stay in hotel or at the family

Definately book a Hotel room and visit the family during the day. Showering cold water with a plastic scoop, flushing after a rather uncomfortable squat with a scoop, especialy if your a little older and your knees are on the way out , and sleeping on a grass mat might be fun for about 5 mins but in no time you will want some mod cons. Face it, the family could be quite embarased if you leave after 2 nights with a look of oh my god on your face. However, if you set a precident of going home at night the family will respect you for it. And remember to go shopping first and buy some beef and pork with you along with a few cold beers for the men and soft drink for the ladies and children and you will be as popular as you ever hoped for. Remember, these poeple are poor and a little generosity will go a long long way. Good luck.

Yep totally agree with Aardvark. It may seem like a fun story to tell the people back home about experiencing the true Thai culture but in reality it's no fun waking up covered in one thousand mosquito bites, showering in water that you feel dirtier after using and tackling the infamous squatter
Ok we are assuming a typical village house, she may well have a palace but it's unlikely.
Aard's food and drink tip is a must do. They will love you forever
I also believe that by staying with them you will be showing their daughter a larger commitment than perhaps you realize and if things don't work out between you this will result in a "Loss of Face" for your girlfriend and her family within the village.
Good luck, hope it all turns out well for you.

so seeing as we have two posters on this thread now this may apply to either...


If its not a place with wall and gates and is open plan where villagers walk through be prepared for the "Village" drunks who will turn up and ask for a bottle or two of lao-khow,nick your ciggies and wander off with your lighter, a little fun at first,but a pain in the arse after a few days.
Good tip with the food, especially a decent size bit of Thai beef.
The basic Thai toilet/shower is a bit of fun if you have never used them before,ice cold water in the evening for showers and ice cold again in the morning,it certainly knocks you into life.
Ohh and take some toilet roll for your own comfort. !

If its not a place with wall and gates and is open plan where villagers walk through be prepared for the "Village" drunks who will turn up and ask for a bottle or two of lao-khow,nick your ciggies and wander off with your lighter, a little fun at first,but a pain in the arse after a few days.

I even had some guy ask for my wedding ring!

I had great experience staying at my now in-laws in a village 50km from Udon. Agree with most in the posts above, also had mosquito net and fan for comfort! Biggest problem I had was with the door height in the Hong Nam (Toilet) I banged the top of my head 6 times over the week, ended up being a great source of amusement

My first time to the village reminded me of the Waltons TV series. Pleased I stayed there rather than hotel. Also house was in reality one BIG room seperated out with cupboards/wardrobes/dividers to make separate "rooms".

Ants, flies and mosquitos were biggest suprise/problem.

Biggest problem I had was with the door height in the Hong Nam (Toilet) I banged the top of my head 6 times over the week.

Ohh yes forgot about the small doors on the hong narms, i did the same many moons ago on the old out-house style(tin roof) of toilet during a first visit at an old GF's family village home.