Ban Talae Nok Homestay | Community Based Tourism in Thailand

Way of Life in a Village by the Sea

Ban Talae Nok is a pleasant village situated by a beautiful stretch of undeveloped beach with a way of life that remains mostly unchanged over the years. After the 2004 tsunami the community members were interested to interact with tourist in a way that was respectful to their culture and a homestay program was developed.

Walking through this small village, you’ll notice women sitting together outside their houses shelling cashew nuts, weaving palm roofs, or making fishing nets while children play are at play. The lifestyle is relaxed and friendly, like one big family.

Traditionally the men of the village earn their living from the sea, and you can see them collecting their catch from the nets at the small pier. Once they’ve taken what they need for their family, they’ll sell the rest at the market. Some families raise livestock and tend to plantations in and around the village.

A group of women, with the help of the Royal Thai Government and Andaman Discoveries, established a soap making handicraft cooperative which provides supplementary income. Visitors to the village can join in a lively handmade soap workshop which offers a great chance to speak with the ladies about their lives and learn about their moving tsunami stories. (Area Map)

“A humbling and inspiring experience.”

– Isabelle, Australia

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c2a Culture & Insight Tour

Sample of 3 Day Ban Talae Nok Village Tour:

Making Batik

Day 1 – Cultural Exchange

Meet your homestay family and take a walking tour of the village to learn about the history and the 2004 Tsunami
Learn the art of Batik‐ dyeing fabrics by using designs drawn in wax, keep as souvenir
Weave leafs of the Nypa palm with the villagers to make traditional roof panels
Enjoy a spectacular Andaman sunset while eating a delicious barbecue dinner on the beach. Share stories with your host family

Day 2 – Natural Wonders

Beautiful Sunset

Take a journey through the mangrove forest and learn how the villagers are active in protecting this amazing ecosystem
Journey to the Gam Islands* and enjoy the white sand bays, go for a swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters. Have a picnic lunch on the beach
Fishing on the beach with local fisherman
Handicraft workshop with the women’s soap group ‐ keep as souvenir
Relax on the beach for another sunset or learn the essentials of Thai cooking
Try on traditional Muslim clothing

Fishing with local