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Services Available in Homestay Villages
Some of the villages you visit in the Mae Yao area
may offer the following services for visitors:
Handicraft Sales
Small traditional handicraft items are sold in all
the villages. The woodcraft, weaving and other skills show the knowledge
and ability of each of the tribes. When buying the items you can
have fun negotiating a good price. By purchasing some handicraft
you encourage the hilltribes to keep their handicraft skills and
be proud of them, and also you enable people to make a small income
from their village without the need for them to travel or migrate
to the cities.
Traditional Dance
Each tribe has their own traditional dances. Some
of these dances were once performed quite often, and others just
at special occasions. They were a way for the villagers to regularly
get together and enjoy themselves. TV, radios, electric lights,
working in cities at night, etc have all seen a decline in the performance
of these dances. Typically the elders of each village are very interested
in continuing these traditions and passing on the knowledge of these
dances to the younger generations. By paying for a traditional dance
performance (in which you can also take part) you help promote an
interest in these traditions and through your contributions the
knowledge of these dances will continue. Typically you or your group
should expect to pay 500 Baht or a little more for one of these
dance displays.
Massage
In some of the villages you may be able to purchase
a massage. These massages are not so traditional, but they are a
way for the local people to make a little bit of money from home,
whilst also helping you to relax and unwind. When people can make
money from their own villages they are better able to keep aspects
of their traditional way of life and unique culture, whilst also
getting some of the benefits of modern life by having some money.
Typically you should expect to pay about 50 Baht for a 30 minute
massage and 100 Baht for an hour.
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