Thailand: homestays and villas vs. hotels

More and more people today seek fulfilling holidays atplantations and woodlands. The property was set on
cheaper rates. The days of booking holidays at a localextensive grounds guaranteeing privacy by our own
travel agent and disappearing on a package tour arepool, and the bedrooms and facilities all lived up to or
dwindling, as vacationers turn to the internet to seeksurpassed what we had seen described on the
alternatives.internet. The kitchen showed up our own kitchen at
Renting a private house is becoming more and morehome, and the shower garden in the master bedroom
common as visitors seek authenticity, privacy,was a delightful touch.
independence, and originality whilst on holiday. And ifWhen we said we loved Thai food, we were delighted
such a stay also offers the possibility of directto be taken off around the grounds to pick our own
interaction with the locals and costs less than a hotelherbs and spices – including strange plants that
stay, the attractions are manifold.we had never considered using in the pot –
In Thailand,more and more properties are nowbefore being shown how to make genuine Thai and
available for direct rent from their owners on a daily orNortheaster dishes. The owners seemed genuinely
weekly basis. Thailand’s real estate boom haspleased to be able to impart their knowledge and love
helped develop the number of villas and holiday homesof food – and we were equally happy to have
available. It is in general a pity that these properties stillthis cooking lesson provided at no cost!
tend to be huddled together in the mass tourismThe property was fully serviced and the rate we paid
markets of Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui, whichcovered all our meals and even generous quantities of
somewhat defeats the original attractions of ancool beer and fresh fruit juices. And as we were there
independent holiday home.in the mango season, we were encouraged to simply
However, looking more closely, it is not difficult tohelp ourselves to the fresh fruit straight from the
narrow down one’s search and to locatetrees…
private properties for rent at highly attractive rates inIt was rare to find a house deep in the Thai
original destinations. And in accordance with thecountryside, and truly off the beaten tourist track, that
Thais’ legendary hospitality, these villas areoffered every comfort for a relaxing stay in the real
even occasionally rented out more as if friendsThailand. The Visitors’ Book was full of glowing
– rather than paying guests - were beingcomments and the many repeat guests bore
accommodated: meals are cooked for you, transporttestimony to the visitors’ enjoyment of their
arranged, and invitations made to local ceremonies orstays, not only because of the property itself but
festivals. In short, the Thais have realized that, whilstbecause of the genuine welcome they received.
some guests may prefer privacy, others seek aTips on booking holiday homes:
genuine interaction at the local level with the• Try to book directly with the property site.
country’s inhabitants, as they seek aSearches tend to list global villa rental sites that
memorable local experience instead of agenerally take a commission on your stay, making it
manufactured stay.more expensive, and in some cases try to prevent
Our exploration of Thailand’s holiday homeyou from contacting the owners directly.
rentals led us to several very different properties, and• Look for an individual property rather than a
clearly, whilst the supply is not huge, the attractions ofhouse in a villa development. The latter are often
these homes, the hospitality of the Thais, the zing ofmanaged by hotel groups and simply glorified hotel
the delicious food and the promise of sun all makerooms – at hotel rates!
these properties a marvelous holiday alternative.• Travel in the off season, but book early.
We particularly enjoyed our stay at “GeckoBetter rates can generally be found for travel out of
Villa”. From the outset, their comprehensivethe tourist seasons, but do make sure you book
website ( gave full details of the property, withahead, as when a standalone villa is booked, it is
numerous photographs and an online availabilitybooked!
checker. Our email reservation was responded to• Make sure the property you choose has a
rapidly, and helpful suggestions made about getting totelephone and address listed.
the destination.• Travel somewhere new! Much of the fun of
Upon arrival we were met at the airport by the smilingyour own holiday house is the way it can take you out
owners and driven to the large house that was set inof the tourist centres to enjoy a more authentic
the middle of emerald rice paddies, sugar caneholiday.