Gecko Villa is way off the beaten path in the rice farming region of Isan in Northeast Thailand, out of Udon Thani. You get the entire Thai villa and private swimming pool to yourselves, and the hosts (who live in a village a few clicks away) make great Thai meals throughout, so there's no need to be tied up in the kitchen.

A stay here can be as mellow as you like (laze by the pool with your Ipod, and suck on a fresh mango), or as immersive as you want...the local Thai host will be happy to show you the area, get you involved in Thai village life and rituals, etc.  One thing is for sure, you'll be an item around here as this is not a traditional tourist mecca and will suit those wanting something authentic.

Traditional Thai villages, temples, farms, markets etc surround the villa. Get involved in anything from morning Buddhist alms-giving to raucous drinking concerts in the villages, from learning to drive a tuk-tuk to Thai boxing, from Thai cooking classes to night paddy hunting.

Gecko Villa is a sustainable tourism initiative and is gay friendly. It welcomes all but the narrow minded!

Travel to Bangkok then take either the train or a flight up to Udon Thani (either on Thai or on the budget carriers Nok and Air Asia.) Gecko Villa will collect you at the airport or train station.