The Thai House homestay concept, developed by a Thai family that has been entertaining overseas guests for over 10 years, offers an attractive alternative to standard hotel accommodation.

Situated on 12 rai (4.8 acres) and surrounded by fruit trees, the custom-designed house was built in 1990 by 25 craftmens who worked on the premises for a year. The walls, stairs and rooftops feature traditional carvings which reflect the age-old artistic skills for which Thai artisans are known. Traditional Thai craftsmanship is preserved and skillfully incorporated with practical space utilization well-suited to modern living. At any one time, The Thai House accommodates up to 16 overnight guests.

Visitors to The Thai House are welcomed into a Thai home as a guest, rather than as a tourist, and are provided with an opportunity to experience life among the locals in a setting that makes you feel very much at home.

The Thai House is a traditional Thai house built with a golden teakwood structure in an architectural style that was popular around the Ayutthaya region in central Thailand some 150 years ago. The distinctive wing-shaped roof structure is inspired by the temples. It is thought that these wings are a means of the inhabitants to reach heaven.

Three separate houses symmetrically linked together

The first floor lay-out consists of three
separate houses symmetrically linked
together consistent with the traditional
practice of keeping extended families
living and working together in the
same compound to create the sense of
belonging to the family. As one stands
on the first floor terrace with a view
overlooking the orchard garden, the
adjacent structures are no higher
than the coconut palms. The tranquility
and the natural beauty of the
surrounding landscape is both
striking and mesmerising.

Each house has two rooms which can be partitioned into two adjoining bedrooms by
an optional opening door or a family suite. Five windows which open out onto the vast lush gardens and verdant orchards provide ventilation. The height of the ceiling also promotes the constant circulation of air thus eliminating the need for air-conditioning. To combat humidity, electric fans create the gentle breezes needed to cool off the interior. Visitors consistently note the peaceful sleep they experience as they are awakened only by bird song the next morning.

Adjacent to the sleeping quarters is a separate room which serves as the Thai-style bath house. The bathroom is equipped with modern western-style facilities.

On the lower floor, there is ample indoor dining hall for banquet-style seating for 30 to 50 persons, and the
Thai House does receive visitors for lunch.

Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the sheltered outer patio area. Taking in the fresh country air, most guests enjoy a healthy appetite.

The busiest quarters on the premises is the kitchen area. A highly social affair, the joy of cooking and the immense pleasure of eating in the midst of good company is very much central to the traditional Thai way of life. The stay at The Thai House features opportunities to sample home-style cuisine at various intervals throughout
the day, so no one ever complains of being hungry.