Koh Phangan has always been a magical place. Thailand’s King Rama V was a frequent visitor during his time and would often visit the wonderful Than Sadet waterfall where he left an inscription on one of the rocks.
The special energy is rumoured to come from Koh Phangan being made of quartz crystal which sends out vibrations that affect us all and can be good for healing, you can find many beautiful crystal shops with knowledgeable healers who can help you with information in crystal healing.
Introduction
In recent years Koh Phangan has become a top destination and one of the main centres to come and practice or learn yoga. The island has many successful yoga schools and teachers including Samma Karuna, Gaia Yogashala, Orion and Siam Healing Centre which all offer quality courses and classes from Tantra, Mindfulness and many more subjects.
Many individuals come to the island specifically to begin, practice or improve their yoga among these people are first-timers, read here about trying yoga for the very first time.
Where to stay
If you would like to participate in some yoga or healing then a good place to start is Sri Thanu where most of the main yoga schools are based.
This area is a mecca for vegan and vegetarian food. Places like Eat.co offer superb vegan comfort food that has the ability to satisfy even a meat lovers palette!
The whole of the island has something to offer if you are interested in Yoga and Healing but the west coast is a great place to start.
Community
Koh Phangan is truly world-class when it comes to the yoga community because of the number of schools, courses and classes you will have no problem finding your sangha. Outside of the classes, there are many meet-ups and practices for yogis and yoginis which are heavily advertised.
Straight away you will be able to find and be around likeminded individuals who probably have the same story or goals as you if this is who you want to surround yourself with. Many people come and go from the island frequently and make lifelong friends from yoga on Phangan.
Benefits of Yoga on Koh Phangan
What makes this little island such a perfect spot to practice yoga is the remote place, wildlife, beaches and pristine seas. Or is it the people or maybe things to do with the Full Moon? It must be a blend of all these.
You need to concentrate on your breathing in Yoga and it would be tougher to do this in an enclosed centre in the middle of a built-up area, of course, it's better than nothing but the fresh sea air will attract you to Koh Phangan, it's free natural yoga shalas and rich jungle to cleanse the air you breathe.
Nature is so much related to yoga and meditation, and being on this island in a way is a perfect shortcut to achieving a stronger connection with Mother Earth, attracting individuals who open yoga schools, then pupils, instructors, and so on.
It introduces the interest of natural healing, living and enjoying time away from the western world in a more conventional setting and way of life as you immerse yourself in a natural environment. In order to eliminate the need for care in the future, you naturally want to know how to maintain your mind and body safe and this is why Koh Phangan is a perfect place to learn this. When you are alone, you have the ability to clear your head and then learn to bring these aspects back into daily life in the Western world.
One of those islands that draw tourists from all over the world is Koh Phangan, where you can encounter people from diverse communities and backgrounds, exchanging a variety of talents that you will normally have to explore various countries to learn.
It is up to you whether it is real or not, however many people experience a feeling of 'magic' here, crystal rumours on the island and a certain aura about the place that makes it more accessible to practices of yoga and spirituality. A slower speed of life and time that helps you to calm down and spend more time thinking on items that are within you rather than outside makes Koh Phangan a quiet environment that is suitable for exploring your mind.
Yoga Schools
Koh Phangan is a top global destination and one of the major centres to come and practice or study yoga. There are many popular yoga schools and instructors on the island, all of which offer quality courses and lessons in Tantra, Mindfulness, and many other topics. With a choice of so many, there is something for everyone.
Samma Karuna
Thailand's Multinational School of Awakening and Regeneration and Meditation Retreat Center. Samma Karuna is a culture of mindfulness for individuals who are called to understand, focused on self-development, acceptance and celebration, to live a healthier, more fulfilling and enhanced existence. In creating their own action plan, each person is encouraged to allow them to explore their true selves and intrinsic potential, which lets them live a more enriched life.
Pyramid yoga
The first yoga school on the island was the Pyramid Yoga Base. The school is related to a legacy in India, going back through the last two centuries by Swami Gitananda and Ram Gopal, and several before that.
It gives a rather detailed and informative education in the science of Yoga. The place and setting are remarkable, nestled on a hill in the jungle with ocean views and the serenity of crickets. The Pyramid Center also has a newly built Sound Temple with acoustic properties taken from other schools by students and instructors.
Orion
Orion was founded in 2005 and is a refuge for all who want to reconnect and change themselves and their lives. If you want to deepen your practice in yoga or cleanse and purify your body, we are here to help you in the path of self-discovery. With an array of high-quality vegan and raw food meals, our stunning beachfront cafe would welcome you.
Wonderland
The yoga retreat and classes at Wonderland Healing Center are built to provide the ideal atmosphere for your spiritual and physical development. Our newly constructed, light-filled yoga shala faces a tropical forest, and every yoga practice is an energizing and uplifting experience due to the calming sounds of the nearby river. Some of the most accomplished yoga instructors in each area are attracted to this island, and Wonderland is lucky to work with several of them, season after season.
To promote a comprehensive health experience that harmonizes body, mind and spirit, they provide a broad range of Yoga and Meditation classes for all ages.
Ananda Meditation and Detox
Experience the sweet life in a tranquil corner of Koh Phangan Island in the south of Thailand at our seaside therapeutic Meditation & Detox Center. We are the time-tested world-class yoga & detox centre of Koh Phangan that provides unbeatable rates on top-quality Detox & Yoga Retreat packages in paradise. It is an investment in your body, wellbeing, and pleasure to linger at the Ananda Yoga & Detox Center. We deliver a range of life-enhancing Meditation holidays and Body, Mind and Spirit rejuvenating services. We have a complete centre for getting the health improvement that you are looking for.
Yoga Retreat
The Yoga Retreat is the ideal complement to a luxurious tropical vacation, whether you are a casual student or wish to become a certified yoga instructor. We advise you to listen to your body and to help you through your own personal improvement. You will gain the skills to fundamentally transform your life.
Sunny Yoga
Sunny Yoga was established in 2011 by Sunny and Shannon McGill. It started from a small platform on Haad Chaophao at Blue Ocean Garden with only 10:00 am class.
Sunny Yoga has moved to the new location since December 2017. Offering multiple drop-in classes daily, yoga teacher training, meditation teacher training, retreat, and special event at the new location on the hilltop surrounded by nature in the heart of Srithanu.
Jaran’s
Whether you are looking to deepen your yoga practice or begin your path to renewal and rediscovery, you will find an abundance of ways to explore your path here at Jaran’s.
Jaran’s is a multi-faceted tropical oasis cultivating health, wellness, sustainability, and community. Located in the heart of Koh Phangan, Jaran’s brings together yoga & lifestyle, a workspace with a healthy eatery, and a new community base.
Genesis Phangan
Our halls are equipped to embody the most daring ideas of any orientation. To unite, inspire, and create all conditions for true professionals' comfortable work is our main mission.
We can rent all the space for a retreat or personal practice. Due to its location on the mountain, the Center of Being is isolated from tourist noise. There it is easy to immerse yourself in thoughts and find answers to questions.
One yoga
One Yoga was founded with the vision of offering Yoga Teacher Training in a retreat-style setting, without the normal distractions of everyday life. Based on Koh Phangan, our school offers the perfect place for deeper Yoga study and practice.
Higher yoga academy
Private individual and group classes on higher Yoga, spiritual mentoring & healing on Koh Phangan.
Pure flow yoga
Pure Flow Yoga is an All-Levels oasis of inspiring, transformational, and empowering Daily Yoga Classes, Yoga Retreats, & Yoga Training in the idyllic and magical paradise of Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced Yogi, we invite you to join our nourishing and heart-centred community - the perfect place for you to get clear, deepen your practice, connect with your purpose and relax into breath-taking nature.
La Casa Shambala
La casa Shambala is a community focus in Yoga teacher training located in the paradise island of Koh Phangan. This dream started about 2 years ago, and it had been growing as a beautiful miracle, bringing more and more beautiful souls to share this experience with us.
The sense of community makes our courses pretty different from other schools because, during the YTTC, the students are the only ones living in “la casa “ with the volunteers that help during the whole process. Thanks to that, the sense of community and closeness between the community gets bigger and also the retreat feeling to really go into the whole deep process that is this inner path.
Gaia Yogashala
Gaia Yogashala aims to be a space of rest, peace and growth, and a return to more natural ways of living – a space that allows us to come closer to Nature. Space allows us to come back home to our own true nature, to ourselves. We are committed to high-quality, diverse Asana classes and offer longer-term yoga programs for beginners as well.
Pranayama Garden
Surrounded by nature Pranayama Garden is the perfect place for all of those who are looking for peace and tranquillity while teaching Yoga.
Akasha Yoga Academy
The Akasha Yoga Academy transmits spiritual wisdom in an authentic and applicable way, integrating the yogic tradition into a modern scientific worldview. We provide pragmatic teachings of the yoga tradition based on thorough research and sincere practice. Integrity and enthusiasm are our hallmarks. Our educational approach provides a vivid integration of traditional wisdom and scientific knowledge. Highly qualified teachers present the genuine heart of yoga in a dedicated and experiential way.
The yoga house
The yoga house hosts and offers an exclusive space for retreats, workshops, and gathering. We aim to create an inspiring and supporting atmosphere where groups and individuals can learn and practice different methods and paths and share knowledge and experience.
The yoga house is Located in the heart of Koh Phangan, one of the world's biggest and most vibrant yoga and healing centers, in a peaceful village just a few minutes from most villages, beaches, and the main town Thong Sala.
Surrounded by nature in a private and intimate setting, its facilities include a big yoga/meditation hall, a beautiful garden plaid with rare local plants.
UlU yoga
Since 2014, ULU Yoga has led over 100 yoga training sessions in Thailand and Bali and certified over 500 new teachers. ULU Yoga is famous for its multi-style yoga teacher training courses, which feature aerial, acro, Hatha, vinyasa, restorative, and SUP yoga. They also created the ULU Yoga Swing, which is an international success.
Anahata
Anahata Yoga Shala is a heart centric healing centre based on loving interpretation of yogic teachings. We love yoga for the asanas, but even more, for the magic, it reveals to us. We deeply believe in and embrace chakras, nadis, mudras, bandhas, prana, energy, universal, and cosmic. We believe the heart was created to be open to connecting more freely to each other and the infinite. So have created a unique space to allow everyone to come and explore their loving potential.
Nirodha yoga
The Program is a balance of learning with amazing musical nights and fun weaved into it. If you are looking for Professional teachers that set the bar very high, we are your school. We created an amazing, life-changing experience. This is not only what we say, but this is also what our students say in the reviews.
Samkara Wellness
Samkara is an all-inclusive luxury wellness retreat destination located on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand. Providing purpose-driven holidays for those looking to enrich their minds, bodies, and souls!
Yoga Retreats on Koh Phangan
Wonderland Healing Center offers a complete wellness experience with a diverse range of yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and meditation classes, perfect for both beginner and advanced students. They provide additional workshops and events to promote a deeper connection with the mind, body, and spirit. Guests can also indulge in Thai massages and in-room holistic healing treatments. Relax by the outdoor pool or herbal steam sauna and enjoy daily vegan meals and refreshing juices.
With a maximum of 30 participants, this retreat provides an intimate and personalized experience. Join Wonderland Healing Center for seven nights of instruction in Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin, Nidra, and Therapeutic yoga styles, all taught in English by knowledgeable instructors. Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique wellness experience.
The Samkara luxury meditation retreat offers a unique twist to traditional retreats with a mix of meditation and mindfulness activities. The retreat provides daily morning yoga and pranayama along with guided evening meditations. Guests can also enjoy relaxing massage treatments and access to a Finnish sauna, steam room, infra-red sauna and ice bath. The program aims to promote vitality, mental and emotional balance, self-healing, and spiritual enlightenment while offering a luxurious holiday experience.
The retreat offers four nights' accommodation in a luxury resort with an infinity pool, daily sunsets, and panoramic sea views. The package includes airport transfers, shuttle service to unspoiled beaches, and healthy meals three times a day on activity days. The instructors, Kelly, Jace, and Elena, provide instruction for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels of yoga. This is an all-inclusive retreat with a maximum of eight participants, providing a personalized and intimate experience.
The Sadhana Retreat is a three-week yoga retreat located on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan. With the goal of promoting well-being, balance, and peace, guests can expect to deepen their yoga practice and reconnect with themselves. The retreat offers daily yoga classes, philosophy lessons, pranayama, and meditation sessions, providing a holistic approach to wellness.
Accommodation is included for 21 nights, and guests can enjoy tranquil surroundings and delicious meals during their stay. With instructors skilled in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Nidra styles, the program is suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced practitioners. Plus, the organizers speak multiple languages, making it an accessible retreat for many.
Immerse yourself in the transformative Sadhana Program, a yoga retreat that cultivates well-being, balance, and peace. Spend one to three weeks on the paradise island of Koh Phangan, deepening your personal practice and reconnecting with yourself. Sadhana, the daily spiritual practice, forms the pillar of yoga, encompassing physical practices like asana and pranayama, as well as introspective methods such as meditation and philosophy classes. With a focus on discipline and spiritual growth, Sadhana nurtures all aspects of life and helps cultivate a sense of peace. Experience the profound benefits of a regular and intensive yoga practice in a supportive and serene environment.
Experience a transformative yoga retreat with Samma Karuna's gentle, spiritual, and therapeutic yoga practice. Suitable for all levels, their yoga incorporates Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa flow, and mindful pranayama for a mindful and healing experience. Enjoy insightful lectures, expressive techniques, and a chance to step away from the busyness of city life to focus on your inner awareness and personal practice. This retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, integrate your nature, and embark on a journey of self-exploration for a more prosperous and fulfilling life.
Cost of Living
A dreamy vision might have emerged in your head by now a remote tropical island, open-air yoga shalas, beachside markets, quirky vegetarian cafes, hammocks strewn between lazy palm trees... The added advantage that the island is surprisingly cheap to visit is on top of this very accurate definition of Koh Phangan.
There is a diverse variety of mid-range and affordable accommodation, enabling you to pay as little as $15 a night, though high-end resorts do exist. You should expect a beautiful, cosy, air-conditioned bungalow for about twice that where the soft sound of lapping waves can ease you to sleep.
Often, food is incredibly affordable. You will enjoy a tasty and sustainable meal for under $5 if you are happy to eat local Thai cuisine or eat at either of the tiny,' non-fancy' eateries that are plentiful on the island. However, food prices are considerably higher than in mainland Thailand. The more Western-style, vegan, vegetarian eateries are more costly, but very high quality and still accessible. You are most likely to spend between $10- $15 for a meal at these locations. In just about every beach shack and cafe you visit, fruits, smoothies and cold coconuts are sold and are a cheap way of keeping cool, hydrated and nourished. Watermelon shakes are something that you can want to think about even after your island trip is done.
If you have booked a yoga course or retreat, you may have the option to have had everything included such as accommodation and food, making this a very affordable experience even more.
Other Activities
As enjoyable as the days filled with yoga routines are, you may find yourself wanting to do something else, there are several sights and activities on offer here!
By renting a scooter, this allows you the opportunity to take the open road and discover it! You can explore the whole island in one day, stopping to enjoy and cool off at the different beaches on the shore, or spectacular waterfalls.
The island also provides a great variety of dance, culture, reflection, alternative activities, seminars, instruction and retreats, apart from a multitude of yoga. Most of the yoga centres would have timetables available to the public for frequent offers. Education is often widely held here in all forms of yoga, reiki, therapeutic arts, Muay Thai boxing, and other activity modalities.
If you are trying to broaden your kitchen range and carry the tastes of the island back home with you, there are few strong Thai cooking colleges. It would be a shame not to indulge in relaxing body care that will set you back about $10 for a one-hour session, of course, being the birthplace of Thai massage.
Swap your flip flops for a pair of fins if you prefer the sea to shore, and discover the aquatic environment. At many tourism shops, snorkelling and dive trips are sold and they can typically plan to pick you up from your hotel and drop you back after the entire day at sea. Trips differ, but Koh Tao, which is considered to be the best spot for diving, is frequently visited, as is the neighbouring Ang Thong National Park, a vibrant underwater feast for the eyes. A perfect place to proceed is the Haad Yao Diving and Phangan Boat Trips. There are also jet skis accessible for hire on some of the beaches for the adrenaline junkie.
Summary
Koh Phangan is really an amazing island to call home and practice yoga, just for a week a month or more. It has everything you need to maintain a safe lifestyle, with the added benefit of mild weather during the year, cheap housing costs and an encouraging group of help. The island, though still provides ample patches of quiet harmony and total beauty. The aware culture of Koh Phangan is powerful and they preserve the chilled feeling for which the island was originally known.
Although the island has earned the success and notoriety of the full moon parties, Koh Phangan is simply a mecca for meditation, spirituality and healthy living. A testimony to this ecological paradise is the cacophony of gourmet raw food, massage training, meditation retreats, intentional dance and group activities. Smoothie bowls, sacred geometry and stretchy yoga clothing fill the island, and this scene thrives almost entirely indifferent to the antics only a few bays down at the parties. Book your journey and learn Koh Phangan type yoga!