A Transformational Yoga Retreat in Thailand

You might be considering a Yoga Retreat but also curious about a Yoga Training and wondering what the differences are. A yoga retreat is typically more about rejuvenating yourself through healing practices and taking time off from duties to enjoy being in the moment. You’ll have more free time and many retreats include exciting activities for wellness besides Yoga, like raw food workshops or nature treks. You can enjoy a more vacation-like experience. This is especially for you if you want the time to explore, meet other people outside your group, and get to know the local culture and land. A retreat will typically take you deeper if you stay in that space for the whole time and then you can enjoy the treat of exploration after.

A yoga training is generally considered more academic, more serious and geared to those students who might want to teach yoga after graduation. Trainings usually have a fuller schedule and could involve some intense physical transformation. Expect to be in training, lectures, or other activities related to the practice for the majority of the day, but also expect it to be a very powerful support to your goals. A training is designed to take your practice deep, establish principles and philosophy, or develop your skills as a teacher or facilitator in specific knowledge about wellness. A training may be a big challenge but it can radically open up your life to new possibilities. 

Yoga trainings are a great way to know more about the essential details of the art and science of yoga and how we teach in different situations or for different people. You can experience a lot of teaching practice activities in a short time and with feedback from teachers and peers and this will open you up to be more capable of expressing yourself or guiding others in many regards. Upon graduation you get certification, recognized internationally, as a professional yoga teacher.

Beautiful yoga and meditation retreats can be found all over the world. Some of the most famous places like Thailand, India, and Bali offer unique settings for the wellness and spirituality explorer. It’s no wonder these destinations offer so many retreat options, they each have an abundance of local charm, warm hospitality and options for vegetarians and vegans alike. People love tropical destinations for their vacations and yoga retreats and these locations are also rich in their own spiritual and religious culture. Many people are waking up to make their holidays meaningful and supportive of their mental, physical, and spiritual development. We think with a little research anyone can find and plan the perfect retreat to serve their deepest intentions.

India is an obvious consideration for where to find a yoga retreat or training but it’s certainly not the only worthwhile option. Many countries have highly rated and reviewed Yoga training schools with excellent authentic teachers and also breath taking natural environment, healthy food, and beautiful people to meet. There are so many options, but we are going to just look at two of the most popular destinations, India & Thailand.

India – Coming to India is a great way to give respect to the roots of modern Yoga, feel the energy of the land of countless great yogi’s, and possibly have a more traditional study of the philosophy of Yoga and Hinduism.

This is the heritage and source of knowledge for most of the practices and philosophy people all over the world today know as Yoga. Coming for a training or retreat here will give you a great taste of the culture that developed alongside the Yogic sciences. If you are curious about how Hinduism interfaces with Yoga, or enamored with devotional practices within the Hindu pantheon, a Bhakti yogi, there is much to learn and experience here. The predominant yoga practice of many modern day Indian’s is Bhakti, or love and devotion towards the divine. This can be through iconic forms or any moment and being in existence. Many people will see this as religion, even many Indians themselves, but looking deeper through the yoga philosophy, there is more of a blurry line between religion and the science of experiential wellness. Nearly all yoga schools here will teach mantra chanting, and maybe some other devotional practices. It’s great to get a feel for these practices and concepts that have been part of peoples’ lives here for hundreds or thousands of years.

Courses in India are generally cheaper than most places, in reflection of the surrounding economy and cost of living. It can be a great deal but watch out for sub-standard accommodations, basic or limited meals provided, and even under-qualified teachers. Those who are content with simple necessities will enjoy most retreats or trainings here, but in one way or another, if you want quality, remember you pay for what you get.

One unfortunate down side to choosing a training or retreat in India is that due to it’s popularity, many under-qualified or greedy people pose themselves as great schools or teachers without right knowledge, training, or even genuine compassion and intention to offer a quality service. It seems to be more common for this to happen in India since many people know how to look the part and talk the talk… but we all know walking the walk is a very different matter. Make sure you research your considerations thoroughly and get the review of others before booking. It’s a great idea to also talk on a voice call with the teacher’s who will be leading the retreat to really get a sense for them as people.

Another difficulty you may find is understanding your teachers! Some teachers in India don’t have clear enough English accent or vocabulary for foreigners to understand. If English is also your 2^nd language, this is even more of an obstacle. Again, try to call them!

Thailand – Here in Thailand there is so much variety on the style of trainings as they are run by people from all over the world. Because it takes some effort and investment to travel to another country to live as a yoga teacher or create an event, it’s very likely your teacher here is someone very passionate and knowledgeable about Yoga. It’s also likely they will put a great deal of creativity and detail into delivering their teachings. At the same time, depending on what you are looking for, there are some retreats that don’t provide the setting or study of understanding the underlying philosophy. While some people are not interested in this anyway I highly recommend you find a retreat that the teachers can demonstrate and embody this because it is the key to connecting with the most life changing benefits of Yoga.

While India obviously offers a more traditional experience of Yoga, Thailand offers much of the tradition and the evolution of Yoga with wellness focused living. There tends to be more awareness on exploring things like raw food and vegan diet, eco & green living, integrating perspectives and techniques from other spiritual practices with Yoga methodology, and even developing exploring human potential and wellness through movement, expression, connection, and health. Your teachers might also not be so strict in nature(depending on the teacher & event!)

While price is usually higher for a retreat in Thailand, this almost always reflects in the quality. There is a higher standard for accommodation, food quality, and service. Many retreats stand to be even more affordable in the near future. Staff and locals, mostly Burmese and Thai people, are super sweet and kind hearted in nature. Being around them is a memorable and lovely feeling and you’ll definitely learn a few Thai language favorites.

Possibly one of the biggest, not to be overlooked reasons to choose your retreat in Thailand again is… the ocean! There is healing in the blue waters and deep relaxation on some of the best beaches you will find anywhere, very close or right at your retreat center.