The Northeast of Thailand is one of the poorest regions of the kingdom and rarely visited by tourists, yet holds plenty of attractions and has perhaps the most fun-loving and friendly people. All major towns offer a number of hotels of varying quality, but it is well worth the while to get out into the countryside for a completely different experience.

We particularly enjoyed our stay at a holiday house called Gecko Villa. From the outset, their comprehensive website gave full details of the property, with numerous photographs and an online availability checker. Our email reservation was responded to rapidly, and helpful suggestions made about getting to the destination.

Upon arrival we were met at the airport by the smiling owners and driven to the large house that was set in the middle of emerald rice paddies, sugar cane plantations and woodlands. The property was set on extensive grounds guaranteeing privacy by our own pool, and the bedrooms and facilities all lived up to or surpassed what we had seen described on the internet. The kitchen showed up our own kitchen at home, and the shower garden in the master bedroom was a delightful touch.

When we said we loved Thai food, we were delighted to be taken off around the grounds to pick our own herbs and spices including strange plants that we had never considered using in the pot , before being shown how to make genuine Thai and Northeaster dishes. The owners seemed genuinely pleased to be able to impart their knowledge and love of food and we were equally happy to have this cooking lesson provided at no cost!

The property was fully serviced and the rate we paid covered all our meals and even generous quantities of cool beer and fresh fruit juices. And as we were there in the mango season, we were encouraged to simply help ourselves to the fresh fruit straight from the trees!

The Visitors Book was full of glowing comments and the many repeat guests bore testimony to the visitors enjoyment of their stays, not only because of the property itself but because of the genuine welcome they received.