FAQ
Please browse through out FAQ to find answers to your questions/queries. If you stil need help, please contact us here.
How do we get to Koh Phangan and to Pure Flow Yoga?
There are many different paths that all lead here, whether you fly into Bangkok , Kuala Lumpur, Surat Thani, or our closest airport Koh Samui, or take a train or a bus. Click here for more travel information
What's the difference between MAGIC & LOVE Retreats?
Our Yoga MAGIC & Yoga LOVE run in tandem.
Generally, we offer the same schedule structure both weeks, but with a variety of content from the vast tradition of Yoga, and other some opportunities for 2 week students to go deeper.
For Yoga LOVE students:
- You will receive another massage and steam room pass
- Sunday orientation is optional
- Monday – Asana workshop is optional
- Wednesday – Yoga LOVE students only – Extra asana workshop for you to go deeper with the individualised support of your teacher. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get more intimate and individualised guidance
Do you book travel and airport transfers?
The journey is part of the adventure and each individual is expected to organise their own travel independently. Connected with our “DELUXE” package option, we do have the capacity to book you a speedboat and airport transfer
What are the payment options?
You can complete your payment via PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. Credit card payments can be made securely through PayPal without even needing to have a PayPal account.
I’m a beginner, will I be able to participate in all of the classes offered?
We love beginners! A
ll of the classes we offer here are very beginner-friendly, specifically and creatively designed to provide safe and balanced instruction for all levels of experience, with an emphasis on bringing each student to their own personal edge – the place where they can physically, mentally and spiritually open and expand the most.
We encourage students to listen to their bodies as much as possible and take resting poses whenever necessary. The classes are light-hearted and intelligently structured, allowing for a beautiful interplay of alignment principles, breath awareness, and conscious theme explorations.
Of course, intermediate and advanced practitioners are also happily welcome.
I'm coming alone, is that okay?
YES! Most of our retreat participants – 85% are travelling solo and find it very easy to connect with interesting people in this very social atmosphere. There are many opportunities to meet and connect with other travellers and locals at the community events and parties.
I want to register for 2 people & we want to share 1 room. How do I do that?
You can book one of our ‘FOR 2″ packages. They include retreat tuition for 2 participants and one bungalow to share (double bed). You can add a meal plan as an option which will include a meal plan for each of you. We then require each participant to complete their own pre-retreat questionnaires.
What is the typical age - range of people on retreat?
Our students come from all ages and walks of life and is for the adventurous soul seeking enlivening and new experiences. The average age of our students is 34, although we do get parent-child teams, university students and recent grads, digital nomads, retirees and everything in between.
Koh Phangan is a rustic island that is famous for the monthly full-moon-parties and as such typically attracts a young-at-heart vibe. This retreat is perfect for the flexible of mind – those who are comfortable leaving the comfort zone. If you are looking for a luxurious getaway you may prefer researching other options.
Accommodation @ Bamboo Huts – how basic is basic?
We have a small number of individual bungalows with private bathrooms that we can book through Bamboo Huts, a beautiful and rustic budget option very near to the studio. Staying here is ideal for connecting with nature, which can also mean that the friendly wildlife, like our beautiful friend the Gekko, will come and say hello.
There are several other budget accommodation options in the area, all within 5-10 minute walking distance to the yoga shala. Most of the budget accommodations, including Bamboo Huts, have 24-hour electricity, bucket flush toilets and cold showers, which is much nicer than it sounds! When you arrive here and realize that you are on tropical paradise island, footsteps to the beach and living the simple lifestyle that yogis recommend, you will likely begin to realize that zen-like simplicity offers so much more than you could ever imagine :).
To view a few pictures of our Bamboo Huts accommodation please check out our accommodation page here
If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, you can book our ‘SIMPLY” packages in which you participate fully in the retreat program while booking your own accommodation. There is more information about the local accommodation options on our accommodation page here.
Can I book my own accommodation?
If you are interested in booking your own accommodation please check our Simply Yoga package here.
My available dates are different than the ones the you've offered. Can I start whenever I want?
All participants are asked to arrive on the Sunday before the retreat begins on Monday to acclimatize to the surroundings and be ready for the orientation on Monday morning, where we share important information about the retreat week and area information. Because our retreats are in such high demand and we have very specific accommodation dates, we give preference to students who can be with us and the group for the duration of the course.
When is the Full Moon Party? How close is it?
Ranked as one of the most beautiful places on Earth to watch the full moon, Had Rin is visited each month by many international travellers for the legendary “Full Moon Party” celebration. Please be aware that accommodation on the island tends to be FULL around this time.
Expected Full Moon Party Dates
- Sunday 20 January 2019
- Wednesday 20 February 2019
- Wednesday 20 March 2019
- Friday 19 April 2019
- Sunday 19 May 2019
- Monday 17 June 2019
- Thursday 18 July 2019
- Thursday 15 August 2019
- Friday 13 September 2019
- Monday 14 October 2019
- Monday 11 November 2019
- Wednesday 11 December 2019
- Wednesday 25 December 2019
- Tuesday 31 December 2019
- Monday 06 January 2020
- Sunday 09 February 2020
- Sunday 08 March 2020
- Tuesday 07 April 2020
- Thursday 07 May 2020
- Friday 05 June 2020
- Monday 06 July 2020
- Monday 03 August 2020
- Tuesday 01 September 2020
- Thursday 01 October 2020
- Thursday 29 October 2020
- Saturday 28 November 2020
- Friday 25 December 2020
- Monday 28 December 2020
- Thursday 31 December 2020
How much $$$ should I budget for?
If you budget $20- $25/ day for food including coconuts and sweet treats then you will be beyond abundant! You may also like to treat yourself to some delightful extras, like a private session with a wellness specialist (1000 – 2500 baht), a bit of gift shopping, an extra massage or two, or perhaps a spa treatment. Because there are no ATMs on our part of the island, we recommend bringing more than you think you might need, just to be safe and flexible. Living in Thailand is super affordable and we encourage you to treat yo’self!
Any other Helpful Tips?!
- You can get your laundry done on the island for approx. 40 Baht per pound or you can hand wash it yourself and hang them to dry on your balcony.
- A photo copy of your passport should be made and kept separate from your money and credit cards.You can keep all valuables locked up with the place where you are staying if you so choose.
- In Thailand the head is considered to be the most revered and honored part of the body and the feet are considered unclean. As such, please do not use your feet to point to anything and do not touch people on the head, even children. If you are female, avoid touching the monks. It is considered taboo
Are meals included? Where do we eat?
There are several excellent dining options in the area which offer delicious and healthy food, satisfying all sorts of different tastes and dietary needs and can range from $3-4 USD/meal for delicious Thai/western meals, to $10-15 USD if you want a fine dining experience. Read more about food here.
Food is not included in the price of the retreat, but you are welcome to add a “Meal Plan” to your booking for $15 extra/ day. This will give you credits to spend at Bamboo Huts Restaurant (and avoids you having to carry cash around). If you have spent beyond your daily budget you will be expected to pay the difference.
What is the Bamboo Huts Food Credit option all about? Is food included?
Our signature Thailand Yoga Retreat Prices do not include food or beverages. .
You can give yourself some peace of mind and upgrade your basic Yoga Retreat package by prepaying $15/a day worth of food credit at Bamboo Huts, and enjoy some of the world’s best cuisine at Bamboo Huts restaurant, worry-free (it saves your from having to carry cash around). At the end of the week if you have spent more at the restaurant than your meal plan budget of $75. you will be expected to pay the difference. Please note that this meal plan is non-refundable.
Why don’t the basic packages include food?
In general, we want to give our students optimal freedom of restaurant and meal choice while on holiday retreat in this magical abundant area. Also to accommodate different budgets, we’ve decided that the most simple option is to avoid including food in our packages.
What are the Check-In and Check-Out times?
Check-in is anytime on Sunday. Please check the ferry timetables on our “Getting here” page to ensure that you are able to arrive on Koh Phagnan by Sunday evening at the latest so that you can check-in and settle in to your accommodation. We will begin the retreat at 9am Monday morning at the Lotus Yoga studio. Check-out for all retreats is Saturday morning at 11 am.
Is INTERNET available?
There is WIFI available for purchase in Haad Yuan at Bamboo Huts, Big Blue, & Pariya Resorts, and in Haad Thien at the Sanctuary Resort. The nearest post office is in Haad Rin (the internet is also readily available there).
As an alternative option, Thai SIM Cards are available at 7-Eleven, airport kiosks, and telcom company outlets in Thong Sala & Haad Rin. You can purchase a 7/10/30 day plan and set up your smart phone to use the cellular data network. Carriers include True Move, AIS, and DTAC. You will need photo ID & an unlocked mobile phone to register a Thai SIM.
Important note: There will be times when the WIFI or cellular signal is weak or irregular, but just as the saying goes, we promise you’ll find a better connection!
What is your cancellation or change of date policy?
Thailand Yoga Retreat Tuition Cancellation Policy: We have designed our cancellation policy to be as compassionate as possible in the case that your plans change. But to protect yourself further, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance.
In the case of cancellation the total tuition price may be refunded up until 2 months before the Yoga Retreat’s start date minus a 25% administration fee, and the accommodation fee (if applicable).
Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness. If you cancel your participation in a retreat for any reason, the cancellation policy will apply, with no exceptions. We wish we could compensate people for unforseen circumstances (injury, family emergency, etc), but we have costs already incurred when reserving.
Accommodation Cancellation / Change of Date Policy: Once paid the accommodation fees are non-refundable. Changing of dates are subject to availability and a surcharge of $50 USD.
Is the WATER safe to drink?
There is no need to bring iodine tablets or purification liquids, the water is safe to drink in Thailand. However, the bottled water is even better and is sold everywhere. As well, you can refill your bottle at Bamboo Huts and other Resorts.
Do I need any SHOTS & VACCINATIONS?
You should consult your local travel clinic to see what they suggest. It is really up to the individual for what they choose and what they feel comfortable with. Most people choose not to get shots as Thailand is a very safe place to travel to.
When does the retreat end on Friday?
The retreat closes after the final yoga session on Friday afternoon, just after 6:30PM. Friday night accommodation is included in the price of your retreat.
What about VISAS?
You are only granted a 30-day visa upon landing by flight into Thailand. If you plan on travelling though Thailand before or after the teacher training we advise our students to obtain a Two-Month tourist visa from your local Thai Consulate in your home country. Currently these visas are free for most countries. If you intend to stay even longer you can extend this two-month visa by 30 days on Koh Samui. If you intend to stay even longer, you can obtain another two- month visa by making a trip to Penang or Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia or cross one of Thailand’s borders. When filling out your Thai visa application form, you can put Bamboo Huts, Koh Phangan, Thailand for your guarantor/and or place to stay in Thailand. When you apply for a 2 month tourist visa state on your application form that you are visiting as a tourist. It is best not to mention that you’re doing a Yoga Retreat here, otherwise you will have to apply for a special visa that is difficult to obtain and involves much paperwork….and each Thai embassy has their own right to reject your application form if they don’t feel you have the exact paperwork that they see fit!!
What does a typical day look like?
Generally we spend about 5 hours/day, meditating, doing yoga asana and learning the philosophy and practicalities of a yoga practice. Two times a week we begin our days at 8:15 with Pranayama and Meditation, after which we have our first yoga asana class. Within the retreat we offer 2 daily 90- minutes classes, which are generally quite dynamic and physical, allowing for a beautiful interplay of alignment principles, breath awareness, and conscious theme exploration.
The morning class is a dynamic flow and in the afternoons, we explore a few different styles included Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yang, and Bhakti Bliss. Most mornings after the yoga asana class we will have a 90 minute workshop on some aspect of yoga, including alignment, developing a home practice and an introduction to Ayurveda and Holistic Lifestyle. You will find our current daily schedule on our retreats page here
If I am staying on the island after my retreat am I still welcome to attend daily classes?
We would love to have you continue practicing with us! Our 2 daily classes are open to the public, and so you are free to join as often as you like. You can view our daily class schedule here
Is it going to be the RAINY SEASON when I am there?
Generally, the rainy season in the south of Thailand is between October and November, although as the weather conditions are determined by the monsoons this can change and December can end up being rainy as well. We do have scattered rains throughout the year but more often than not we have lots of beautiful sunshine. There is some rain year-round, but you’ll find the rain may only last a couple of hours a day and be followed by beautiful sunshine. The dry season tends to be from February to April. You can learn more about weather here.
What should I pack?
- It is best to bring your own yoga mat for energetic & sanitary purposes, but we also have public yoga mats if you don’t have your own.
- A notebook & pens to write in for your own notes.
- Alarm Clock/Watch
- Ear Plugs: especially for the Tuesday/Saturday night parties nearby.
- WATER BOTTLE: for filtered water refills and to help us reduce plastic waste
- Sarong or Towel: for the beach and yoga practice. You can buy great inexpensive sarongs here.
- Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, Swim suit, Flip-flops Camera Flashlight with battery
- Insect repellent: if you choose, also available here.
- Medical prescriptions
- Toiletries
- Long Sleeve Light Sweater for cooler evenings
- BACKPACKS: for traveling as opposed to suitcases for ease of carrying luggage up and down the beach.
- The bungalows all have mosquito nets, so there is no need to bring one.
- Outlet Adapter: There are outlets in the bungalows, so you will be able to charge any electronic devices, with an adapter for Thailand. This is available at most outdoor/travel stores. Keep in mind that the outlets in Thailand are 220 V, so be sure that your devices can handle that voltage by checking the indication on the charger or device. However, you should be able to charge most simple devices; ie: mp3 player, cell phone, camera etc. with an adaptor.
Im on a big healing journey - is this retreat for me?
Thank you so much for considering this retreat as part of your healing journey. Life presents us so many challenges and hardships, and it would be our pleasure to help you find more peace, flexibility and space in your mind and heart. This place has provided the grounds for much inner transformation and has helped countless beings come radiantly alive. That being said, if you are seeking a full outer peace refuge, we’d like you to take into consideration that our little slice of paradise is very rustic, with rocky uphill footpaths connecting the beaches, and our community is incredibly vibrant and alive, with hosts loud parties nearby twice per week.