FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are yoga holidays the same as yoga retreats?

Contrary to regular yoga retreats, our yoga holidays are designed to help you experience all that Thailand has to offer. We believe in combining yoga with travel and unique cultural activities because if you simply stay in a retreat center the whole time, you’re missing out on the best parts! Who will be my guide while in Thailand? Christophe Cappon, the founder of Thailand Yoga Holidays, and his local team will be your guide throughout the entire trip. What kind of yoga do you do during the trip? Our yoga teachers are passionate, qualified and come from around the world. In every case, the teachers will adapt the sessions based on your level. To find out more about the teacher on your upcoming retreat, check out their bio at the bottom of the event page. If you still have questions, contact us.

How many people will be on the trip?

To ensure an intimate personalized setting, the group holidays are limited to a maximum of 16 people.

I’m a single traveler, any problems with coming alone?

Absolutely not. We get single guests all the time. You will feel completely at home, no worries.

My partner doesn’t do yoga, can they join?

Of course! You always have the option of participating in the planned activities, or not. If your partner isn’t interested in the yoga sessions that’s just fine - there’s plenty of other activities for them to join. On the other hand, we also often work with new students and strive to create a welcoming environment where all students, regardless of ability or training, can thrive and grow. Keep in mind that yoga is contagious!

Are pregnant women allowed on the holidays?

We’re happy to accommodate pregnant women on the trips, but request that you notify us ahead of time and have your doctor’s approval for participating.

Are children under 18 allowed on the holidays?

While we plan classes and activities around our guests’ interests and abilities, our trips are not designed for younger children. While older teens who are interested in yoga may fit in well with our group holidays, families with younger kids may want to consider a creating their own custom private yoga holiday, designed exclusively for you and your friends and family. Contact us to learn more.

We have a group and would like to do a custom trip. Is it possible?

Certainly! Custom trips are what we do best. Please contact us and outline what you have in mind, and how many people are in your group.

Can we call you by phone?

The best way to communicate with us is via our website and email. You will almost always get a rapid response from us, usually within 12 hours. But, once you’ve booked, we’ll give you our 24-hour Thailand emergency contact number to call anytime.

Will I have free-time?

Yes. Our programs strike the right balance between yoga, cultural activities and free-time for you to explore on your own, or simply rest.

What if I’m traveling by myself but book a shared room?

When individuals book shared rooms we pair women with women and men with men in a room with two twin beds. You can make a new friend while paying the lower holiday rate!

Can I have a private room?

For those that value their privacy, private room options are usually available and subject to a surcharge.

Can we expect a private room if we’re a couple?

When signing up for a holiday make sure to mark that you’re a couple and we’ll make sure we pair you up in a king size bed. Keep in mind that room types are available on a first come, first serve basis so book early to avoid disappointment.

What type of food is available during the holiday?

While we don’t stick to a strict eating or food style, we try offer a bit of everything with a healthy spin. Normally when we eat out we’ll order a wide range of dishes for everyone to share, but you can also request anything else you may want. Thai food is packed with herbs and vegetables and easy to make vegetarian or vegan versions of popular dishes. Since most meals are based around rice or rice noodles, there are also many gluten-free options. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions please mark them down on your registration form.

What meals are included in the holiday?

One of the greatest things about Thailand is its cuisine. While all group meals are included, meals taken during free-time are not, giving you the opportunity to discover delicious eats on your own. Chiang Mai has some of the tastiest (and cheapest) food in the world and we’ll always point you in the right direction with recommendations!

Is the water safe to drink in Thailand?

While the tap water is fine to shower or brush your teeth with, clean, bottled drinking water will be available throughout the holiday. When eating out at restaurants or at street stalls you can buy bottled water or drink the free water provided (it’s distilled).

Do you offer early-bird discounts?

Many of our retreats feature time-sensitive early bird discounts. Just another good reason to get updates and travel tips from Thailand Yoga Holidays, as you’ll get notified of any specials on offer!

How do I book?

Head to our Upcoming Events page and click on your desired retreat. From there, you’ll be taken to a booking portal where you’ll be asked to fill out a registration form, agree to our terms & conditions, sign our waiver and make your online payment.

How do I pay?

Registrations and payments are processed via our service providers WeTravel & Stripe. You may pay by domestic bank transfer (with no fees) or by credit card (and absorb the credit card fees of 1.4 - 3.9% yourself).

Do you offer payment plans?

All payments are broken down into 3-4 instalments. You’ll receive receive a notification 7 days before each payment is due. The first installment is due upon registration. The second installment is due five months prior to the retreat's start day. The third installment is due three months prior to the retreat's start day. The payment plan deadlines vary from each trip, so please see your trips specific terms and conditions for more information.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

If payments are not received by their respective due dates, Thailand Yoga Holidays reserves the right to cancel the reservation and withhold any funds paid thus far.

• All payments are non-refundable.

What happens if I book a holiday then can’t go? Is there a refund?

All payments are non-refundable. However, if you can’t go, you can always send someone (of the same sexe) in your place.

Are flights included?

Flights are not included in our trips. So get yourself here, and we’ll handle the rest.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

A visa is not required for most nationalities visiting Thailand for up to 30 days. However, you must be in possession of a passport with a 6-month validity as well as a round-trip airline ticket. Should you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you should obtain an extended visa from your nearest Royal Thai Consulate. As regulations often change, for the most accurate information check out http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123

How do I get there?

Most people take an international flight to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport then a quick direct flight up to Chiang Mai International Airport, where most of our trips begin. For the adventurous, you can consider taking the train or even a night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Once you land in Chiang Mai, you’ll be greeted at the airport and taken right to your hotel. Keep in mind that we only arrange transfers to/from the airport on the first and last day of the retreat. For all other situations we suggest you use a taxi – a trip across town will cost about 5$

Will someone pick me up from the airport?

Absolutely. We’ll be waiting for you at the airport with a sign and big smile in order to take you to your hotel.

What if we want to spend more time in our hotel before or after the trip? Can you help us arrange it?

Absolutely! It’s part of what we do – just let us know the dates you want to extend and we’ll help get you set up.

Is it okay to book a flight out the same day the Thailand Yoga Holiday ends?

Yes. We recommend booking an afternoon/evening flight.

How much money should I bring?

1. You don’t need much money while on this trip, however, it’s always good to have some cash handy. We suggest bringing at least 500$ for things like tips, massages, shopping and individual meals and beverages. ATMS are also easily found throughout the city since most everything is paid for in cash. The Thai baht usually equals about 35 baht = $1 USD but to find current exchange rates check www.xe.com.

Do I need a phone? Will there be Internet?

You can pick up a prepaid SIM card for your phone at any 7-11. If your current phone is locked to a plan, or uses a non-compatible operating system, another option is to purchase a cheap $20 phone here in Chiang Mai. As for internet, is there is a solid 4G signal and an abundance of free Wi-Fi.

What is the weather like?

The short answer: hot and sunny. The long answer: Thailand has three seasons which vary in heat, humidity and rainfall. The best time to visit Thailand weather-wise is between November and February when it rains the least and it is not too hot. Although the rainy season (roughly July to October) gets a bad reputation, there are some bonuses to visiting during this time: temperatures tend to be cooler, tourists are fewer and the landscape is lush and green. It also rarely rains all day everyday, so don’t worry!

What should we take with us? What should we NOT take?

You don’t need to bring much with you, but here’s a quick list:

• Comfortable clothes that are loose and light

Are mosquito borne illnesses something I should worry about?

There is no malaria in Chiang Mai – but there is dengue fever. A rare, viral disease of the tropics, transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms usually subside within 5–10 days. Unfortunately, there is no cure or medication for dengue. The best you can do is take precautions such as bug spray during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are out.