Thailand villa holidays in the heart of the rural northeast

June 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Tourism has played a crucial role in the economy of Thailand, contributing over six percent of the country’s GDP, and generating employment across the travel, airline, restaurant, hospitality & tour sectors. Lonely Planet ranked Thailand its second "Best-value destination for 2010."

Yet protests in Bangkok earlier in the year, by red shirted demonstrators (many of whom were from the Northeast of the country) seeking new elections, deterred many potential visitors to the country. Images of the protests in very limited areas of the teeming capital suggested that the entire country was in disarray, yet life elsewhere in Bangkok and the provinces continued, for the most part, entirely as normal. With the protests behind them, it is once again the lowly employees and self-employed traders who have suffered, as jobs were destroyed and large hotels closed their doors. Whilst international hotels and large shopping malls turned to their insurers to claim for damages, the rank and file are now wondering where to turn for employment as tourist numbers dwindled.

With travel restrictions now lifted, the visitor to Thailand can play his or her part in supporting those directly affected by the recent turmoil, by carefully selecting where to stay and what to visit in the country. Take advantage of bargain flights to Thailand, enjoy a visa fee waiver, and identify a holiday where your spending will directly contribute to the welfare of Thais, without passing through international tour operators or multinational hotel chains. Not only will you enjoy a holiday with excellent value for money, but the choice of a responsible vacation will ensure sustainability for those very people most directly impacted by events in the capital.

Visitors are encouraged to travel to the Northeast of the country, where average earnings are the lowest in the nation. These regions offer stunning scenery, exquisite food, historical remains, and authentic off the beaten path experiences amongst extremely hospitable locals.

Near Udon Thani in the Northeast of the country, known locally as Isan, Gecko Villa (http://www.geckovilla.com)  sits amongst rice paddies, plantations and pastures, its private saltwater swimming pool gurgling away in the most bucolic of settings. The villa sleeps two to six, and guests are met at Udon Thani airport or train station and looked after throughout their stay by an indigenous Isan family living in a village a few kilometers from the property. Fresh Thai meals are prepared daily at no surcharge, and whilst you may be tempted to simply relax by the pool with a good book (and perhaps a traditional Thai massage), there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied – from learning how to cook local specialties, to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ban Chiang or local silk weaving villages, to exploring the untouched villages by bicycle or “skylab tuk tuk”,  to trying one’s hand in the rice paddies or hunting for food at night, to trips on the local lotus lake in a traditional wooden boat (an excellent subject guaranteeing the keen photographer some stunning images!)  Stays at Gecko Villa offer guests an authentic Thai experience, far from the madding tourist crowds, and at am property rooted in the principles of responsible travel where all proceeds remain in the village.

Udon Thani is readily accessible train, coach and plane. Budget airlines Nok  Air and Air Asia fly to the city, as does the national carrier Thai Airways. Udon Thani airport is served with flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.  

This year, think ahead. Consider how your holiday choice may benefit others in a kingdom
in a period of transition – and make your mark! Not only can the independent traveler make a difference, but he or she can discover a world of authentic experiences in a country that remains a fascinating, hospitable and exotic destination.

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Gecko Villa is a spacious country villa & private pool offering fully catered holidays - and an authentic experience of rural Thailand.