Written By: Colin Hinshelwood/ CPA Media

Banyan Tree Krabi, a luxury 72-key resort situated on secluded TubKaek Beach, has revealed a menu resplendent in local recipes, reflecting the rich culinary culture of Southern Thailand, and served in one of the country’s most Instagrammable locations.

Ever since opening in 2020, the three “Bird’s Nest” tables — which sit perched on a craggy cliff near the peak of the resort and command spectacular views overlooking the Andaman Sea and the distant uninhabited islands of a national marine park — have been favourites with hotel guests, passing tourists, and locals alike. Bookings for a table are often made weeks or months in advance.

Attached by a short walkway to Banyan Tree Krabi’s signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a 60-second ride in an electric funicular, the panoramic trio of Bird’s Eye tables are quite possibly one of the most outstanding features that prompted guests to vote Banyan Tree Krabi as No 4 Resort in Thailand at this year’s Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards.

“The Bird’s Nests are unique and unlike anywhere else in Krabi,” said Executive Chef Khachathat Tairattaphon, known affectionately around the resort as Chef Tum. “These tables offer diners a wonderful atmosphere that is quite nostalgic, especially during the last rays of the sun. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail, followed by some unique meals that have been created specifically for this occasion.” 

By Land, By Sea — New Menus at the Bird’s Nest

As of October 15, 2023, the Bird’s Nest is featuring four new set menus, each reflective of local produce and culinary traditions, with every dish carefully refined by Chef Tum into intricate recipes and presented in exquisite style.

“By Land” is the theme of the “Tantalizing Turf” four-course menu, a veritable feast of flavours, starting with an appetiser choice of either Spicy Lemongrass Salad with Tiger Prawn Mousse or Banana Flower Steamed Bun with Grilled Chicken & Fried Local Vegetables. The second course is a spicy Thai soup (southern Thai cuisine is often said to be the spiciest in Thailand) with sea bass. The main course is a mouthwatering Sous Vide Lamb with A-Jad Pineapple, and a dessert and sorbet will round off a delicious dining sensation.

Chef Tum likes to call the “By Sea” menu his “Symphony of the Sea”, and you can hear echoes of his time at Bangkok’s reputed Sukhothai Hotel, where he trained with several Michelin-star chefs, in his latest creation, the Baked Lobster with Panang Curry Fruit Sauce, an aromatic but delicately light entrée. 

The third Bird’s Nest menu is the vegetarian “Garden Delights”, starting with Dumplings Stuffed with Grains and Mango Passion Fruit Sauce. Perhaps emblematic of the Banyan Tree Group’s reputation for and commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, is the menu’s main course, Grilled Soybean Tofu, Sweet Peas with Green Curry Sauce, which is created from organic ingredients purchased from the local Krabi area.

Bird’s Nest guests’ have a fourth set menu to choose from — titled “A Touch of Opulence”. Like the other menus, it offers a choice of appetizer and a spicy soup, but as a main, Chef Tum has called on a favourite Chiang Mai dish, the ever-popular coconut milk-based curry khao soi. Chef’s original Beef Khao Soi and Lap Pu Croquettes with Plant-Based Sausages is as lip-smacking as it sounds. 

Afternoon Tea?

Evening dining at the three Bird’s Nest tables is from 6pm to 11pm daily, and guests are advised to book as far in advance as possible due to popularity. As an outdoor venue, shaded by trees and aided by a sea breeze, attire is smart-casual. 

However, for those who miss out on a dinner dining experience, an alternative exists that is equally as photogenic: afternoon tea. Bird’s Nest table reservations can be made for either 2pm – 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm – 5pm. Ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, an afternoon tea invite at the Bird’s Nest is truly a treat waiting to happen: from a Thai Set with crunchy coconut in betel leaves to a Champagne Set to the timeless Traditional English Afternoon Tea with Earl Grey and scones, smoked salmon sandwiches, chocolate truffles and blueberry cheesecake, this is a surely an enviable moment to be captured and posted to friends and family at home. 

The Resort

Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Each of the rooms faces the sea and the sunset as the property tiers into the hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and — in keeping with Banyan Tree’s wellness branding — a rainforest-themed spa.