We enjoyed a very memorable week - in the middle of the rice paddies of the Thai countryside!

We knew we wanted to be away from the touristy centres of Thailand (been there, done that!) and were looking for something authentic - but with a definite element of luxury. We chose a place called Green Gecko (www.thaivillarent.com) and had a wonderful time.

Well, we wanted a getaway and got one! At first we wondered whether we were going to be abducted, as we drove along unsurfaced country roads witnessed only by water buffalo and swaying rice sheaves, but the driver (who turned out to be our host) was so kind and helpful that we remained in the car...Some twenty minutes later, after an entrance through a bowing bamboo drive, we had arrived: a huge wooden Thai villa rose up in front of us, surrounded by tropical flowers.

This was what we had hoped for! A large villa raised on stilts, with a huge four poster bed, with a great mattress and squidgy down pillows, an outdoor shower..and flowers everywhere. Our huge wooden deck gave us views over the surrounding countryside, and the private pool offered a choice of loungers and a shaded outdoor area.

The there was a large living room with a great little snug with futons, and two (!) kitchens. Not that we needed them, as all our meals were prepared for us, were sublime (if spicy!)...and I got to spend an entire week without having to wash up or do any laundry, which was all done for us by the host family. They were always there when needed, and were keen to show us the sights, but were also good about just leaving us to enjoy the privacy of this place.

The locals were all very friendly and always seemd to have a beaming smile. As English was hardly understood in the villages, we had a great time using hand signals and sign language...but would warn you off the rice whisky they always seem to want you to try.

Heading back to Bangkok for our return flight was a bit of a shock; we had got used to sunny blue skies, fresh flowers, and peace and quiet - and Bangkok was a startling contrast. We ploughed on though and I did a major shop at the weekend market (Chauchak). Perhaps the most fun was using our recently acquired (few) words of Isaan dialect with taxi drivers and airprot staff: we were suddenly surrounded by smiles and giggles and were treated like friends from the same village...the Northeasterners definitely seemed to have a very strong sense of belonging to a separate tribe!

We'd love to return, and I'm going to learn some Lao phrases before we go back. We're alos planningt o extend the trip by crossing into Vientiane in laos and then heading up to Luang Prabang. If anyone has villa recommendations in Laos, we'd love to hear them!

Gecko Villa offers eclectic accommodation off the beaten track among the rice fields of NE Thailand. Guests gain a unique insight into the actual lives of villagers and the rhythms of rural life, and may vary their degree of interacton. The villa has a delightful private swimming pool. Fully catered and serviced.