In the past decade, community-based travel has gained popularity for the positive impact it brings to local communities -and for the enriching – genuine experiences it offers to travellers.
Thailand is a country of vibrant regional diversity, with each area showcasing its own distinctive way of life. Homestay accommodations across the country invite visitors to live with a local host and experience authentic culture through hands-on activities that are unique to each region.
For example, in the mountainous north, you can stay in a hill tribe village and learn about agriculture, tea plantations, and traditional handicrafts. In the northeast, the ancient art of silk weaving is often featured while in the south, rubber farming and fishing offer a glimpse into coastal life. No matter where you go, a homestay promises a memorable up-close and personal experience.
Choosing a homestay means more than just finding a place to sleep. It’s about cultural immersion, community connection, and making memories that go beyond the typical crowded and commercialised tourist path.
While many homestays in Thailand are still adapting to welcome non-Thai speakers, travelling with an open mind and a curious spirit can turn the language barrier into part of the adventure. It’s a wonderful way to experience Thailand in its most genuine and heartfelt form.
Here are places I have visited:
Baan Rim Klong in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram
Less than an hour’s drive from Bangkok, Baan Rim Klong in Amphawa offers a tranquil escape by the river, surrounded by swaying coconut trees. As you might expect, many of the activities here are coconut – themed, from making coconut sugar and Thai desserts, to weaving hats from coconut leaves and tie-dyeing fabric with natural dyes extracted from coconut shells.
Accommodation is in charming, solar-powered wooden bungalows, each with a private bathroom. All bungalows, big and small, are equipped with ceiling fans, and some also have air conditioning. Guests can choose to book a stay with breakfast included, or opt for an all-inclusive experience that covers all meals and activities.
Baan Tham Sue in Kaeng Krachan, Petchaburi
Nestled in lush jungle by the river, near the edge of Kaeng Krachan—Thailand’s largest and most biodiverse national park—Baan Tham Sue is a nature lover’s dream. Activities here range from learning to make crispy coconut rolls (Thong Muan), rafting on rubber boats or bamboo rafts, to creating seed bombs for reforestation and launching them into the surrounding forest.
At Baan Tham Sue, visitors can stay in a tent or a bungalow. Every weekend, there’s a small market selling fresh and ready to eat food and local handicrafts.
You can book a stay at Baan Tham Sue directly or with Siamrise.
Koh Klang in Krabi
Koh Klang is a little Muslim village surrounded by mangrove forest, just 5-minute boat ride from Krabi town, yet gives you a feeling like it’s out of nowhere. Most boats leave from Chao Fah pier in Krabi town. Koh Klang is a car-free island and the best way to get around here is a sidecar – motorbike taxi. As most villagers speak very little English, I highly recommend you book a day tour including a tour guide and local activities such as tie dyeing, batik painting, making toys from coconut shell, learn how to de-husk and ground rice grains, and more. You can ask a local tour operator in Thailand or book online with Klook or GetYourGuide.
As Koh Klang is a Muslim village so no alcohol is allowed and modest costume is highly recommended.
Ban Rai Krang Community in Phetchaburi
This community is renowned for its way of life connected to sugar palm trees. Visitors can learn about local wisdom, such as palm harvesting, palm sugar making, Thai desserts and savoury dishes with palm sugar or other parts of palm tree and more.
Ban Na Ton Chan in Sukhothai
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Sukhothai is by staying in a local village. Ban Na Ton Chan, in the Si Satchanalai district, offers homestays that connect travellers with everyday Thai life. Most hosts are farmers, some of whom create mud-dyed textiles that have gained national recognition. Basketry and other handicrafts also showcase their skill and hardworking spirit.
Visitors can try their hand at basic weaving or basketry techniques, learn to cook local dishes, and explore fruit orchards and the surrounding countryside.
