Missing Cottage: A charming homestay on Koh Klang, Krabi

Do you know what "missing someone" looks like?

I don't know... but I feel...

**Rarely...** do my travels evoke a sense of "longing" for familiar destinations or places I've visited before. This feeling, when it arises, is likely due to the fact that these places provide a sense of warmth, comfort, and relaxation, leading to a desire to revisit them.

One of them is "Thinking of Cottage," a charming homestay with a relaxed atmosphere located on an island in Krabi Province. This place evokes a constant feeling of "longing" due to its friendly and welcoming community, creating a warm and homey atmosphere. Surrounded by lush nature, it's the perfect spot for relaxation and experiencing local life.

House of Memories, Where Nostalgia Brings You Back

I met Matt and Muna, the owners of this charming homestay. Through our conversation, I learned about the stories and lifestyles of the villagers in Koh Klang community. It seems that they still maintain their traditional way of life, and there are many interesting aspects to discover. I became curious about the history of "Thinking of Cottage," and I believe there must be stories about the house before it became a homestay open to the public.

According to Matt, the story of this house is as follows..

"... Many times, friends or relatives from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Udon Thani come to visit and are impressed by the atmosphere, the lush greenery, the warmth, and the way of life on the island... as if it were their own vacation home."

However, one day, when everyone in the family had to move to the city for work, including me and Muna, who had to work on our own architecture projects, we were forced to leave the house abandoned.

For almost a year, no one in the family has returned to take care of the house. However, news has reached us through people on the island and teachers from the school next door who have passed by, saying that the house is "pitiful".

One day, a turning point occurred when relatives from Bangkok visited Krabi and stopped by the "house" as usual. They expressed their dismay and sadness, stating that they had never witnessed such a scene and longed for the atmosphere they had previously experienced.

Reflecting on their own actions, they realized that while they were busy developing properties and assets for others, they had neglected their own roots and heritage. This realization prompted them to take action and do something about their ancestral home. Moona, who also felt a connection to the house due to its resemblance to her hometown of Khon Kaen, agreed with this decision.

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This is the origin of "missing," because it is our own feeling of being away from this house since junior high school until we started working. It is the impression of many people who have visited us, and we still have many stories that we want to tell and believe that it will make others "miss" this place as well.

This is a story I heard from Matt, which made me realize that this place is not just a temporary accommodation where you come to stay and then leave. But here, in addition to being able to relax like you are at home, you will also gain a sense of connection and good friendships to take with you.

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Klang Community

There are two piers from which you can take a boat to the Ko Klang community from Krabi Town:

1. Thara Public Park Pier

Fare: Approximately 10 baht Travel time: Approximately 5 minutes

Local residents often use this pier, where boats will dock at Tha Le Pier (central island). From there, passengers can take a motorbike taxi to reach "Kid Thueng Cottage."

**2. Chao Fah Pier:** Located near the Black Crab Square, this pier offers a more convenient option with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes. The fare is negotiable. Boats arrive at Tha Hin Pier (Middle Island), adjacent to Baan Ma Ying Restaurant. From there, a short walk of no more than 100 meters will lead you to "Kid Tueng Cottage."

For convenience, I used the services of the Chao Fah Pier, which is located near the Black Crab Square. Although the ferry to the central island may not have a fixed schedule, there are ferries crossing almost all the time. After a 15-minute boat ride enjoying the scenery, I arrived at Tha Hin Pier. Walking out of the pier, within 100 meters, I saw a small two-story house that looked warm and inviting, located on the right-hand side. And this is... Kid Tueng Cottage.

Upon entering, one encounters the resident guardian of this dwelling. This steadfast homeowner diligently watches over the property, never straying far from its post.

Matt and Muna welcomed me with local snacks that I had never tasted before.

Nestled within the community, "Thinking of Cottage" has witnessed countless smiles and heartwarming friendships blossom among its residents.

"Thinking of Cottage" is a two-story house that requires cohabitation with the homeowner. The lower floor is a spacious hall with an open layout, featuring a relaxation area for sitting, playing, and sleeping.

This place will make you feel right at home. If you feel sleepy, you can take a nap here comfortably, just like you would at your own home.

A corner for relaxing and engaging in various activities.

A section of the kitchen is dedicated to cooking, where you can bring your own ingredients to prepare a meal or learn local cooking techniques.

Essential household medicine, sick, feverish, unwell, rest assured, worry-free, recover.

A natural material seating area located within the house, suitable for relaxing or enjoying meals together.

One of the unique aspects of staying here is the opportunity to savor local cuisine, including dishes you may not have encountered elsewhere. For instance, the breakfast included with your stay features a set of delectable dishes. This includes rice noodles with a flavorful curry sauce and various side dishes, locally-prepared grilled chicken, and fresh fruit. The presentation is charming and visually appealing, making for a delightful start to your day.

Or lunch, which is not included in the accommodation fee (but can be ordered additionally), will allow you to try a wider variety of local dishes. The ingredients for these dishes are fresh and new from within the Ko Klang community itself, and are prepared by Ms. Muna, whose every dish is truly delicious. But what I liked the most was the garlic-fried stingray and the lemongrass-boiled cockle. It was absolutely delicious!

To conclude, let's cool down the heat with some refreshing desserts.

Seeking a change of scenery? Venture outside for a delightful culinary experience. Just a short stroll from "Thinking of Cottage," Matt and Mona led me to a riverside papaya salad eatery nestled near the pier. This unpretentious establishment offers a laid-back ambiance, inviting you to relax on mats spread across the floor.

After experiencing numerous Isaan-style papaya salad restaurants, I decided to try a Southern Thai papaya salad restaurant. The menu offered interesting dishes such as cucumber salad, chicken laab, and fried chicken. The unique aspect of the fried chicken here is that it is not pre-fried. Instead, it is cooked to order, ensuring that each piece is served hot and fresh. Additionally, the restaurant sprinkles fried garlic on the sticky rice, adding another layer of flavor.

In the evening, if you miss the cottage, there is a barbecue grill service available. You can buy your own fresh ingredients or contact Matt in advance. And late at night, if you feel hungry, Matt also recommends a roti shop nearby. There are a variety of roti fillings, such as banana and milk, to choose from. There are also various drinks, such as date palm goat's milk, to drink before bed to make your stomach feel comfortable.

Accommodation at Kittueng Cottage

The house has a total of 3 bedrooms to meet the needs of guests. All rooms have air conditioning, allowing for a comfortable stay. The atmosphere is like being at home, with different room types available, as follows:

1. Single Bed Room for 2 people. The room has a large bed for 2 people and a desk for working.

2. Family Room accommodates 4 people. The room features a king-size bed and a bunk bed.

**3. Gang Room** This room is perfect for groups of 6 friends. It has 3 bunk beds that can accommodate up to 6 people. The atmosphere is similar to a dormitory room from your school days.

Accommodation options are available to suit your needs, with affordable rates of only 550 baht per person (including breakfast).

Island Activities

Upon arriving at the Koh Klang community, it is essential to immerse oneself in the local way of life by exploring the island. Let's delve into the captivating activities that await you!

**Observe the way of life of the fishing community on Koh Klang Island**

Taking a boat out to observe the way of life of fishermen catching aquatic animals for a living. The methods of catching aquatic animals vary according to the type of animal, using a variety of methods such as casting a net. The method of casting a net is used to catch shrimp, and they caught a lot of shrimp.

Take a boat to go crab fishing.

A Compact Fishing Vessel: The "Ruea Plee"

The "Ruea Plee" is a small, maneuverable boat designed for two passengers. Measuring approximately 3.5 meters in length and 75 centimeters in width, this wooden vessel is equipped with an outboard motor for deeper waters and oars for navigating shallow areas. Its compact size allows for easy maneuvering and access to various fishing spots.

The "Ruea Plee" is primarily used for crab fishing, employing a trap baited with lure and left to soak for a period before retrieval. The small size of the boat enables it to navigate through narrow channels and reach secluded areas where crabs are more likely to be found. The effectiveness of this method is evident in the significant catches of large crabs reported by the fishermen.

This activity involves searching for shellfish on the beach during low tide, typically in the morning or evening. Commonly found shellfish include razor clams, cockles, sweet clams, thick-lipped clams, and blood clams. These can be collected by hand. The collected shellfish are then used for cooking, with a notable dish being lemongrass-boiled clams. Having personally tried this dish, I can attest to its deliciousness. It's definitely worth a try!

Shell tattoo

Model Ship Production

The Center for Learning about the Head-to-Head Boat Model, Koh Klang, was established to preserve the traditional way of life of the Koh Klang people, which is becoming increasingly rare. As traditional head-to-head boats began to disappear, villagers came together to build a model head-to-head boat to preserve and develop it. This model boat has become a famous product of the province and generates income for the community.

Batik making

A group of people have come together to produce batik fabric for sale as a source of additional income. The batik production process begins with white fabric, which is stamped with a wax design and then stretched taut. The design is then filled in with color, and the fabric is left to dry for a day. Finally, the entire piece is dyed and dried again, resulting in a finished batik product ready for sale. This initiative generates income for the community. Additionally, visitors can try their hand at making small batik pieces for 50 baht, allowing them to personalize the design with their own colors.

Bird singing competition

Bird singing competitions are held every Friday and Sunday. If you are interested, you can visit.

Tears of Job's Tears

The "Khao Sangk Yod" rice of Koh Klang islanders is a unique variety cultivated and harvested by the local community. The rice is grown in fields with a blend of freshwater and seawater, resulting in distinct characteristics. The cooked rice is known for its soft texture, pleasant flavor, and high nutritional value.

Shallow water raft

Shallow water fish trap is a fishing method that relies on the rise and fall of the tide. The equipment consists of a large triangular net that is open on one side. During high tide, fish swim into the net. As the tide recedes, the fish are gradually concentrated in the deepest corner of the net, known as the "fish trap." This trap can hold a large amount of seafood, including fish, crabs, squid, and shrimp.

The authorities have ordered villagers to stop using this method of catching aquatic animals because it results in the capture of small or immature animals. However, a compromise has been reached, allowing the use of larger mesh nets to prevent the capture of small aquatic animals.

Watching the sunset

An evening activity to bid farewell to the day... watching the sunset, gazing at the sea, and the beautiful sky in a peaceful atmosphere, watching the sun slowly disappear below the horizon.

The island offers a wide range of tourist activities, depending on the time of day and season. Some activities require specific tides, so timing is crucial. Overall, the experience is enjoyable and educational. For more information on specific activities, please contact Matt directly (Kidthung Cottage).

Visiting "Koh Klang" and staying at "Kidtueng Cottage" has been an enriching experience that has broadened my perspective on community tourism in Krabi province. The warm hospitality extended by the hosts, Matt and Muna, made me feel like part of their family. Their kindness and care created a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. I highly recommend this experience and look forward to returning in the future.

And if anyone is looking for a relaxing place to stay amidst the community way of life like this, I would definitely recommend it. Then you will understand the meaning that no matter how many times you come back, you will still "miss" it.

Contact: Thinking of Cottage

Phone: 081 494 7470

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidthung.cottage

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