An interesting way to experience Thailand is in a Thai Homestay.
Staying with a host family allows you to take a privileged look into their lives and really connect with the villagers, and you will be made to feel like a member of the family.
Staying with the villagers in a homestay allows you to appreciate how they live. The villager’s friendliness, hospitability, and genuine warmth will stay with you forever. Being in a village is a million miles away from the usual touristy places where you only get to see other tourists, so you really feel like you have a privileged look into their lives.
Be advised language barriers will exist in rural areas.
You may be exposed to rural Thai foods you are not familiar with.
You can find homestays for as little as US $11 a night!