Asia

5 of the Best Yoga Teacher Trainings in Thailand

by Mélissa Lesnie  |  Published March 28, 2023

Beachside sunsets, serene islands and secluded jungle are only part of the allure of embarking on a Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand: reputable ashrams and dedicated international teachers abound, making the Land of Smiles one of South East Asia’s most welcoming YTT destinations.

Yoga Teacher Training on Koh Tao (Photo via BookRetreats.com)

Whether you flow through your sun salutations in the crisp Northern mountain air of Pai or Chiang Mai, or bliss out meditating on the white sandy shores of an island in the South, Thailand is one of the most inspiring tropical destinations to take your yoga practice to the next level. For the warmest tropical weather and to meet more like-minded yogis during your stay, unroll your mat during the high season between March and May.  If you want to focus more deeply on your teacher training journey, opt for the less crowded, cooler period from November to February.

As far as South East Asian yoga hotspots goes, Thailand is second perhaps only to Bali, with all of the zen and a little less of the hype. Here are five of the Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Trainings in which you can let body and spirit soar while soaking up rays and waves in Thailand.

27-Day 200-Hour Hatha Vinyasa TTC & Transformation, Chiang Mai

Path of Yoga, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Photo via BookRetreats.com)

In an uplifting and eco-responsible setting, Path of Yoga’s 200-hour YTT offers the opportunity to spend almost a month in the presence of three experienced and caring teachers, in particular Emily Baxter, an anatomy specialist who will ensure you learn to guide students safely in any asana. The intensive course begins with three hours of asana (from hatha to dynamic vinyasa), pranayama breathing and meditation each morning before breakfast, while the afternoon classes are dedicated to holistic topics such as teaching methodology, deconstructing postures, nutrition and concious living, functional anatomy and sequencing. Accommodation at the Mala Dhara Eco Resort is a quaint mix of earthen, standalone villas (featuring wooden bathtubs) and high-ceilinged dorms. Three nourishing vegetarian meals are cooked daily, with vegan and gluten-free options aplenty. From $2417 / 27 days

Reserve via BookRetreats.com

21-Day 200-hour Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan

Hatha and Vinyasa YTT at Bounty Resort, Koh Phangan (Photo courtesy of Book Yoga Teacher Training)

Koh Phangan has a reputation as the full-moon party island, with plenty of pleasure seekers visiting its shores. Situated between three pristine beaches, the Bounty Resort offers a peaceful haven for Ulu Yoga’s 200-hour, three-week training, in which students work closely with the experienced, friendly instructors, developing the foundations to practice and teach hatha, ashtanga vinyasa and yin. The course delves into both the science and spirituality of classical yoga, from anatomy and ajustments to sacred yogic philosophy, along with special workshops for topics like yoga for injury. Of course, yogis may have their share of fun on the island too, exploring aerial, acro and SUP (paddleboard) yoga, as well as getting to know one another during kirtan music and dancing sessions. Between classes, nourish yourself with the daily vegan breakfast, soothe tired muscles in the sauna and ice plunge bath, unwind by the pool or take advantage of the motorcycle hire service to explore any of the dozen nearby beaches.  From US$2,399 / 21 days

Reserve via BookYogaTeacherTraining.com

16-Day 200-hour Vinyasa, Yin & Karma Yoga YTT on Koh Tao

Yoga Teacher Training on the island of Koh Tao (Photo via BookRetreats.com)

On the lush turtle island of Ko Tao, Moksha Yoga’s 200-hour program is an oasis in which to discover and deepen hatha, vinyasa and yin practice, surrounded by nature and turquoise waters.  Moksha yoga is a safe and gratifying practice with focus on sequencing of mindful movement, body alignment and hands-on adjustment. The accommodations and facilities at Ban’s Diving Village are just a short walk from local shops, restaurants and the sun-kissed Sairee Beach. Grab a snorkel mask to marvel at the marine wildlife. In free time, relax in private or shared rooms overlooking one of the four pools, and taste everything in the vegetarian and vegan breakfast buffet (an optional 3-day liver-detox fast is offered during the training). This YTT includes a component of 40 hours to be completed before or after your in situ training in paradise. From $2,316 / 16 days

Reserve via BookRetreats.com

28-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Thai Yoga Massage in Pattaya

YTT and Thai massage in Pattaya (Photo via Book Yoga Teacher Training)

Lek Yoga’s varied teacher training combines the best of Indian and Thai, Hindu and Buddhist customs so that students leave with two qualifications: 200 hours in hatha yoga, and 30 hours of traditional Thai massage. With a maximum of six participants in each course, you can expect a personnalized learning experience led by an experienced Thai masseuse, Lek Stark. It’s also a chance to see a little more of the country, with excursions from the home base of Laguna Beach Resort 3 in Pattaya – a beach city 100km (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok –  to Chiang Mai for a night, and five intensive days in a Vipassana silent retreat at the Buddhist monastery in Wattamwua Mea Hong Sorn, northern Thailand. ‘The Maldives’ serviced apartments in Pattaya give access to three surrounding white-sand beaches, a gym and a pool, with healthy breakfast and lunch prepared daily.  $2,499 / 16 days

Reserve via BookYogaTeacherTraining.com

29 Day 200-Hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Samui

Yoga Teacher Training on Koh Samui (Photo: Book Yoga Teacher Training)

The Vikasa Yoga Academy has its own private beach on Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island. That beach is just a few yogic lunges away from both the yoga shala and the school’s own Life Café, which serves healthy meals and snacks designed to help you get the most out of your training. Accommodation ranges from authentic Thai-style bungalows built from natural local materials and luxurious ocean view cabanas with private terraces. The rigorous yet accessible teaching method will encourage you to do, starting with silence and breathwork each morning before exploring hatha postures in detail. The international team includes Michelle, an experienced physiotherapist who teaches anatomy and injury prevention. ‘Vikasa’ means ‘evolution’ in Sanskrit, and that is exactly what is in store for your physical and spiritual yoga practice.

Reserve via BookYogaTeacherTraining.com