Kalanan Riverside Resort

Next door to the Suan Thip Michelin Guide restaurant is the Kalanan Riverside Resort, a boutique hotel overlooking the Chao Praya River. Situated in a landscaped garden setting with a canal connecting to the river it is reminiscent of colonial days with polished wooden floors, four poster bed with mosquito netting, and paneled walls. But with modern conveniences, for example the rain shower. With two swimming pools I had a choice. There were two restaurants, one indoor and the other outdoor overlooking the river’s edge. I tried the riverside restaurant for dinner because I knew the ABF would be indoors. The breakfast included khao tom or rice soup, western pastries, cereals, and eggs any style. Anyone wishing a hearty Thai style breakfast was offered rice, meat and vegetable stir fries, and fresh salad. I was able to sign up for a Thai cooking class with Chef Chukky. I was his only student. I’m sure all lessons aren’t private but it just worked out that way. First we went to the hotel herb garden to pick fresh lemongrass, basil, and flowers. Then, on the restaurant patio I learned to make green curry with pork and a fried fish salad with herbs and savory dressing. Chef taught me the subtle differences in style in Thai cuisine based on the ingredients. I had never fully appreciated before the delicate flavor of young ginger. I only spent one night at the hotel but I would go back definitely. The river in Nonthaburi is not like Bangkok down river with its busy boats and traffic. Nonthaburi has become a suburb of Bangkok but by the river you would never know it.