There are many reasons to love Thailand, but the outstanding moments of a true Bangkok-Singapore journey have to do with people.
The chorus of “Let Go” from the frozen repeats in my mind – time and time again. At some point, when I cycle through the back street of Phrom Khiri district in the south Thailand I even buzzed loudly on the way to explore the Buddhist temple of Wat Khao Khun Phanom.
I'm not in a cold place. I've never even seen the entire movie – so I can't explain how or why it's stuck in my mind. But if I have to guess, it's because I feel very relaxed and absorbed in the moment. In the stream state, do I think they call it?
In front of me, due to the rainy season, I could see foggy mountains, a large amount of palm trees and seemingly endless green vegetation. The pressure of riding on busy roads is not a thing here – there are almost no people around. It's just our owners, Sao, our small group of travelers and some local vans on the way to the nearby market.
This super suppression is part of the homestay experience Real Bangkok to Singapore Travel – But this is not your average homestay family. This is part of the Community Tourism (CBT) program, where a group of friendly local hosts welcome you into more than just a place to sleep. Rather than just staying with a family, you’re embraced by an entire community, and the real, comprehensive welcome makes the experience unique.
Talk to me about CBT
Not every homestay is a CBT program, nor every CBT program is a homestay family. In its heart Community-based tourism industry About small communities create and strengthen local economies by sharing culture with travelers. Locals design and management experience – from host families to cultural seminars – and the benefits of the community stay in the community, support families and finance future projects.
Sao's experience working in CBT projects elsewhere in Thailand inspired her growth in tourism, and began the prom LOK CBT in 2004. There are many notable attractions near her childhood home – fruit plantations, waterfalls, national parks, busy markets and cave temples – she sees the potential to make a positive impact.
Read more: I spent my legacy on a family trip in Thailand and it was the best investment
“It's not just one person doing everything, but everyone sharing it together,” she said. She was right – it's far from getting a profit for one person. Sao explained that since the Phrom Lok CBT program began, seven families have taken turns to host guests.
The benefits for local people are not over; other members of the community step in to enhance the overall experience. There are some home cooks who jump from homestays to homestays and create delicious Thai dishes including a beautiful spicy shrimp salad and a decadent picnic lunch that we visited nearby waterfalls. On the first night before dinner, some local women shared the art of drizzling coconut paste, making the wok wok create tangled, fried delicious dishes. During our stay we also have the opportunity to meet with mushroom growers and other farms and plantations, as well as skilled grass bedroom manufacturers who show us the craft.
Feel like part of the family
At night, before, during and after dinner, many of our community hosts, including Aunt Ku, Aunt Porn, Uncle Ted, Aunt Dun and Grandma Jari – will pop up Hi, which will only add to a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. I feel like a part of my family.
SAO acknowledges that despite the usual language barriers, hosts strive to connect with guests in different ways, such as proudly sharing family photos or pointing out landmarks in town. 'people [here] Make everyone like a friend, just like a local.
I felt this connection in an hour. This is among the countless friendly greetings of “sawadeeka”, hands together in prayerful wai gestures. The generous donation of farmers who urged me to pick mango and snake fruit from the trees; the friendly nod of the “good” when local women taught me to paint colorful silk in traditional batik style.
Read more: How to give me the connection I'm looking for on my personal trip to Thailand
Experiences when sharing will be better
When we arrived at the base of the Wat Khao Khun Phanom Buddhist Temple and unloaded our bikes, I thought Sao was kidding and she said we had to walk up the nearly 250 stairs at 35 degrees Celsius. But it's definitely worth it.
When we reached the top, sweating and laughing, “let go” crawled back into my mind. Of course, I am not Elsa on the snowy mountain. Over the past few days, I felt far from alone – quite the opposite. But this powerful sense of freedom and joy? Exactly the same.
Spend the night on Phrom Lok Real Bangkok to Singapore Travel or view fearless other 18 to 35 trips.
