Gecko Villa is a sustainable tourism initiative offering an authentic experience of rural Northeast Thailand to those seeking a genuine sense of place. Gecko Villa stands in the countryside out of Udon Thani, where its private swimming pool is surrounded by rice paddies. Forest temples, markets, villages and schools are nearby, as is the World Heritage site of Ban Chiang. Guests are welcomed by a local family who prepare freshly-cooked Thai meals throughout (often using produce from its own organic gardens) and either service the villa and allow guests the chance to simply unwind in privacy, or immerse themselves in local lifestyles, traditions and village life off the beaten path. Amongts many activities on offer, guests may participate in rice planting or harvesting, learn how to cook Isaan and Thai food, enjoy a traditional massage, learn to drive a tuktuk or master a water buffalo, enjoy lotus lake trips on a traditional wooden boat or wtach silk being produced in the time-honoured tradition. As an advocate of responsible tourism, Gecko Villa aims to propose unique and memorable villa holidays, whilst proceeds are retained entirely by the villagers involved. Gecko Villa promotes water harvesting, reforestation, recycling and the preservation of indigenous traditions.