I needed to see those ocean views, I had completed both Bangkok and Chiang Mai for that trip. Krabi welcomed me with a beachside energy that I wasn't expecting to feel, I wasn't mad! Yes, a certain Indian spice could be felt, I wanted to try all of those dishes! Cabaret was clocked, I had much to praise during that final show! Railay Beach made a COVID-19 travel dream come true!
Before I headed towards those beachside drinks deals, I took my time to explore the beach front at 'Ao Nang'. Yes, it was tourist appropriate but those longtail boats set the scene with the ocean blue in-front me. My hotel was located a few metres from the main beach, I wanted to make the best of that location, location, location! I walked from top to bottom, I had worked up quite a hunger and thirst because I was looking for something Indian to chow down on! The far end of the beach wasn't my scene at all, later on I wanted to disgraceful nearer to my hotel. The hotel guests were doing too much, it wasn't to my taste. Taste? I had already had some delicious dishes the previous night and I was going back for more, I wanted to try some place along the beach. I chose my dining location as I headed back towards a place that hadn't yet started their day long 'Happy Hour' prices! Checking those particulars, their tandoori oven was legit and the chef was definitely from India! Chana Masala, who? Aloo Gobi, what? Masala Chai, me? Yes, K!
That unassuming ocean facing Indian restaurant was hungry for customers, I had walked past at the right time! I had enjoyed a delicious portion of Butter Chicken the previous evening next to my hotel, I wanted to try something different 'Beside The Sea!' Ordering a portion of 'Chana Masala' felt correct, I then ordered an accompanying portion of 'Aloo Gobi' for good measure. Was I going completely vegetarian? Yes, it seemed so! I went for freshly baked Chapatis and to complete the meal, I had to wash it down with a piping hot cup of 'Masala Chai!' Now, all items tasted fresh, delicious and nothing was overpowering on the spice level. I was in a trance with such lovely food on my plate, I found myself looking at flights to Mumbai on the double! I didn't know exact dates in that moment but that food had gotten me curious about making a return trip back to India! Krabi served up something lovely, I then needed a dozen cocktails to start! I hate to admit this, I thought it was clever to go on a bar crawl, it was a poor choice! Not good!
Another cabaret show? Yes, I had clocked some serious mileage when those 'Kratoey' spangled shows were concerned! So, I wanted to see one final show before I left Thailand! After making it back from my 'James Bond Island Tour' in one piece, I showered, quickly got changed and grabbed a '7 Eleven' toastie before negotiating my 'Blue Dragon Cabaret' ticket. With a 'Thai Smile' or not, I managed to get a ticket at that venue, I entered the labyrinth that was above a series of bars and a dispensary. The venue was compact but perfectly formed, the cocktails from the night before had left my system by then but I had made it through a long day, I needed some liquid refreshment to retox me! Thinking back, I don't know how I was still functioning? An early night it would be! Sitting down, the stage and seating area was an intimate affair, I was able to get a front row seat, that I did appreciate with an uninterrupted view to boot. I was excited to see the show, with the trip coming to a close, I wanted to hold onto every moment!
Routines galore were served with lip sync performances one after another, I clapped until my hands hurt and whooped constantly! The stage was small but the performers were mighty, their costumes were elaborate, it was all very impressive! Photography was allowed, that was refreshing because my first show in Bangkok had forbid photos, that was due to a few adult additions to their line up! In Krabi at the 'Blue Dragon Cabaret', it was all about carnival numbers and the divas, I was impressed by the 'Shakira' and 'Beyoncé' impersonations! A couple of the dolls ventured into the audience, people needed to get a sense of humor because their act was harmless. I was gunning to get a photo with the head doll, she had the most slender figure with long blonde hair and a soft appearance. That final showtime was worth it, I was shocked by the manner of the promotions girl because all of whom I interacted with didn't have her type of demeanour. Drag was served 'Beside The Sea' in Krabi, Thailand! She had struck one last pose!
I kept the following day's schedule open, I had been on a constant flow of activities and I wanted to say no to any plan! Taking a questionable boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach needed to be done! Now, deep down at the beginning of the first COVID-19 UK Lockdown, I had compiled my 'Travel Plan' with Thailand's Railay Beach penned as a must visit location! I had only gone and made that wish into an actual thing, I gave myself my own round of applause! The boat ride over from Ao Nang Beach took about 15 minutes with a few rough waves rocking the boat slightly, it wasn't bad at all! I had limited my time on boats during that first trip to Thailand, I wanted to keep it that way! I saw the shores of Railay Beach appear, it felt wild to be making that request into real life, the Pandemic taught me to not take any destination for granted! Stepping from that boat onto the beach was a moment, for some it was 'so so' but for me, I felt accomplished. What was I going to do after I had taken in those beach views? Eat breakfast, RL?
Yes, I headed down the main street to see more of a compact alley way, most certainly it didn't resemble the main roads Ao Nang possessed. I embraced those 'almost island settings' because Raliay is only accessible by boat, another reason why I chose to stay in Ao Nang. Now, the vibe was totally different, I saw monkeys at the end of the path and wanted to turn around on the double. I saw a restaurant with breakfast options, the waiter assured me that the monkeys could be shooed away! I ordered a bumper 'Full English Breakfast' because I could tell that section of Krabi was mad touristy! I enjoyed my breakfast, it was time for me to have a beer before taking the boat back to Ao Nang. I had one more look at those karst mountains and those longtail boats, it all felt very real once again. That morning 'Beside The Sea' told me to always keep the faith, for me to never lose hope! Railay Beach was the missing piece, I felt beached out! Krabi was everything, it was the right level of action, nature and foodie spots! I'll remember, Railay!
It's Railay Not Railway!
Desperately Seeking Adventure