Whether it’s the golden temple tops, the dense jungles and forests, or the iconic beaches and the archipelago of surrounding islands that have us dreaming of Thailand, it is understandable that this Southeast Asian country is a forerunner in the minds of those in search of a yoga teacher training course. With a strong spiritual tone and frequency at its core, Thailand sends out a vibration sought after by yogis, and because of this, numerous yoga training and retreat centers have established their roots in the country. Of the yoga teacher training offerings available here, these are 10 of the best.
One Yoga Thailand
One Yoga Thailand on Koh Phangan offers teacher training programs led by an international group of experienced instructors. Teachings are rooted in traditional Hatha practices while still incorporating some of the more modern styles of practice. Year-round, One Yoga offers the standard 200-hour yoga teacher training course. Standard teachings set in a lush, tropical environment makes this school a top pick for a 2019 yoga teacher training course.
Program:
The course is just about one month in length. Other than Sundays (which are days off) a typical day begins with meditation at 6:45 am, followed by a two-hour yoga practice, and then breakfast. Philosophy, the art of teaching, anatomy, and physiology are taught before and after lunch and evenings offer either a lecture, movie, music, meditation, or free time.
What We Like:
The offering is affordable, but bear in mind that accommodation is an additional (though reasonable) fee. Starting at just $200 for four weeks, it’s not a huge addition to the course fee. Rooms are clean, modern and comfortable, and all have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Cost: 1,999 USD
29/11 Moo 6 Srithanu Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Samahita Retreat
Founded in 1999, Samahita is one of the most well-established yoga schools in Thailand. Located on the beautiful and pristine Koh Samui, the setting of this yoga school and retreat center could hardly be more idyllic.
The program fee is all-inclusive of training, accommodation, and food. The price is dependent upon the type of room chosen. All rooms are on the luxurious side of Thailand’s offerings with modern amenities such as a private balcony, internet access, and natural bio toiletries.
Program:
Samahita offers a few different teacher training options: a 200-hour standard course, an advanced 300-hour program, and an apprenticeship program. The 200-hour program is led by Paul Dallaghan, an experienced yoga instructor with 20 years of one-on-one training. He’s also a Ph.D. scientific researcher, and as such, he offers a traditional, authentic teaching course that is science-based. Senior teachers Arielle Nash, Gill Breetzke, and Daniel Stringer also offer teachings within this program.
What We Like:
Upon completion of the course, graduates will have the skills to teach both a vinyasa style yoga class and a restorative practice. Basic breathwork, pranayama, and meditation techniques will also be explored during the program.
Cost: Starting at 3,000 USD
55/20-24 Namuang, Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Ananda Yoga & Detox Center
Ananda Yoga & Detox Center is another sanctuary for aspiring yoga students looking to train on Koh Phangan. This modest training and retreat center offers a down-to-earth setting within which you can dive into the lessons required to become a certified yoga teacher.
Accommodation is simple, clean, and comfortable. For the most affordable rate, book the package inclusive of dorm accommodation. You can also opt to share a room with a friend or stranger, or you can pay a premium for a private bungalow.
Program:
From the 100-hour yin yoga teacher training program to the advanced 500-hour program, there is something for all yogi aspirations. The standard 200-hour program offers both Hatha and Vinyasa teachings, providing students with a wide range of skills to take with them into future teaching endeavors. The course is 28-days in length, and the price is inclusive of accommodation and three vegetarian meals daily.
What We Like:
In addition to teachings, accommodation, and food, the program includes 2 Thai massages during your stay, as well as access to the properties saltwater pool and herbal steam sauna. Free Wi-Fi is available, as well as free filtered drinking water.
Cost: Starting at 2,200 USD
16 3, Tambon Ko Pha-ngan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Yoga Nisarga
In Thailand, Yoga Nisarga operates from Banburee Resort and Spa in Koh Samui. The peaceful atmosphere of the space makes this yoga training course one of the best that Thailand has to offer. In addition to this facility, they also offer training courses in Bali and India.
Program:
The 21-day, 200-hour program covers all of the essentials, from history and philosophy to asana study and practice, to meditation, pranayama, kriyas, bandhas, and mudras. It also explores what a yogic diet is and how one can facilitate inner balance through food. Teachings cover both Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa styles.
What We Like:
Accommodation here is on the more luxurious end. With air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and daily room service, your stay will feel more pampered than some of the more basic offerings of other programs. If room service is of importance, this yoga school might just be the place for you. When it comes to the schedule, Saturdays are half-days and Sundays are days off. Three vegetarian meals are included from Monday to Friday, as well as breakfast on Saturday.
Cost: 1,775 – 4,800 USD
211 Bontji Moo 4 Koh Samui 84310, Thailand
Marina Yoga
Shambala Marina Yoga and Reiki Thailand is located in Krabi, a province with limestone cliffs and a jaw-dropping coastline. Though it doesn’t boast a beachfront location, it does offer an on-site pool and a tranquil learning environment (plus, local beaches are not too far away).
The 200-hour training here covers a wide variety of styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, and Restorative yoga. Students will learn about yoga history and philosophy, anatomy and kinesiology, breathing techniques, Ayurveda and the chakra system, mantra and meditation, and teaching methodology. Classes are limited to 12 students.
Program:
Your course will include 26 nights of accommodation and daily breakfast. In addition to standard lessons, the school and retreat center offers beach yoga, kirtan, sound healing journeys, drum circles, and cacao ceremonies. You’ll also receive a reiki treatment and workshop, and for those interested in diving further into reiki, the Level One Reiki Healing Certification is available as an add-on.
What We Like:
When it comes to accommodation, the vibrant and colorful rooms make for a cozy and beautiful space to rest your head each night. During free time, relax in the common space, one of two yoga shalas, at the pool, or on the sun deck.
Cost: Starting at 1,267 USD
524 Moo 2, Ao Nang Soi 1, Ao Nang Muang, Krabi, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Vikasa Yoga
Another luxurious offering for a yoga teacher training course in 2019 is Vikasa Yoga, situated on the beautiful Koh Samui. Three open-air yoga shalas offer incredible views of the ocean, making this one of the most beautiful places to learn, evolve, and practice in.
Program:
The school and retreat center offers both 200-hour and 500-hour courses. The 200-hour course is covered in 28 days and requires early bookings to secure your space. Days begin at 7:00 am with a morning practice and wind down in the evening with a healthy dinner buffet. In between, teachings will include theory, practice, and methodology. Course bookings include all meals, full access to facilities (including an infinity pool, lounge, and gym), learning materials, and airport pick-up. Accommodation is an extra fee.
What We Like:
This school offers the Vikasa Yoga Method, which is based on classical Hatha yoga teachings and includes Buddhist and Taoist practices. The Sanskrit word vikasa means can be translated to ‘evolution.’ The idea here is that training evolves from a physical understanding into a deeper energetic, emotional, and spiritual personal practice.
Cost: 3,000 – 7,500 USD
211 Bontji Moo 4 Koh Samui 84310, Thailand
The Sanctuary Thailand
The Sanctuary is located on Koh Phangan, overlooking the ocean from Haad Tien Beach. From dorms to private villas, the space accommodates for those with varying needs and preferences. Surrounded by the jungle and coconut trees, the setting is well-suited for the soul.
Program:
This resort and retreat center hosts a variety of schools and training courses, including the teachings of Swara Yoga Academy, Yogagati, and Anahata Yoga. Swara Yoga Academy is hosted here the most in 2019, offering a 100-hour, 200-hour, and 300-hour training course. The 200-hour program dives into Hatha practice and history, incorporating a slow Vinyasa Flow approach. Yin Yoga teachings are included, as well as meditation, yoga Nidra, anatomy, philosophy, mantra, kirtan, and a fire ritual.
What We Like:
Book early as free dorm accommodation is included for the first twelve applicants. For those who aren’t quick enough, accommodation is affordable and ranges in price depending on the type of room chosen. The course fee also includes manuals and a vegetarian buffet breakfast each morning. All of this applies to the 2019 Swara Yoga Academy offering; exact inclusions may vary depending on the specific program chosen.
Cost: Contact for more information
6 153/14 Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Pyramid Yoga Center
Pyramid Yoga Center has made its home in the northwest of Koh Phangan. Deeply immersed in the natural jungle, it is a tranquil and down-to-earth space to root oneself for a yoga teacher training course. The property, inclusive of two large studios, a sound temple, a restaurant, and multiple bungalows, overlooks Haad Salad and Haad Yao beaches.
Program:
David Goulet is both the founder of and facilitator at Pyramid Yoga. His unique Chakra Yoga Teacher Training is ideal for those interested in learning more about the underlying energetic system that is at play in all beings. Unlike most yoga schools, Pyramid Yoga does not offer a 200-hour course; participants take a deeper dive by committing to a five-week, 300-hour program. If one is intent on an even more immersive program, they can opt for the eight-week, 500-hour course.
What We Like:
In addition to learning about the energetic chakra system, students will, of course, be granted the basics of a standard yoga teacher training course. The program is inclusive of asana practice, philosophy, anatomy, physiology, pranayama, nutrition, mantra, yantra, and countless other yogic topics. When booking, be mindful that program fees are not inclusive of food or accommodation.
Cost: 3,000 – 5,000 USD
58/34, moo 8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Samma Karuna
Samma Karuna is based on the principles of heart-centered practice and philosophy – those of love, kindness, and compassion. Located in Koh Phangan, this spiritually-minded retreat center and school is another one of Thailand’s tropical sanctuaries to call home while you complete your teacher training course.
Program:
The 200-hour course is completed in 24 days. Your booking is inclusive of 28 days of accommodation, all instruction, the training manual, and a vegan buffet lunch. For those interested in a discount or volunteering, those who wish to volunteer for four hours per day are eligible for a 20% discount on the course fee.
What We Like:
Non-dogmatic in its approach, teachings at Samma Karuna cover a wide range of theories and practices. Asana practice is rooted in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga styles. Vipassana and Anapana meditation is explored, as are more dynamic styles of meditation such as Osho Dynamic Meditation. Yogi and Taoist understandings of energy are also taught, providing students with the teachings required to cultivate, circulate, and sublimate one’s energy.
Cost: 3,200 USD
Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Pure Nature Yoga
Pure Nature is Yoga is located in Koh Yao Noi, a large island halfway between Krabi and Phuket. The 20-hour training program offered has been designed as a catalyst for personal growth, authentic connection, and vibrant health. Following the traditions and practices of Tibetan Buddhism, Indian Yoga philosophy, Chinese Taoism, and the power of sound and vibrational healing, Pure Nature offers something truly unique.
Upon graduation of the program, students will receive the standard 200-hour certificate, as well as an Integrative Sound Therapy Certificate. In terms of yoga asana practice, students will learn the foundations of Hatha, Yin, and Restorative styles of yoga. With a focus on sound and mantra, graduates will be able to weave these modalities into their future offerings.
Program:
Upon graduation of the program, students will receive the standard 200-hour certificate, as well as an Integrative Sound Therapy Certificate. In terms of yoga asana practice, students will learn the foundations of Hatha, Yin, and Restorative styles of yoga. With a focus on sound and mantra, graduates will be able to weave these modalities into their future offerings.
What We Like:
Included in the course fee are the two certificates as mentioned, as well as learning manuals and one Thai massage. Accommodation and food are not included, though there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from either on-site or within a few minutes walking distance.
Cost: Contact for more information
9/2 Moo 7, Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
To get a better feel for how each different yoga teacher training program available would suit you, consider student testimonials, your particular yoga interests, and your gut feeling. Which offering attracts you most? Whether you’re most interested in gaining the skills to teach a soothing Yin practice, a dynamic Vinyasa Flow class, or to mix sound and yoga, the wide array of Thailand yoga schools offers something for every different type of yogi. Follow your heart, letting it guide you to the yoga teacher training program that is right for you.
What's Your Reaction?
