Travel Information: Your Journey to Thailand - Chiang Mai
~ Prepare With Presence For A Deeply Enriching Yoga Experience ~
This page provides all the essential information you’ll need for a smooth & safe trip to Thailand, Chiang Mai! Our Reterats & Yoga Teacher Training are an immersive, intensive & a life transformative experience. While we’ve ensured comfort and convenience, you will also go through a committed practice, study, and self-reflection. Embrace the journey with an open mind and a willingness to explore deeply.
Chiang Mai is known as the Rose of northern Thailand, a town with spiritual vibes and Lanna culture. You’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient temples and the gentle smiles of happy, laid-back people. You can take a walk through its charming streets to discover hidden lanes and cute, healthy cafes. This tranquil atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for your inner journey and deep practice.
Thailand Yoga Retreat & Training
Travel & Preparation Guide
This index provides a comprehensive overview of essential information to prepare for your yoga retreat, covering travel, stay, and cultural guidelines.
Before You Depart
Visa Requirement
Travel Insurance
Health Guidelines
Currency & Exchange
Travel to Thailand
International Flights
Domestic Flights
Transportation
Weather
Packing Essential
Your Yoga Clothes
Your Daily Wear
What to To Pack
Amenities Included
Cultural Immersion
Cultural Etiquette
Exploring The Town
Food & Dinning
Day Off Guidelines
Before You Depart
Key Preparations
Visa Requirements: The process is smooth and easy for most nationalities who receive a visa exemption for 30/45/60 and some get 90 days upon arrival when flying into Thailand. You may also need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival, and some nationalities are eligible for a visa-on-arrival that can also be applied for online as an eVOA/Thailand E-Visa On Arrival (E-VOA). However, it is crucial to check the latest visa regulations for your specific nationality with the official Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country well in advance of your travel dates.
Travel Insurance: Although it is not mandatory, we would highly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. This provides peace of mind throughout your journey.
Vaccination & General Health: Thailand is generally a safe, clean and hygienic place. But common travel ailments can occur anywhere in the world. Pack a small personal first-aid kit with essentials and any personal medications. We strongly advise consulting your doctor if you have any health conditions. They can provide personalized advice or any necessary precautions. Only People arriving from certain countries with yellow fever require a Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination International Certificate in order to enter Thailand.
Currency & Exchange: The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are Widely available in and around the Old Town. Banks and licensed exchange booths are easily found and offer good rates.
~ Health, Safety & Peace of Mind ~
Medical Facilities: For your peace of mind, Chiang Mai has excellent medical facilities. Some of the best hospitals with international services are just a 10-minute drive away, including Chiangmai Ram Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai.
Mosquitoes: While mosquitoes are a part of tropical life, the risk of dengue is very low. Our place is very clean and hygienic. You can easily buy repellents and balms at local 7-Eleven stores.
Personal Safety: Chiang Mai is widely considered one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia. Use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and you will feel completely at ease.
Online Preparatory Meeting
We will be holding an online meeting to help you with any questions and preparations for your trip.
Please don’t worry about the small details of traveling, you can go ahead and book your trip now!
Travel & Arrival in Chiang Mai
Thailand Awaits!
International Flights to Thailand: Most international flights arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, you will take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
Domestic Flights to Chiang Mai: Book a domestic flight from Suvarnabhumi (recommended) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Multiple budget airlines (e.g., AirAsia, Nok Air, Lion Air) offer frequent and affordable flights. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Possible Stopover in Bangkok: Many students choose to spend a day or two in bustling Bangkok to experience the capital before heading north. This can also help with jet lag adjustment.
Arriving a Few Days Early: We highly recommend arriving in Chiang Mai 1-3 days before your course or retreat begins. This allows you to acclimatize to the time zone, local climate, and relax into the slower pace of life before your training starts.
Upon Arrival at CNX: Your Included Transport: We have arranged for roundtrip transport from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) directly to the resort and back upon your departure.
Arriving Early: If you plan to arrive earlier and stay elsewhere, you can easily arrange your own transport to our Resort. Chiang Mai offers various convenient and affordable transport options:
- Songthaews (Red Trucks): Shared pick-up trucks for local travel.
- Tuk-Tuks: Iconic three-wheeled vehicles for shorter distances.
- Grab/Bolt: Ride-hailing apps for easy, fixed-fare transport.
Weather & Climate: Chiang Mai has a lovely tropical climate with three main seasons:
- Cool Season (Nov – Feb): Slightly cool but sunny day. A light jacket is advisable.
- Hot Season (March – May): Days are hot, long, and sunny. Our rooms and yoga space have air-conditioning options.
- Rainy Season (June – Oct): Warm, humid, sunny, and green, with frequent but usually short, refreshing downpours.
Please ensure you have our contact details handy:
- Phone/WhatsApp: +66931783213
- Email: wiselivingyogacenter@gmail.com
Accommodation: You will be staying at Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort or a carefully selected alternative accommodation. They are all in the Old Town, a very walkable area where everything you need is a short stroll away
Packing Essential
For A Smooth, Easy & Happy Journey
What to Wear & What is Provided: Embracing Our Authentic Yoga Vibe
For Yoga: Our practice is focused on authentic yoga, meditation, and philosophy, not on a body-competitive atmosphere. Please avoid flashy, revealing, body-tight clothes, hot shorts, or super skimpy outfits. We encourage comfortable clothes that give freedom of movement and that aligns with the serene, non-competitive environment. If you wish, you can get Thai yoga pants, which are widely available here in local shops for around 4 USD. They are wonderfully soft and comfortable.
Clothing For Daily Wear: Lightweight cotton/linen is ideal for the warm climate. A light shawl or scarf is useful for cooler evenings, sun protection, or temple visits. Our Thai staff and community dress appropriately, and we appreciate it when our guests embrace this polite approach.
Swimsuit: For relaxing in the pool!
Footwear: Comfortable sandals or flip-flops are perfect for daily wear. You’ll often remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and some shops.
Amenities: To make your packing easier, please know that we provide all necessary toiletries and towels for your stay. However, if you have specific preferences, many local shops and pharmacies offer a wide range of products.
Cultural Immersion & Tips on Chiang Mai
Embracing The Authentic Vibes Of The Old Town
Cultural Etiquette: Thailand is a country rich in tradition. Show respect for local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples (ensure your shoulders and knees are covered). The “Wai” (a slight bow with palms pressed together) is a beautiful sign of respect. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and the feet are the least; avoid pointing your feet at people or religious images. Show utmost respect for the Thai Royal Family.
Exploring the Town: On your day off, you can take a trip to the mountain temple of Doi Suthep, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, or immerse yourself in the local rhythm of the markets. Don’t miss the chance to take a Thai cooking class or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Two trips to local temples are included in the itinerary for group bonding.
Food & Dining: All of the food and water provided at our center are clean and safe. Chiang Mai is a paradise for plant-based eaters, with countless vegan restaurants like Goodsouls Kitchen and Reform Kafé. While street food is a famous part of Thai culture, we advise you not to eat it unless you are certain it is hygienic and without animal products.
Day Off Reminder: To ensure everyone’s safety, please be back at your accommodation by 9:00 PM on your off days. There is no sleeping out allowed.
Community Code of Conduct: To ensure a serene and peaceful environment, the consumption of meat or any animal products, alcohol, smoking, drugs, and psychedelics is not permitted. We trust that you share our commitment to creating a safe and sacred space for everyone.
Ready for Your Journey?
We invite you to experience transformative yoga teacher training and yoga retreats, blending authentic yoga knowledge with the peaceful spirit of Chiang Mai. This is your chance to deepen your practice and also find your true voice as a teacher, and step into a “home away from home” that will nourish your body and soul.