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bBasic Information on Food and Housing in Thailand
Below are some simple guidelines on how to get to the island and what to expect when you arrive. Whatever happens, don't worry, Thailand is a very easy place to travel and to be. Everything is available when you get there (nearly) and traveling could not be simpler or more pleasant. Before you arrive, read over this page and email me if you have any questions... om
Info About Thailand and the Beaches
Check out a few Photos of the Trainings and area
Where is the Island, Exactly?? Maps of Thailand and the Island
Information about the Teacher Training Itself
Testimonials by Former Students
Basic Info:
The trainings are held at the lovely Sanctuary Resort on Ko Phangan Island, in south Thailand. Ko Phangan is famous not only for its full moon parties but also for its yoga and spiritual scene. I have been doing and teaching yoga on the island since 1995 and in many respects, it is idea for yoga practice. It is very clean, full of nature, and the food is fantastic.
The Sanctuary is on Haad Tien beach, a short boat or taxi ride from the southern-most town, Haad Rin. It is an isolated beach with almost no cars and limited shops. There is only one 'club' which holds a party every Friday night, which can be annoying to yoga students but it also gives flavour to the place. There are a number of resorts in the area, including the Sanctuary, with a variety of options for accommodation.
Getting There:
The fastest way to the island is to fly to Ko Samui from Bangkok and then take a ferry to Ko Phangan (to Haad Rin) and then get a boat or taxi over to Haad Tien. It is easy to do!
Cheaper but longer ways are to get a train or bus to the island from Bangkok and then go from Thong Sala (the arrival town for bus and train passengers) and then taxi to Haad Rin, taxi or boat to Haad Tien.
Accommodation:
You can contact the Sanctuary or look around when you arrive. Bookings are difficult to make at other resorts, though you can try. At this time of year, there should be no problem to get a place to stay at the local resorts. You can try: Bamboo Hut on Haad Yuan (very nearby), or Beam Bungalows on Haad Tien, or Whynam Huts (also on a nearby beach). There are plenty of other options. Write me if you have other questions. All bookings for Sanctuary are to be made through them.
We do have a cheaper housing package available. Keep in mind that A.C. bungalows are almost non-existent; there are a few at the Sanctuary. Power is also limited at some resorts, though some have 24 hour power so you can run your fan. It all depends on how much you spend. Few places have hot water.
Generally you can plan on spending around 10 Euro per night for an average place.
Annoyances:
The area is generally very lovely but there are some things that you might take into consideration. Thailand is the tropics so the heat can be a factor for some people. July is not the hottest time of the year and the weather is generally pleasant, but days can be somewhat hot. One must adjust to the speed and style of tropical living to enjoy Thailand.
Due to the fact that there is loads of jungle around the area, mosquitoes can be a problem for some people. Good repellent is useful, and it is good to be on the beach during high mozzy time, dawn and dusk. In the day, there are not so many of the around. The yoga hall has a net, so there are not many bugs there.
There are many creatures that make the jungle their home and sometimes they make your bungalow their home as well. There are always harmless geckos in the bungalows which tend to eat bugs and spiders that try to live there. There are spiders which can seem quite large to westerners, and they are, but they are harmless.
There are poisonous snakes, scorpions and centipedes in the area also, but sightings are rare and bites and stings by such creatures are even more rare.
There are occasional cases of more serious diseases in the area, but this is generally limited to Dengue fever, but this is very rare. There is no malaria in the area, nor other serious diseases.
Some people can be sensitive to the food or water and can get belly-sick at times, but generally things are very clean.
There is, as mentioned above, an all-night party every Friday. This party is simply a fact of the bay and nothing can be done about it except to use ear plugs to sleep, leave the bay for the night or go to the party. It may not be ideal, but we accept the life-style of others and the party can be lots of fun if you go and enjoy.
What to Bring:
You will probably need a few things, most most of what you need you can buy locally. A good torch is important, for some paths can be dark at night. Bug spray is good if you have a preferred brand from your home. Bring a yoga mat if you can, otherwise you can buy one there or use one of ours. Obviously, light clothing is important, but we don't really wear too much on the bay, it is very informal. This, too can be bought locally if you live in Alaska, northern Norway, Ireland, the North Pole or anywhere else that one never needs hot weather clothing.
