Many of our guests visit Karen Hill Tribe villages during their stay, either for a day or for an overnight trip. We always recommend a homestay as it’s a beautiful, peaceful and truly special experience that gives you a real insight into village life in rural Chiang Mai, Thailand. Most guests don’t necessarily know what to expect, though. Here are some actual questions we’ve been asked about what it’s going to be like.
Will I Walk To The Village?
It depends! If you’d rather not walk, we can take you to a village with a road that leads straight there – just ask. Many guests prefer to trek through the jungle to a more isolated village, though. It’s beautiful, and it’s amazing to experience life in a village that’s so remote. Treks to the village are usually about two hours or so, with stops to learn Karen household uses for jungle plants, swim in waterfalls and take in views along the way.
Do The Villagers Speak English?
Some villagers might speak some English, but most don’t speak it extensively. But opportunities for education, particularly English language learning, are sparse. See if you can teach your hosts some new words, and have a go at learning some of theirs. Or, you can bring a pack of cards and teach your hosts a new game. Language barriers actually provide an opportunity to connect with people on a human level without the complexity of speech. We think that’s part of the fun of homestays! Karen people are very warm and friendly – we think you’ll be surprised how easy it is to communicate and find it quite enjoyable!
Will There Be Lots Of People In The Village?
Homestays do involve interaction with locals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that villagers also need to go about their daily lives. If you arrived in the afternoon, in all likelihood most of the villagers will still be out working in their rice fields. Hilltribe villages are usually so remote they have to be quite self-sufficient, so they farm all their own rice and other crops. A village near us called Mor Wah Kee, for instance, grows a large passion fruit crop. Some are kept for the village, some are sold further afield. Weaving and crafts are also taken to the city to sell. So if you arrive and there are only a few children and grandparents around, just take the opportunity to settle in and relax. Perhaps you can use the time to begin to get to know your host.
Will The Villagers Put On A Show For Us?
Part of having an ‘authentic’ experience is seeing people’s lives as they are, not being the recipient of a curated cultural performance. If someone visited your house for dinner, would you presume to think that they would want to hear you singing to them? Karen people love to sing, and many of them can play guitar. Bring a guitar, and then you can play them your favorite songs, and respectfully ask them to share some of their traditional music with you. That way, you’ve got a fair exchange. A reciprocal enjoyment of each other’s cultures, and a chance to learn on both sides.
Is The Village Dirty?
Infrastructure in Western countries is highly developed. Tap water is clean and virtually free, and public services keep your towns and cities pretty spotless without you having to lift a finger. Here in rural Thailand, it’s really difficult to get clean water. Remember, too, that in Hill Tribe villages animals live alongside villagers. Pigs, for example, are a vital resource for their meat and for reselling, but they can be smelly! If you were staying on a farm, you’d expect some interesting sights and smells. Exposure to nature and the elements is part of the jungle experience. Try to be understanding if things aren’t quite as immaculate as you’re used to, and bear in mind that your hosts will go to every effort to make sure that your food is safe and your sleeping quarters are clean.
Will we eat together with the family who is hosting us?
It totally depends on the family. In Karen culture, it’s common for hosts to give visitors food and wait for them to finish eating and then eat whatever is leftover. They take pride in being kind hosts and offering the best for the guests. In the villages, meat is a real luxury. So while you’ll be eating pork or chicken, your hosts might be eating something slightly less appealing to a Western palate, like squirrel and chili. By cooking you a separate meal, your hosts are going out of their way to show you respect and consideration. They might prefer you to eat separately because they are worried their table manners might not meet your expectations. They are used to eating with their hands and may feel shy using utensils. (kind of like you learn to use chopsticks 😉 If this is the case, please take this for what it is: your host trying to make you as comfortable as possible.
Karen Hilltribe homestays are an excellent way to enjoy the slower pace of life in Northern Thailand and to interact with a new culture while immersed in nature. To make the most of your stay, just keep an open mind, relax and enjoy it!
