| More and more people today seek fulfilling holidays at | | | | plantations and woodlands. The property was set on |
| cheaper rates. The days of booking holidays at a local | | | | extensive grounds guaranteeing privacy by our own |
| travel agent and disappearing on a package tour are | | | | pool, and the bedrooms and facilities all lived up to or |
| dwindling, as vacationers turn to the internet to seek | | | | surpassed 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 more | | | | home, 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 if | | | | When we said we loved Thai food, we were delighted |
| such a stay also offers the possibility of direct | | | | to be taken off around the grounds to pick our own |
| interaction with the locals and costs less than a hotel | | | | herbs 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 now | | | | before being shown how to make genuine Thai and |
| available for direct rent from their owners on a daily or | | | | Northeaster dishes. The owners seemed genuinely |
| weekly basis. Thailand’s real estate boom has | | | | pleased to be able to impart their knowledge and love |
| helped develop the number of villas and holiday homes | | | | of food – and we were equally happy to have |
| available. It is in general a pity that these properties still | | | | this cooking lesson provided at no cost! |
| tend to be huddled together in the mass tourism | | | | The property was fully serviced and the rate we paid |
| markets of Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui, which | | | | covered all our meals and even generous quantities of |
| somewhat defeats the original attractions of an | | | | cool 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 to | | | | help ourselves to the fresh fruit straight from the |
| narrow down one’s search and to locate | | | | trees… |
| private properties for rent at highly attractive rates in | | | | It was rare to find a house deep in the Thai |
| original destinations. And in accordance with the | | | | countryside, and truly off the beaten tourist track, that |
| Thais’ legendary hospitality, these villas are | | | | offered every comfort for a relaxing stay in the real |
| even occasionally rented out more as if friends | | | | Thailand. The Visitors’ Book was full of glowing |
| – rather than paying guests - were being | | | | comments and the many repeat guests bore |
| accommodated: meals are cooked for you, transport | | | | testimony to the visitors’ enjoyment of their |
| arranged, and invitations made to local ceremonies or | | | | stays, not only because of the property itself but |
| festivals. In short, the Thais have realized that, whilst | | | | because of the genuine welcome they received. |
| some guests may prefer privacy, others seek a | | | | Tips 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 a | | | | Searches tend to list global villa rental sites that |
| memorable local experience instead of a | | | | generally 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 home | | | | you 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 of | | | | house in a villa development. The latter are often |
| these homes, the hospitality of the Thais, the zing of | | | | managed by hotel groups and simply glorified hotel |
| the delicious food and the promise of sun all make | | | | rooms – at hotel rates! |
| these properties a marvelous holiday alternative. | | | | • Travel in the off season, but book early. |
| We particularly enjoyed our stay at “Gecko | | | | Better rates can generally be found for travel out of |
| Villa”. From the outset, their comprehensive | | | | the tourist seasons, but do make sure you book |
| website ( gave full details of the property, with | | | | ahead, as when a standalone villa is booked, it is |
| numerous photographs and an online availability | | | | booked! |
| checker. Our email reservation was responded to | | | | • Make sure the property you choose has a |
| rapidly, and helpful suggestions made about getting to | | | | telephone and address listed. |
| the destination. | | | | • Travel somewhere new! Much of the fun of |
| Upon arrival we were met at the airport by the smiling | | | | your own holiday house is the way it can take you out |
| owners and driven to the large house that was set in | | | | of the tourist centres to enjoy a more authentic |
| the middle of emerald rice paddies, sugar cane | | | | holiday. |