leave to explode in your mouth with that one bite. The five flavours of Thai cuisine were represented in this traditional appetizer; spiciness (chilli, ginger, shallots, garlic),sweetness (the sweet sauce made with palm sugar and fish sauce), bitterness (lime, sour green mango), saltiness (small dried shrimp), and creaminess (peanuts, toasted coconut).

Introduction to Thai Ingredients

Chef Toey

Cooking the Soup

Thai vegetables and Spices

Po Pla Thod

Gal Pad Med Ma-Muang

Tom Yam Goong

The Introduction

Gaeng Phed Pla

Red Curry paste

While making these appetizers and introducing ourselves to the other guests, we ordered some drinks as well, and got comfortable. In the background the Roi Thai staff were setting up the cooking station for the first item on the menu.

Once we directed to the cooking station, it was at this moment when the Chef Toey broke out from his administration registry role from 10 minutes before into the flamboyant cooking maestro that was ready to light up the night with his entertainment.

After a very entertaining introduction to all the Thailand spices, we wiped away the tears of laughter and composed ourselves before the first dish. Toey was very informative about each cooking step & ingredient, he consistently interacted with the students and ensured everybody was up to speed and comfortable. The multi-tasking level of our group was fantastic as we managed to do photo sessions, and Q&A sessions in between cooking.

Learning to make the red curry paste was one of main objectives and the information offered was very good. So applying the same techniques and knowledge to the other curry pastes such as massaman, green, chu chee, and yellow paste was a walk in the park.

After each cooking session, we would take our dishes to the restaurant area and dine there with the group. The whole class lasted about 4 hours and at the conclusion we were dropped off back to our hotels by Toey himself, which was one of the most entertaining rides. The man should be acting on Broadway, the entertainment value is a bonus to the cooking knowledge he teaches during the class.

I would definitely recommend attending his class as a must do event in Koh Lanta. I give this cooking class a 5 out of 5. You get good value for the overall experience.

Krabi town & Klang Island

Krabi is a town on the west coast of Southern Thailand. It is the capital of Krabi Province and Krabi District. The 8 districts include Ko Lanta Island as a district and also Mueang Krabi district which holds Ao nang and Railay bay. So to sum it up it is a huge province with some areas more popular than others.

Tourism is the main source of income here.

Unfortunately I did not have time to cover all the districts on this trip. Explored 3 and drove through an additional two. My trip to Krabi covers my short stay in Krabi town and my stay at Klang Island which is near the mouth of the Krabi River. Additional posts cover Railay, Ko Lanta, and Ko Phi Phi.

Travel tips for this District:

** Arrival to Krabi Town

There are 3 options here:

Krabi International Airport (KBV): Ideally located not very far from Krabi town or the surrounding districts. This serves as a convenient entry point.

Krabi boat piers:  Klong Jilad is the new pier 4km from Krabi town.  Chao Fah pier or Phi Phi pier is the old ones in the center of the town. Ferries run daily from Ko Phi Phi, Ko Jum, Ko lanta, and ko Yao Noi. There is also a Pier called Krabi Thalen 27km west of Krabi town where they have frequent speedboats. Buy your tickets at the pier to get a good price.

By Road: The roads here are good and easy to travel on. There is a bus service to Krabi town but do yourself a favor and take a private taxi. I did a taxi from Phuket to Krabi for ฿2500 and it took 2 hours through some gorgeous scenery.

**Krabi Town Expectations

This is a small town and much calmer than Phuket. The town is next to Krabi River and there are hotels and restaurants scattered all around. One of the few chilled out places for a Thailand town. 

Arriving there at 1pm there was some traffic but not much pedestrians about. Most of the tourist population use this location as a transit point to go to the other Islands in or simply transfer to Ao Nang or Railay further to the west. The highways around the area are very modern due to all the transportation needs in and out of town.

**Locations for accommodation

There are few hotels in krabi town ranging from backpackers to some 4 star hotels. There is one popular hotel called Maritime Park Resort & Spa, this is over booked most of the times and contains a lot of large travelling groups. So try to avoid this place or double check your booking status before arrival.

Most visitors staying in the Krabi Mainland head west to Ao Nang where all the fantastic hotels and resorts are located. The more adventurous get in long tail boats and head to Railay.

My situation here was different, arrived at the Maritime Park resort to discover they have overbooked so relocation meant a new adventure. The relocation option was to an Eco Village Resort on Klang Island, just south of Krabi town.

 The hotel staff drove us to Tara pier, located along Krabi River in Krabi Town. The local long tail boat then another 5 minutes cruising across Krabi River to Klang Island’s pier.  Then we jumped on a motorbike tuktuk and drove through the village across the island. A fun ride about 7 km through the narrowest of roads if we can call it that. Finally we arrived at the secluded peaceful Islanda Village Resort.

The Krabi Adventures: From Krabi town to Tara Pier, to Klang Island. The Drive to the resort. Boat out to Railay bay

**Islanda Village resort

Most of my travel friends don’t really like Krabi town after spending few too many days there so a relocation here was a sign from the travel gods looking after me. This was a hidden paradise. You have quite surroundings, luxury comfortable villas, a big swimming pool with Jacuzzi, good restaurant, and a manager who goes by the name Mr. Big. There is not that great of a beach or night life on this island but it is designed for relaxing & recharging. The only way to travel on the island is by tuk tuk or bicycle. Only way on and off the island is by boat or helicopter.

The Beachfront Villa and Pool	Arrival by boat and transfer by tuk tuk
Relaxing in the pool and Sunset view	Hotel Manager: Mr. Big

**Wildlife

While most people fought the mosquitoes and played with the cats at the resort, I found myself trying to convince more than save a cat from a snake. Both animals were safe from the drama that unfolded. So there are snakes on the island if you are lucky to see one.

Snake

Cat versus Snake

**Things to do on Klang Island

Daytime: I was here to relax and they have a big pool overlooking the beach to do that. You also have the option to borrow a bicycle and go check out the island. There was also a bathtub on the deck to watch the sunset. Limited activities so more of a “my time” place.

 Nighttime: Dinner and drinks followed by interaction with other guests. If you get bored you go look for snakes or other wildlife.

** Costs on the Island
Food is relatively cheap and will cost ฿200-300 a day at the resort. Water is quite cheap with big bottles 1.5 litres trading at ฿20. Beer is about ฿50 and cocktails can range from ฿100 to ฿150.

Accommodation price was ฿5000per night with breakfast for the Ocean Beachfront Bungalow. Other Bungalows start from ฿3000.
No Grocery stores here so buy you goodies in Krabi town.  No Medical centers or ATM’s either. I did mention it was a secluded Island with one awesome resort and a village.

** Conclusion

If you looking to stay in Krabi you can choose a hotel in Krabi town but options are quite limited if you looking for luxury. As an alternative for a night or two try this resort on Klang Island. It is quiet and peaceful. Getting away from the crowds helps in Thailand. On check out we took a 30 minute boat ride across to Railay.

South Thailand Island Guide
Boat options for Island Transfers

Phuket Tips
Phuket Map
South Thailand 13 Useful tips
Ko Phi Phi Don
Railay Beach 
Ko Lanta

Railay Beach

Railay Bay is located in the Mueang Krabi District, which is one of the eight districts in the Krabi region. It is only accessible by boat which makes it quite exclusive. Its neighboring Tonsai bay (North) is also only accessible by boat. The roads in this region only lead to Ao Nang Beach and town so both Railay Bay and Tonsai Bay have no connected roads. Railay bay is one of those spots I could stay for several weeks as it has lots to offer and at the same time have a relaxing vibe to the whole place.

It is a great place where you can easily spent a week to a month. There are many activities during the day and night to keep one occupied. There is strong WIFI at most hotels and some bars, massage houses, and shops. There are ATM’s on the island, 2 as I recall. Railay East has one at the convenience store next to Viewpoint Resort, and the other at Railay West’s "Walking Street". There are no ATM's at Tonsai Bay.

There are no Hospitals or medical clinics at Railay. There is a pharmacy on Railay east. All medical issues require a trip to Krabi by boat. This is one of the most spectacular beach destinations and worthy of a visit. I will definitely go back.

Here are my top 10 tips for Railay Bay :

1. Arrival to the Island:
This is the part that is really important. There is a west side to the Island and then the East side. Arrival on both sides are affected by the tide times. High tide is at approximately 1.41am and 1.34pm, Low tide is at 7.58 pm and 7.58am. The low tide depth gets down to 0.17 meters and high tide gets up to 2 meters. Current tide information can be found here.

2. Railay Bay East:
This is the glamorous side of the bay with the beautiful long beach and awesome views. During low tide the ocean is still deep enough for the Long tail transfer boats to come in and drop you off at the beach. So the west side is good for both tides. Once you arrive on the west or east side, you will need to walk to the hotel and if this requires going to the other side of the island, the middle concrete path takes 10 minutes to get to the other side.

3. Railway bay West:
This is the glamorous side of the bay with the beautiful long beach and awesome views. During low tide the ocean is still deep enough for the Long tail transfer boats to come in and drop you off at the beach. So the west side is good for both tides. Once you arrive on the west or east side, you will need to walk to the hotel and if this requires going to the other side of the island, the middle concrete path takes 10 minutes to get to the other side.

Arriving on the East of Railay bay

East of Railay bay at low tide

Railay Bay West

Railay bay West

4. Accommodation options:
There are lots of great hotels, apartments or backpackers in Railay. I personally recommend Railay Princess Resort & Spa. This place is located on the East side but has two lovely pools and great facilities. The walk to the beach on the other side is 10 minutes and here you can find the sister resort to this hotel called Railay Bay Resort & Spa. If you planning a honeymoon and need to hit the ball out of the park then try Rayavadee on the Bay. It is near Phra Nang Beach south of Railay beach.

Princess Resort Multiple Pools

Sister hotel: Bay Resort Beach Front

5. Wildlife:
The area around here is covered in dense jungle. So expect a lot of animal noises and activity. Monkeys are the most popular animals here and they are not shy. Leave you balcony sliding doors closed or you will have visitors. We saw a monkey going room to room and picking the nuts from the mini bar. They are also quite the pickpockets on the beach. Mosquitoes are the next most popular thing you will see here apart from monkeys. Also be careful when walking on the paths further north of Railay bay as there are centipedes in the area. You do not want to be bitten by one of these. It won’t kill you but it will cause a lot of pain.

Monkeys up to no good stealing from the Minibar

Evening Sunset after excursion trip

6. Daytime Activities:
This place is rock climbing central. A lot of the guests come here exclusively for some great climbing with spectacular views from the top. There are many stores with gear rental and they also have beginners course for those that want to get into it. A much better experience than being stuck in an indoor climbing facility. The beach of the west side is fantastic so you can spend the whole day there tanning and swimming. Kayaking is also an option around the bay and to Phra nang (cave beach). Trekking to the viewpoints to catch the sunset or views is another physical option. Throw in some diving, and fishing to sum up the range if activities available.

7. Evening Activities:
When the sun goes down the options of activity range from dinner at any of the beach restaurants on the west side followed by a long walk on the beach. They have a street called “Walking street” on the west side with some restaurants and shops which is worthy of visits. However if you looking for something different then head to the east side. The evening means high tide and the water is right up to the edge of the concrete path on the bay. There are lots of restaurants and bars on this side of the bay. Rooftop bars with the Rastafarian setup are popular, so try Joy Beach bar or Skunk Bar. The music on this sound of the bay is great along with the night market style setup of shops. There are also lots of massage places open till late. On Friday night’s Lucky restaurant & Last bar is the place to go to see some kickboxing and fire shows.

8. Excursions from the Island:
Never book anything online in Thailand for excursions as it is unreliable and overpriced. Always book in person at a dive store or tourist/tour operators stands. The east side of the Island has many operators that offer you a good price. There are several excursions from the Island that takes you on an Island hopping tour, snorkeling, dinner and a fire show. The locations are: Phra Nang Cave, Tup Island, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and some reefs around the area. This trip should cost about ฿800 at a tour operator but some hotels will have this from ฿1200 to ฿1800. There are also longer excursions headed to Phi Phi islands or Hong Island. Alternatively sailing on yachts with private dinner/lunch is an option.

Also to note here the fire show we saw on our 4 Island trip was good but you can see that the performers failed to read the section on fire safety precautions. There was an incident where one of them failed to secure the fire wick on his stick. This resulted in the wick getting dislodged into the air and into a projectile motion towards the audience. Just my luck when I saw this coming right at me. Luckily the calm ninja techniques worked and I moved in the last moment to see it land 30cm away from me. All part of the adventure I guess.

9. Selection of boat:
Speedboats: If this is an option take it and pay the extra Bhats(฿). Speedboats are becoming popular these days and are very reliable, safe and comfortable.

Long tail boat: At first heading out there in a wooden boat seems risky but the handlers are experienced sea gypsies or locals at most locations. They know the oceans are the islands and do a fantastic job. Can get a little rough if the ocean is choppy but the small numbers on board make for a private experience.

Big Boats: These look great in the brochure but when you get close to it and see the rust on the boat you begin to worry. The boat is old and usually over crowded. Things seem to be in place but this doesn't mean it is working or attached properly. The boat I went on tilted a good 45-60 degrees at times when stationary. When you struggle to get to the other side of the boat to bring the boat to balance you are in for a rough ride.

Poda Island

Evening Fire show on the excursion trip

10. Costs on the Island:
Food is relatively cheap and will cost ฿200-400 a day. Water is quite cheap with big bottles 1.5 liters trading at ฿20. Beer is about ฿50 and cocktails can range from ฿100 to ฿300. Accommodation prices vary from backpackers to hotels. Hotels are roughly ฿5000 per night with breakfast. Groceries at stores are cheap and not overpriced like other locations (Ko Ngai, Ko Phi Phi). Shopping for souvenirs and clothing is not bad as there are quite a few shops on both sides.

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