Workshop travel information
from Bangkok to Koh Phangan Thailand

Had Tien Beach Koh Phangan November 13 to December 11.

Payment for the workshop would be most appreciated via my website www.yogatemple.com at least 1 month in advance. For now a commitment of 4 weeks is required, bookings for the first 2 weeks may become open closer to the course commencement. Discounts for group bookings are available.

The workshop is going to be held in The Sanctuary Resort, Prana Hall on Had Tien beach on Koh Phangan in the south of Thailand.

From Bangkok you need to take an internal flight to Koh Samui (see www.bangkokairways.com for info & bookings). Look for the promotional offers on the website as they are often cheaper. Approximately 5500 baht return.

It is also possible to travel by overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan (approx 1000 baht takes about 20hrs.) Any of the travel agents in Bangkok can arrange this for you. Personally I think flying is MUCH more convenient.

From Koh Samui you need to get to Big Buddha pier which is 10 mins from the airport to catch a small ferry to Had Rin on the island of Koh Phangan (45 mins travel time & 200 baht). On arrival in Had Rin you then need to take a long tail boat right beside the ferry pier to Had Tien beach (15 mins & 200 baht). Tell the boat drivers you need to go to The Sanctuary, it’s the well known resort where we are doing the workshop.

If the ocean is rough and the swell too big, which can happen almost any time of the year, you can also take a jeep taxi (40 mins 200 baht) it is an amazing rough & bumpy drive through the jungle. Look for the guys at the pier with Taxi signs for Had Tien/Had Yuan. If you wish to stay on Had Yuan beach ask the driver to take you there and not Had Tien. If you have lots of luggage this might cost you 100 baht more per person.

Some suggestions for places to stay in Bangkok are:  

1. www.asiarooms.com
     for 2-5 star hotels.


2. Shanti Lodge for cheaper accommodations, organic food, & laid back atmosphere: 
   Shanti Lodge
   37 Sri Ayuthya Rd, Soi 16
   Si Sou Tewet (Behind the National Library)
   +66 2 281 2497
   (email) contact@shantilodge.com

With any accommodation I would recommend that you get a taxi from the airport taxi stand where you can give the attendant your accommodation address so that they can write it in Thai for the driver - most helpful.

If you arrive early enough in Bangkok and would like to fly straight into Samui and spend a night there, a couple of suggestions to stay are:  

1. The Spa in Lamai -   various levels of accommodation, its lovely (organic food, massage, etc) 500-1500 baht
   Spa Samui Resorts
   Lamai Beach
   + 66 077 230 976
   (e) thespa@spasamui.com
   (w) spasamui.com


2. Samui Mermaid Resort- for cheaper accommodations & located minutes away from both the airport & the Big Buddha Pier 400bhat-700bhat
   Samui Mermaid Resort
   34/1 Moo 4, Bophut,
   Samui, Suratthani 84320
   +66 077 427 547
   (e) info@samui-mermaid.com
   (w) samui-mermaid.com


3. Or In Bho Phut which is 5/10 mins from airport in a quaint village there is Eden Bungalows www.edenbungalows.com the rate is about 1200-1700 baht a night (25-30 euros) for a room big enough for two or three.

Ferry from Big Buddha Pier Samui to Had Rin, Koh Phangan:
10:30 am 1:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:30 pm (you may not make it across to Had Yuan on this ferry; to late for a connection boat unless the sea is really flat.)

Accommodation during the workshop on Had Tien beach:
This area of Koh Phangang is a very high energy place, surrounded by jungle and ocean. It is a magical environment with a local international and Thai community. There are also a lot of spiritual workshops happening here all year around. There are many places to stay on Had Tien beach though advance bookings are not really possible unless it is for a house. So don’t worry just show up leave you bags in a restaurant and have a look around for something you like. At the time of the workshop (November) it is not high season, so there should be plenty of selection for you to choose from. All the resorts have a policy that you need to eat in their restaurant at least once a day, that’s how they make their money; they won’t like it if you don’t eat there, of course you don’t have to eat every meal there but keep it in mind. If you have any special requirements, like bringing children, email me and I can help you further.

1. Love Lip Resort is near the workshop space. It has clean basic bungalows for 500-1200 baht.


2. The Sanctuary is the best resort around, please look it up online. It is next to Love Lip. The food is amazing and there is a great day spa, yoga classes, detox centre and a great restaurant. It is also the most expensive place to stay, with bungalows from 700-4000baht. There are beautiful jungle houses that you can rent and book on line with them for about 2000-4000 per night, please mention that you are part of the group when you book.


3. Had Tien Resort; has simple very basic bungalows from 200-350 baht some right on the beach, it has a restaurant with good food.


4. Beam Bungalows; Really nice Bungalows from 400-900 baht, good restaurant

HAD YUAN BEACH is the next beach south, 10 mins walk away:

1. Big Blue Resort, this is a nice basic place with bungalows for one or two people for approx 350-600 baht per person.


2. Centara Hotel is a new 4 star hotel on Had Yuan beach rooms with aircon and the works range from 3000 baht up to 3 people would be comfy in these rooms.


3. Barcelona Bungalows is another option on the beach, rooms are about 350-600 baht, but the restaurant is only average.


4. Bamboo Hut Bungalows is difficult to get a room here because it’s often full, rooms are 350 baht but you might get lucky and get in! It has the best restaurant, no doubt you will find yourself eating here frequently.

1. This is a beautiful quiet beach, bungalows are very sought after, and you won’t hear the party on Friday night from here. 350-450 baht, a nice restaurant and lovely place to hang out.

1. A pocket size flash light/torch is useful, if you forget you can buy one here easily but they are low quality.


2. FRIDAY NIGHT is the big party night, with very loud dance music until sunrise the next day (or longer) so if you need quiet to sleep you might like go to another beach for the night. It is usually a good party so you might consider “if you can’t beat them join them.” Alternatively, ear plugs are available in the Sanctuary shop.


3. Mosquito repellent, please use the natural stuff because it can be very toxic for other people, Antisan cream is a great insect bite cream to stop itching. Or you can use tiger balm easily available here.


4. Light clothes, cotton is good. The jungle here is very humid so prepare to sweat a lot! If you have very fair skin and tend to get lots of mosquito bites start taking B vitamins about 10 days before you come and while you are here, it really helps.


5. Flip flops or sandals that slip off easily, anything with laces is a nuisance. It is a Thai custom to always remove your shoes on entering a house/restaurant/shop, it is considered very rude not to abide by this.


6. Thailand is a very easy place to travel and stay in, there is little or no illness to have to be careful of, it is still good to drink bottled or filtered water but not many other precautions are necessary.