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april 2019yogajournal.com.auKoh Phangan
This south-eastern island used to be best
known for the infamous full moon
party, but today it’s known as the island
of yoga and food. But not just Thai food,
although there are some great spots, but
vegan food. In fact, it’s often pegged as
one of the top yoga destinations in the
world. It's home to numerous yoga
centres that are close to a handful of
vegan restaurants, especially in the Sri
Thanu area. Places like Orion Healing
Centre, Wonderland and Samma
Karuna come recommended, and there
is also the long running Yoga Retreat.
To match these centres are restaurants
like Eat Co, Karma Kafe and Pure Vegan
Heaven.
For a more chilled out experience,
head to the south east coast and the
serene The Yoga Sanctuary and its
secluded location. This is the longest
running yoga centre on the island; a
place where hippies have flocked to for
decades. Today, the private retreat
appeals to many, from high-heeled
glamour queens to dreadlocked
backpackers, and everything in between.
If the scene at The Sanctuary isn’t right
for you, go to the equally secluded
Blooming Lotus on the next beach over.
Koh Phangan oozes chill, what with
its beachfront bars, jungle hideaway tea
stalls and stunning viewpoints,
complete with a bar. The hike to the
Hide on High bar atop Than Sadet
Beach is a must, with the views being
some of the best on the island. Drinks
here aren’t cheap, but worth it for the
chance to chill in a hammock and enjoythe spectacular views. The views are
equally fantastic at 2CB at the top of the
mountain in Thong Nai Pan Yai. Sunset
is the most popular time to come here,
though it’s pretty great at any hour of
the day. For a nice chill out spot on the
beach, Freeway is often heard amongst
those that know. The owner is a Thai
artist, which is not hard to believe when
you take a look at the bar’s décor. Other
great places to eat and chill on Koh
Phangan include L’Alcove, Sunset Walk
and Secret Mountain Bar.
One special place of note on Koh
Phangan is Ananda Yoga and Detox
Centre. Ananda offers all things yoga,
from all-inclusive Yoga Teacher
Trainings to outstanding detox courses.
They have picked up a raft of awards and
produced incredible teachers all over the
world. It's a relaxed, cosmopolitan
atmosphere with people from around
the globe where you can deepen your
practice, get clean or just hang and chill.
Google Ananda Yoga for more info.
Definitely worth checking out.Chiang Mai
If you have ever dreamed of exploring
the mountains, mingling with ethnic
minorities and being surrounded by
history, then Chiang Mai is the place to
do this. The hub of Northern Thailand,
Chiang Mai is often at the top of most
tourists’ lists, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a city filled with culture and history,
that’s matched by its truly Thai
hospitality and cuisine. Plus, the
surrounding scenery is magnificent, as
are the massages and the historic sites.In fact, Chiang Mai is known for its
wellness centres, and there are many to
enjoy.
Thai massage is often pegged as the
lazy person’s yoga, so it’s fitting that
there are excellent places to do both in
Chiang Mai. It’s known as a centre for
massage training and ancient healing
techniques, with yoga now adding to the
list of ways to heal in Chiang Mai. This
is especially true thanks to places like
Wild Rose Yoga, Satva Yoga and Free-
dom Yoga, all of which offer traditional
yoga practices. The city is also known as
a haven for foodies, with Thai cooking
classes seen at every turn. Not only can
you please your palate while holidaying
here, but you can continue to do this
once you go home. Still, nothing beats
the roadside stalls that can be found all
over the city and probably serve the
most authentic food.
The wellness and culture in the city
match its history, which dates back to- Chiang Mai used to be the capital
of the kingdom of Lan Na and is still
today known for its unique Lana
culture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage
city that has so much to offer, and so
many places for one to go to chill out.
The famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is
one of these places, sitting on the slopes
of a mountain around 18kms outside of
the city. Then there are the Bua Tong
Waterfalls, Huay Kaew Waterfall and
Mae Sa Waterfall, all of which showcase
what chilling out really is all about. You
can also do Tai Chi every morning at
6am at Suan Buak Haad Park, stroll
through Phu Ping Palace or have a drink
at the cosy Dragonfly Bar. Other great