Thailand’s tropical beaches, lush jungles, and profoundly spiritual Buddhist culture make it one of Asia’s most dreamed of yoga destinations. Whether sun-saluting on an island or meditating deep in the northern mountains, here are the most uplifting yoga retreats in the land of smiles.
Island Yoga, Koh Yao Noi (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Alongside Bali and India, the birthplace of yoga itself, Thailand is one of most beloved (and affordable) yoga spots in all Southeast Asia. The islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are ideal settings for a relaxing yoga flow, with most of the beach resorts offer healthy and vegan eating options to nourish you as you go deeper into your asana practice. Amp up the fitness component with a muay thai boxing class, then stretch everything out again with an intense Thai massage session. The optimal time to visit Thailand for a yoga retreat is in the dry, cooler months between November and April; escape the tourists during the high season with a more peaceful island like Koh Lanta along the Andaman coast, or immerse yourself in the northern jungle for a true off-the-beaten-track experience.
4-Day Vegan Yoga and Meditation Wellness Retreat in Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani
Wonderland Healing Center (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
The Wonderland Healing retreat in Koh Pha Ngan offers yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats in a tropical setting that facilitates peaceful reflection. Highlights of the experience include Thai massage, Reiki treatment, daily yoga and meditation sessions, not to mention a delicious vegan buffet, full access to their swimming pool and herbal steam sauna. Nestled in the tropical forest of Ko Pha Ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by mountains, this resort welcomes some of the best international yoga teachers in Thailand and is just a 10-minute drive to the region’s pristine beaches so you can yoga, meditate, chill, repeat. From $153/4 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
6-Day Toning Program, Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Phuket
Mangosteen Yoga Center (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Mangosteen Yoga & Wellness Resort in Phuket, southern Thailand, offers authentic Ayurvedic retreats to help you feel pampered and purified from the inside out. Enjoy Ayurvedic juices and cuisine alongside daily spa massages and body treatments (60 minutes a day), herbal steam baths and Himalayan rock salt infrared sauna. Everything you need to relax muscles between two daily hourlong yoga sessions, ranging from Kundalini, Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative styles in the beautifully laid out Prana Yoga Sala. Luxury accommodation features vast gardens to stroll in and hammocks from which to admire stunning views over the four bays of south Phuket, but but you’ll want to leave time to visit nearby attracktions like the Big Buddha, Chalong Temple, and Promthep Cape Sunset Viewpoint. From $804 / 6 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
8-Day ‘Full Body Reset’ Wellness Retreat, Koh Samui
Natural Detox Resort, Koh Samui (Photo: BookYogaRetreats)
Visit Natural Detox is a holistic healing resort with a fitness-oriented practice. In addition to yoga teachers, a team of personal trainers and nutrition specialists will be on hand to assess your needs and design your detox program. Your day will begin with an early morning cardio session (hiking, aqua gym or cycling on any given day) followed by an invigorating yoga class. With more than 40 hours of outdoor activities packed into this 8-day retreat, you’ll be ready for your well-earned massage each evening. Never fear: plenty of time left to explore the nearby White Lamai Beach and local markets, or simply relax by the pool. From $978 / 8 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
8-Day Luxury Yoga Holiday in Koh Phangan
Sunset Hill Resort, Koh Phangan (Photo: BookRetreats.com)
Relax and revitalize at Sunset Hill Resort’s luxury site, with daily hatha, vinyasa, pranayama and meditation classes taking place in the outdoor round yoga shala overlooking the ocean or the sauna shala. Organic and locally sourced meals with vegan and vegetarian options ensure a nutritious 8 days, starting with fresh coconut for breakfast. Two hourlong massages are included, with the option to enjoy additional holistic spa treatments. Time to kill? Head to the infinity pool and admire the spectacular island view. From $958 / 8 days
6-Day Women’s Feminine Balance Yoga Retreat in Mala Dhara, Chiang Mai
Mala Dhara women’s retreat, Chiang Mai (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Women of all ages travelling alone or with friends will love their stay at the Mala Dhara center in mountainous northern Thailand. Two gentle hatha yoga practices per day in the rice field shala and poolside shala will be further enriched with a hormone yoga therapy workshop. Get to know the other women in this small, supportive group, with a trip to the nearby hot springs, or enjoy your herbal steam night and body scrub alone. Two organic vegan meals and light snacks each day are complemented by a Thai cooking class. From $997 / 6 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
8 Day Yoga-Lifestyle Immersion Yoga Retreat in Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga
Paddleboard yoga with Island Yoga retreats (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Island Yoga offers retreats for practitioners of all levels on peaceful Koh Yao Noi, located between Phuket and Krabi. Their 8-day yoga and meditation experience includes healthy breakfasts, two group yoga classes per day, one-on-one yoga and meditation sessions, and an hourlong Thai massage. There will also be opportunities to experience authentic Thai culture with visits to the neighboring beaches, lively markets and local rice paddies. Rest up and zen out in the comfortable bungalow accommodation, complete with balcony, hammock and views over Phang Nga Bay. From $567 / 8 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
4 Day Fitness and Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Samahita Yoga (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Samahita retreats are specially tailored to help participants unlock their potential through a functional fitness program, the YogaCoreCycle. Located on the remote Laem Sor Beach in Na Mueang, on the south coast of Koh Samui, shaded by coconut trees, this eco-conscious center boasts four dedicated yoga shala practice spaces, a cycle studio and herbal steam room overlooking the beach, a meditation garden, beach lounge and sustainable recycle center. Your daily yoga, fitness and meditation sessions will be rewarded with the magnificent sunrise and sunset views. From $414 / 4 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
4-day Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai
Suan Sati Retreat near Chiang Mai (Photo: BookRetreats.com)
Forty minutes from central Chiang Mai, nestled in rice fields far from the bustle of tourists in the north of Thailand, Suan Sati is an eco-friendly yoga and Buddhist meditation experience; visit for four days and you are likely to leave with lifelong friends and life-changing health and mindfulness habits. They are big on permaculture, so your superfood breakfasts and plant-based meals will feature homegrown and local ingredients with plenty of fruits. Accommodation is simple but cosy, and the two daily asanas practices are community-oriented. Founder Will Hardy will show you a slice of life in a small traditional Northern Thai village, completely untouched by tourism. From $143 / 4 days
15-Day Sadhana: Transformative Yoga Retreat on Koh Phangan
Sadhana meditation area (Photo: BookRetreats.com)
‘Sadhana’ is a Sanskrit term meaning regular spiritual practice, and that is exactly what you will cultivate here during One Yoga’s retreat on the paradisiac island of Koh Phangan. Morning and evening asana practices are enriched with classes on yogic philosophy, a yoga nidra session (basically, nap-time), and silent meditation to end the day in gentle contemplation. Meal are vegan with all the favorites (coconut yoghurt? Check. Tofu scramble? Check.) In free time and on Sundays, explore their private beach or venture farther to the rest of the island. From $598 / 15 days
9-Day Yoga and Adventure Holiday Retreat in Phuket
CC’s Yoga Holiday Retreat (Photo: BookRetreats.com)
A boutique hotel in the hills of Kata overlooking the Andaman sea, CC’s Yoga Holiday Retreat provides a rich and varied program of yoga, fitness and Ayurvedic activities in an idyllic setting, with easy access to three of Phuket’s finest beaches: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. Morning and sunset yoga sessions (from vinyasa to Aerial and Acro Yoga) will bookend afternoons of trekking, massage or eco-tours. Vegetarian meals, cold-pressed juices and smoothies will refresh and nourish you all day long. From $1073 / 9 days