PREPARING FOR YOUR VIKASA JOURNEY
These FAQ’s below are designed to help all the most commonly asked questions that we receive before people arrive to Vikasa. We know traveling to a new location abroad can come with a little trepidation around the logistics, so these are designed to ease your mind and prepare you for your journey.
Where is Vikasa located?
Vikasa is located in Koh Samui, Thailand. We are located in the south east of the island, close to Lamai and approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Koh Samui International Airport (USM). Koh Samui is a small island nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, a one hour domestic flight from Bangkok. The island comprises of serene beaches, lush jungles and pristine turquoise waters, and offers a unique blend of traditional Thai charm and modern simplicity. Vikasa’s clifftop location offers stunning views over the ocean, whilst being immersed in nature. If you wish to explore further beyond Vikasa, Lamai and Chaweng are only a short taxi ride away.
How do I get to Vikasa?
The best way to get to Vikasa is to fly into Koh Samui International Airport (USM). There are daily flights into Koh Samui from Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and others. Flying is the quickest route, but tourists and yoga enthusiasts can also travel by train and ferry which takes approximately 13.5 hours. Our team can easily pick you up at Koh Samui airport, simply provide us with your flight details to confirm. Airport returns can also easily be arranged once you are onsite. We do not offer pick up from other hotels or ports, however taxis and grab cars are readily available all over the island.
Do I need a visa?
This will depend on where you are from. For details of Thailand’s visa arrangements with specific countries see here.
Although tourist visas are generally required, there is an exemption for travelers from 30 countries (Australia, UK, USA, France, Germany, Sweden and others) who wish to travel to Thailand for 30 days or less. If you are a citizen of one of these countries you do not need to obtain a visa. Note that if you plan to stay for longer than 30 days, it is possible to obtain a short extension from the immigration office on Koh Samui at some point during your stay. If you are not a citizen of one of the countries with which Thailand has specific visa exemption or waiver arrangements, you will need to obtain a 30, 60 or 90 day tourist visa before arriving in Thailand.
Thailand Entry Requirements
Travellers entering Thailand must complete the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) within 3 days prior to arrival. This is a quick form that can be filled out here. You will need to show the confirmation email with your travel documents to immigration.
What should I bring?
Koh Samui has a warm and tropical climate all year round.Yoga clothes, light clothes and swimwear are your key essentials! Yoga mats and props and towels are all provided by us. You may want to add an excursion to your program such as a waterfall hike, in which case a pair of sneakers would also be handy. Please bring sunscreen, toiletries, a sarong can be handy. We provide towels as well as natural shampoo, conditioner and body wash in all rooms. You might like to bring a journal, a book or kindle, and all charging devices you need for your electrics.
What adapter do I need for power points?
When traveling to Koh Samui, you’ll need to consider power adapters to keep your devices charged. In Thailand, the standard voltage is 220V, and the power outlets commonly accept plug types A, B, and C. If you’re coming from countries like the US, Canada, or parts of Asia, you may need an adapter since some of your plugs (like type A) may not fit Thailand’s sockets perfectly. Most modern devices are dual voltage (110V-240V), so they can handle the difference in voltage, but it’s still essential to check to avoid damage. A universal travel adapter with USB ports can be especially convenient for Koh Samui, as it allows you to charge multiple devices at once. Additionally, be prepared with surge protection if you’ll be staying in areas with frequent storms, as power surges can sometimes occur.
Can I do washing there?
We have a laundry service at Vikasa, so you can easily drop laundry to our team at reception, it will be washed, dried and returned within 1-3 days depending on the weather and time of drop off. Laundry bags are provided in all rooms for you to gather your laundry and drop it for cleaning.
Is there a safe for my belongings?
Yes, all rooms have a safe for you to store things like money, your passport, or any items of value. Vikasa is a very safe place however we do encourage you to keep things in the safe for your own peace of mind.
Is my room cleaned daily?
Yes, we have housekeeping clean rooms daily. Bedding and towels are changed every 3 days. If you do not want your room cleaned on a certain day, there are ‘do not disturb’ signs in each room that you can hang on your door to alert the team.
I’m coming solo, is that ok?
Yes! Most of our guests are solo travelers. Every week in the Life Cafe we offer two evening community events. The meet and greet is a chance for guests to come and meet other like minded Vikasa guests, and our weekly yoga discussion offers a new mindfulness topic each week to learn, connect and share your thoughts on. These are led by our experienced Vikasa yoga teachers and are a great chance to immerse yourself within the Vikasa community. These weekly evening chats are a perfect way to meet other guests and break the ice so you feel welcome and at home. Of course, if you’re looking for a solo escape in your own space,you are perfectly welcome to just enjoy your own company.
What does a ‘typical’ day look like?
This will depend on what you are joining us for. Our YTTs, Signature Retreats and Personal Programs have schedules that wil be shared with you upon arrival. However, if you are joining us on a Vikation, you create your own schedule! A typical day could look like rising nice and early with the sunrise to enjoy our 7am Vikasa Complete yoga class overlooking the ocean. Followed by a delicious brunch in the Life Cafe. Several days a week there is also a 9:15am class if you choose to sleep in and enjoy the later class! During the day, guests love enjoying time in the infinity pool, hanging out at our private beach, getting massages, spa treatments or private yoga classes, enjoying an icebath, sound healing session or hanging out with new friends in the Life Cafe. You may like to venture further afield and explore Koh Samui. We can easily arrange trips for you to see temples, waterfalls, visit an elephant sanctuary, go snorkeling or a number of other tropical adventures. Dinners are at 6.30 each evening, and there are evening events such as Gong, Sound or Ecstatic Dance three nights a week.
Can I extend my stay?
This is solely dependent on availability. If you would like to extend, we will do our very best to accommodate you, simply check with our reception team or email us at stay@vikasa.com
What are the bathrooms like?
Bathrooms are modern and equipped with everything you need. All our showers offer hot water and we also provide Vikasa branded toiletries. Please refrain from placing toilet paper or any other items in the toilets as the plumbing in Koh Samui is very sensitive. Bins are provided in all bathrooms to dispose of toilet paper and sanitary items for your convenience. All Lotus Pad and Prana Cabana rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. Our Yoga Cave options have shared bathroom facilities.
Is there a mini bar?
Yes, but not the normal kind! Each room has a Vikasa style mini bar, equipped with still and sparkling water, locally made kombucha, organic fairtrade chocolate, healthy veggie chips and protein bars. Mini bars are restocked daily by housekeeping. These are additional cost and pricing for the mini bar items is located in your room.
Is there a kettle and fridge?
Yes and yes! There is a kettle with herbal tea provided. There is also a small bar fridge.
What meals are included?
Vikasa serves wholesome, delicious, health-conscious meals designed to support you on your yoga journey. Daily brunch and dinner are included for onsite guests. Brunch is served between 9:30 -11:30. Kickstart your day and refuel after yoga with freshly squeezed juice, tea and coffee, sunny side up eggs, a vegetable omelet or scrambled tofu, fresh sourdough toasts, muesli with yogurt or chia seeds pudding, veggies with speciality in-house organic dips, fresh salad and of course a variety of tropical fruits.
Dinner is served between 6.30-8pm with each night being based on a different global cuisine. Self serve options include a nightly changing soup, salad and vegetarian protein dish plus a set meal that changes nightly according to the theme such as a fragrant Thai curry, homemade falafels and hummus, healthy mexican style bean tacos. Seafood is offered several times a week, alongside a vegetarian option. The homemade signature tea is a perfect finish to your meal, or mango sticky rice or healthy chocolate mousse is also served a couple of times a week for dessert.
If guests would like to order any additional meals throughout the day at their own cost, they are welcome to order from the a la carte menu at Life Cafe. Life Cafe is open from 9am-9pm and serves a terrific range of fresh salads, wraps, nourishing bowls, healthy snacks, cold coconuts, vibrant smoothies, and juices. There is also a dessert fridge with plenty of tasty superfood snacks including raw vegan cakes and protein balls- the perfect snack between classes.
Meals are all enjoyed from our stunning Life Cafe, situated at the top of Vikasa with breathtaking ocean views and plenty of comfortable places to sit back and enjoy good food, new friends and great vibes.
I have food intolerances, can you cater to my needs?
For anyone that has serious food allergies, please communicate with us before arrival by emailing us at stay@vikasa.com
The menu is about 80% plant-based to which we add eggs, lean fish and occasional chicken options.
For the most part the menu is also gluten-free and dairy free. We also clearly label the use of nuts, garlic and onions if you wish to avoid these. Please note while much of the menu is gluten free, we cannot safely cater to celiacs with severe gluten allergies as we do use gluten in our kitchen and there is a risk of cross contamination which we cannot avoid. This is also the case with anyone who has severe nut allergies as our kitchen does use nuts on a regular basis.
How often are yoga classes?
If you are joining us for a Vikation or Personal Program, yoga is offered daily at Vikasa with our first class a Vikasa Complete class at 7am weekdays and 8am on weekends. There is also a 9.15am class on weekdays as well as a 5pm class daily. Vikasa Complete Classes are 2 hours in duration, other classes are around 1.5 hours. Classes are suited to all levels and our skilled teachers will offer modifications to suit everyone- both beginners and more advanced practitioners. We provide mats, props, towels, mosquito spray and cleaning spray. No classes are compulsory! Guests have access to all classes however it is entirely up to you to create your own schedule depending on your needs, interests and goals.
Twice weekly we also offer yoga workshops. The Vikasa Method is a chance to learn in more detail some of the unique elements of the Vikasa style of yoga as taught in our morning Complete classes. Advance Yoru Asana is an invitation to come and work on a weekly yoga pose that may challenge you and have you leaving Vikasa having mastered a new yoga asana.
In the evenings there is Gong, Sound and Ecstatic Dance offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Yoga classes, workshops and evening events are all included for everyone staying onsite.
For anyone joining us on a YTT or Signature Retreat, you will have your own schedule that will be shared with you upon arrival. In your time off if you do want to attend any additional yoga classes or evening events you are more than welcome to.
Do you have a spa?
Yes! Our Vita Spa is open daily from 9am-9pm. You can book a variety of spa treatments, massages, beauty services, and also holistic healing therapies such as reiki and sound healing. The Vita Spa is a sanctuary designed to enhance and support your holistic wellbeing. The menu draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of local culture and more modern healing traditions. Our team are both highly training and experienced, as well as intuitive and caring. You can relax in either air conditioned comfort, or enjoy treatments in our open-air, cliff-top pagodas overlooking the ocean. Treatments can be booked prior to arrival via email, or once you are onsite. We do encourage pre booking.
Can I swim there?
We have a beautiful infinity pool where guests love taking a cool dip and also soaking up some tropical sunshine. The pool bar is also open daily to provide cold refreshing drinks and snacks by the pool. We also have our own private beach area. Please note the shoreline is quite rocky, so getting into the ocean can be a little tricky. There are two beaches either side of Vikasa- Coral Cove and Silver Beach- that are very beautiful and easy to swim at. These are just a 5-10 minute walk. We provide towels for the pool area.
How do I get around?
If you wish to get offsite and explore the island, you can organize taxis and transfers at reception. Our team can help book these for you.
Is there a gym?
We do not have a gym onsite. Koh Samui does have many quality gyms and we can organize transportation for you if you do wish to visit a gym during your stay.
Is there wifi?
We have good wifi in all rooms and public areas within Vikasa. The log in details will be provided to you upon check in and also in your room.
How do I contact reception?
The rooms do not have phones, instead, we have a wonderful app called HandiGo that you will download on arrival. This keeps you in easy contact with our reception team if you need any assistance. We will walk you through this on arrival. You can also book spa treatments or arrange transport via the app.
Is it safe?
Vikasa is a very safe place. For your peace of mind, we also have security onsite 24/7 including a full time night security guard. Koh Samui is generally a safe location to visit, there is very little crime and the Thai people are generally very warm, helpful and friendly people.
Are hairdryers provided?
Yes, each room has a hairdryer.
Do I need cash?
It can be handy to have some cash available if you explore the island a little as some places will only accept cash or charge for card payments. Changing money at the airport is usually the best idea or the main shopping mall, around a 20 minute drive from Vikasa, is also a great option.
What payment methods are accepted onsite?
We accept Visa and Mastercard, as well as cash in Thai Baht. Digital payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay are available. Note that a 3% surcharge applies to non-cash payments.
Is there an ATM nearby?
There is an ATM machine directly outside of Vikasa.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water at Vikasa is safe for brushing your teeth but not for drinking. We provide bottled water daily in rooms, with refill stations around the property for your convenience.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes, we recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights to fully experience Vikasa’s offerings. However, longer stays are encouraged to maximize the retreat experience.
Are children allowed at Vikasa?
Vikasa is designed for adult guests seeking a peaceful and mindful retreat experience, so the age limit for guests onsite is 16 years old.
Are pets allowed?
We love your furry friends but unfortunately pets are not permitted at Vikasa.
Can I smoke at Vikasa?
Vikasa is a non-smoking property to ensure a fresh and healthy environment for all guests. Smoking is only allowed in the designated area in front of the Life Cafe. A fine of 5,000 baht will apply for smoking anywhere outside this area.
Is room service available?Vikasa does not offer traditional room service. However, guests can enjoy meals and snacks at the Life Cafe or bring light snacks to their rooms. Please note that strong-smelling foods, like durian, are not permitted, and the minibar is intended only for Vikasa-provided snacks and drinks.
Are yoga mats available in the room?
Yoga mats are not provided in guest rooms, but all necessary yoga equipment, including high-quality mats, is available for use during daily yoga classes at Vikasa in the different yoga salas. Please refrain from taking the mats to your rooms as they are required for classes.
Where can I practice yoga on my own?
You’re welcome to practice yoga independently at the White Prana Sala outside of public class times. Please check in with reception to register beforehand.
Are there quiet hours at Vikasa?
Yes, to maintain a peaceful environment, we ask guests to keep noise to a minimum in rooms and shared spaces. Social areas like the pool and Life Cafe are ideal spots for connecting with the Vikasa community and socializing.
Do the staff speak English?
Yes, our staff at the restaurant and reception speak English and are dedicated to assisting you throughout your stay. However, as English may not be their first language, we kindly ask for patience and compassion. Please avoid using slang, speak slowly, and be clear to help ensure smooth communication and understanding on both sides. Remember, you are in Thailand where Thai is the national language, so we do encourage you to be be friendly and understand that our team are doing their very best to assist you.
Did we miss something? Contact us at stay@vikasa.com for any other questions related to your Vikasa journey. We cannot wait to welcome you.