Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cultural visits
There are many places in Thailand where there are cultural minorities, for example the hill
tribes in the north or the sea gypsies in the south. It has become very popular for tourists to
go on tours to visit the villages, interact with the people, buy some of the souvenirs and then
head on their way. Other villages make an effort to limit the impact of foreigners and they
stay true to their ways of life for their own benefits, but not all.
Many of the villages have been greatly commercialized due to this influx of demand for cul-
tural experiences and it has caused them to exist solely for tourists. Some villages are said to
be more like human zoos where the people are the exhibits that visitors gawk at, rather than
respecting their culture and human rights.
If you do decide to go on a cultural excursion then shop around for guides, make sure that
you go with one that respects the people and their way of life. This way you will be support-
ing that type of responsible and respectful tourism that will benefit the villages rather than
harm them. Don't take pictures of people without asking, they are not on display but rather
allowing you to experience a glimpse into their daily lives.
To really see what life is like then you can book a homestay with a local family. It will give
you a chance to really learn what life is like and they will learn about you and your life in
exchange. So before you head for the villages consider your impact and what practices you
are supporting, and think carefully about how you can best immerse yourself in the cultures.
