Ban Talae Nok Tung Nang Dam

©Craig Lovell 2005

We highly recommend staying with a host family in a homestay during your time in village. Staying with a family allows you to take a privileged look into their lives and really connect with the villagers. You will be made to feel like a member of the family, due to the warmth and hospitality of the villagers. This kind of genuine authenticity can not be replicated in a hotel or guesthouse, and is often the highlight of many peoples' trip. A translator will be with you to allow you to really engage with the villagers on a mutual level.

For those of you who want the in-village experience, but are uncertain about staying with a host family, some villages have houses that are free for people to stay in by themselves.

"Staying with the villagers in a homestay allowed me to appreciate how the villagers live. The villagers' friendliness, hospitability, and genuine warmth were something that will stay with me forever. Being in village is a million miles away from the usual touristy places where you only get to see other tourists, so you really feel like you have a privileged look into their lives. If you're looking for a 'real' experience, then definitely join an Andaman Discoveries tour."

Suzie, Tung Nung Dam village April 2007

The homestays are simple and comfortable, each offering a private sleeping area complete with mattress, pillow, mosquito net and fan. The homestays are managed by the villagers on a rotation system to ensure that it is fair for all families. The houses are as different as the families who live in them, ranging from traditional wooden Thai style houses to tsunami housing. Andaman Discoveries follows the queuing system at the request of the villagers. Western style toilets are available in some of the houses.

"The homestay was a very worthwhile experience. The positive aspects were: exchange of cultural views and seeing first-hand how other people live, spending time with families-talking through an interpreter with the children and women of the village and learning different cultural aspects of dress (sarong making and dressing), different ways of cooking."

Heather Rick, Go Differently tours, Tung Nang Dam village August, 2005

Alternatively, there are a number of accommodation options available in the region to meet any budget, which Andaman Discoveries is happy to arrange.

Culinary Delights

While in-village, one of the highlights has to be the food. Every meal is a veritable feast of delightfully tasty Southern curries and fresh vegetable dishes. Mouthwatering dishes are prepared using traditional cooking methods with the finest local ingredients and freshly caught seafood. You are always welcome to join in the preparation of the meal, a great way to the secrets of mouthwatering Thai cuisine.

©Craig Lovell 2005

Sharing a meal with the host family provides the ideal opportunity to share stories and learn more about each other cultures in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

"The food was enough to rival any top restaurant, and there was always lots of it."

Helen, Pak Triam March 2007