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LAMAI HOMESTAY/GUESTHOUSE, THAILAND
Why choose a homestay?Over the last few years, the holiday industry has changed dramatically. With a boom in budget airlines and the increasing numbers of high-quality hostels, travelling across the world has become far more affordable and thus, a more common way of spending free time and money. Destinations in South East Asia and Australasia are particularly popular, both for long-stay trips and cultural exchanges.
Although this has opened up areas of the planet to a far wider audience, for many holidaymakers travelling to far flung locations such as North America and Asia, the economy holiday experience is simply not an option. Having travelled for over 10 hours to reach their holiday destination, it is unsurprising that people are reluctant to pay for inadequate accommodation with limited facilities and crowded communal areas. Although the social aspect of hostel life can be fantastic, it is often hit and miss with regards to those with whom you may end up sharing the experience.
Because of the uncertainty of hostel quality and facilities, many people have been forced to pay exorbitant sums for hotel accommodation to ensure that they get the holiday they feel they deserve. Whilst hotels may come with all of the modern conveniences you may expect from accommodation abroad, they can often leave you feeling detached from the real culture of the place you are visiting as the majority of contact is with other holidaymakers. Cold and sterile hotel rooms can often also be a source of discomfort when on holiday, as you miss the creature comforts you can enjoy at home. This is why more and more people are choosing homestays during their time in Asia.
Thailand, although a popular destination with tourists, has areas which are renowned for being primarily tourist traps for westerners. Staying in these areas almost invariably means that accommodation is pricier - but not necessarily better - and much of the fascinating Thai culture is replaced by westernised conveniences and overpriced souvenirs. By staying in a homestay, visitors to the area ensure that they stay somewhere which is clean, safe and attractive as well as offering a real insight into the Thai way of life.
Homestay houses, such as those found in Ko Pet, are comfortable, beautiful examples of Thai housing and also provide attentive staff who can cater to your individual requirements. With most homestay houses taking groups of up to six people, families or groups of friends can spend time together in privacy away from the tourist trail but whilst enjoying high-quality service. Most importantly, a homestay affords an experience which is culturally enriching as travellers enjoy a genuine and unspoilt environment.
Not only can homestay groups benefit from contact with the locals, but they can even engage in local activities such as rice planting/cutting, silk making or rug making. Previous homestay holidaymakers to this area have said they were warmly welcomed and invited to participate in various tasks, although they could choose to simply enjoy watching everyday life in a Thai town.
Although cheap holidays to mainstream destinations can offer relaxation and a diet of sun, sea and sand, travelling further afield has the benefit of giving you an insight into a totally new landscape and way of life. With homestay holidays you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, attentive staff and the chance to explore a completely different culture at first-hand.
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