Community tourism in Thailand. Stay with an island family on Koh Phra Thong
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Baan Lions homestay on Koh Phra Thong
About Us
Homestay - In Brief
- Real Thailand experience
- Insight into Island culture
- Authentic Thai cooking
- Promote sustainable tourism
- Learn local skills
- Room & full board for 580 Bt
Community tourism - homestays on tropical Thai island - Koh Phra Thong
Koh Phra Thong is a relatively undeveloped island with only basic infrastructure and services. This means that rather than being swamped by resort chains, the island benefits from more traditional & interesting holiday accommodation options. The homestay in Baan Lions is one such option
Baan Lions is a village at the northern tip of the island. It replaces the village of Pak Chok which was severely damaged during the 2004 Tsunami. The new name comes from the fact that the Lions Club International Foundation and other benefactors, have funded the rebuilding.
Baan Lions now has more than 100 simple but modern homes which house the villagers. They have an open style
Homestay help for Blue Guru clients
which suits the importance of community to the Thai people. They all have bathrooms with running water and a shower. Power comes from private or community generators. This is normally available for a few hours from dusk until 10pm.
The village is located near to the tidal channel which separates Koh Ra from Koh Phra Thong. There can be strong currents here which make it unsuitable for swimming. The more extensive beaches of the west coast can be accessed by a 20 min walk or by an interesting motorcycle & sidecar taxi ride across the inner island savannah to Mr Chuoi's Bar . This is close to the beach and Koh Pling islands where snorkeling is accessible from the shore.
Village life in rural Thailand
The lack of power and other modern comforts brings a natural resourcefullness amongst rural Thais. Here exists a people who are not cursed with mass consumerism. The children make their own toys; their imaginations untainted by plastic moulded dolls or computer graphics.
The primary profession in these coastal communities is fishing. This is done by line or by net depending on the location and the season; squid are caught in skilfully made squid traps. This profession is threatened by commercial fishing which leaves much less for the villagers to sell at market.
Island Homestays - About your Hosts
The residents of Koh Phra Thong are used to community living, talking and telling stories. As such, they are enthusiastic to show their hospitality to outsiders on vacation; and to hear your stories. The opportunity to share their homes, culture and food with guests from other countries is broadly welcomed.
Why choose a Homestay in Thailand
By participating in the homestay program on Koh Phra Thong, guests to this tropical island will get to try wonderful new foods, learn how to make thatching or a squid trap and gain a greater understanding of these rural Thai communities. In return visitors will be contributing to sustainable tourism by injecting a vital income directly into the local economy at grass roots level. This is important to maintain the survival of these villages allowing them to flourish rather than wither under the ever present encroachment from outside developers.
Koh Phra Thong holiday homestays are outstanding value at the price of 200 Bt per person per night and 380 Bt for 3 meals a day. There are also a number of homestay activities which introduce visitors to village life on the Thai Andaman coast.
Blue Guru acts on behalf of the Koh Phra Thong homestay program. Bookings and questions can be fielded using the enquiry form below.
Discover Andaman Nature & Environment
Whale Shark Program
Blue Guru Diving bring a fresh Whale Shark Exploration program for the 2010-2011 season. Maybe we can replicate last season's success of a unique whale shark discovery at Richelieu Rock.
Blue Guru Projects
Our commitment to sustainable tourism is second to none. We are passionate about improving the local environment through community related projects - such as the dive training of local boys Tam & ThoomThailand Scuba Diving - Marine Wonders of the Andaman Sea
Richelieu Rock...
is the most spectacular scuba diving location in Thailand. A striking open sea pinnacle for intermediate divers; it attracts manta rays, whale sharks & much more.
Koh Surin...
are actually two tropical islands. They harbour the largest divesity of hard corals in Thailand & 4 types of sea turtle. Snorkeling & diving are available on day & multi day trips.
Koh Phra Thong...
is a tropical island paradise just off the Andaman Coast of Thailand. Blue Guru Diving conduct snorkel and scuba diving trips to the local coral reefs on a daily basis.Accommodation on Koh Phra Thong - Thailand
Golden Buddha
is the premier accommodation option on Phra Thong Island and highly rated by trip advisor. This tropical resort offers a range of unique beach front houses
Mr. Chuoi Beach Huts
is an excellent budget accommodation option for travellers. Situated close to a private bay, surrounded by nature. Its an exclusive holiday without the price tag
Baan Lions Homestay
is our Koh Phra Thong community tourism option. A holiday in this rural Thailand village will reward visitors with a rich cultural experience and delicious local cuisine.