Homestay Experience in Thailand?

So you're interested in a homestay experiencecommunity - i.e. Akha, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Karen
with a rural hilltribe community in northernor Mien, it wouldn't hurt to do some research in
Thailand? Sounds Great! Just remember, don't beadvance on their culture and history.
expecting luxury or hotel type accommodations.While I have no personal experience with in
Be prepared for rather basic accommodationsThailand per se, I had the opportunity to do a site
without too much amenities. Most likely yourinspection of a relatively new homestay in the
shower will be very rudimentary and consist of amountains, about an hour drive from Chiang Mai,
bucket of cool water that you empty onthe tourist hub of Northern Thailand. Rooms were
yourself, and your toilet will be the traditional Thaisimple and small as expected but very clean and
squat toilet, which is low to the ground and doeshad a petite outdoor verandah with chairs in
not flush by itself; you'll have to pour a bucket oraddition to a small area inside the room to lay
two of water to induce the toilet to flush. Don'tyour personal belongings.
worry; if you have chosen the right homestay,The villagers grow both tea and coffee in the
you'll get a very rustic but clean room with aimmediate vicinity and many people in the
functional bed. Don't be anticipating gourmetcommunity were engaged in farming and other
restaurant style food, however meals should beagricultural pursuits. While perusing the
very tasty and healthfully prepared. The ladies inmerchandise in their community's gift shop, I
the village who prepare your meals will most likelybought a special neck collar-pillow stuffed with
be very experienced cooks and well versed inaromatic green tea. For some strange reason, I
their own culinary traditions. If you're a vegetarian,thought that US Customs might tear it apart
they should be able to accommodate you.looking for marijuana but they didn't even bat an
Just a tip - if you're staying with a hilltribeeye.