My 4 Favorite Yoga Retreats in Chiang Mai Thailand
Dreaming of a transformative yoga getaway in the heart of Northern Thailand? Chiang Mai is the place to be!
This enchanting city, surrounded by misty mountains and lush landscapes, has become a hub for yogis seeking to deepen their practice and find inner peace.
I recently visited Chiang Mai in early 2024 and was amazed by the incredible retreat options available. After thorough exploration, I’ve handpicked the top 4 yoga retreats that stood out for their exceptional instruction, stunning locations, and unique offerings.
TLDR: If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the top 4 retreats:
- True Nature Chiang Mai – perfect for an authentic, back-to-nature experience
- Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort – ideal for a touch of luxury in the heart of the old city
- Flow Yoga Chiang Mai – the place to be for a deeply immersive meditation and yoga journey
- Amrita Integral Yoga Centre – the go-to for an intensive Tantra yoga dive
If you’re ready to roll out your mat, quiet your mind, and let the magic of Chiang Mai work its wonders, read on for a detailed look at each retreat!
What are the best Yoga Retreats in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
Here are my top picks for unforgettable yoga experiences in Chiang Mai:
1. True Nature Chiang Mai
True Nature Chiang Mai is a gem, nestled in the mountains just 45 minutes north of Chiang Mai city. This non-commercial retreat focuses on simple living, community, and getting back to nature.
The retreat is hosted by a lovely Thai family and the experienced teaching team of Adam and Ning. They offer an authentic immersion into yoga and meditation, with various styles to suit all levels.
You’ll stay in unique, handcrafted accommodations surrounded by lush greenery, ranging from cozy bamboo houses to more luxurious private villas. The food is another highlight – 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day, lovingly prepared by resident chef Ning using organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
When you’re not on the mat, there are plenty of optional activities to keep you engaged, like cooking classes, waterfall trips, ice baths, and even a weekly “make your own pizza night”!
If you’re looking for a down-to-earth, authentic yoga experience, True Nature Chiang Mai is hard to beat.
You should stay at True Nature Chiang Mai if you:
– Want a non-commercial, back-to-nature retreat experience
– Enjoy community-style living and connecting with like-minded people
– Are looking for an authentic immersion into yoga and meditation
– Love delicious, wholesome vegetarian food
– Want a balance of relaxation and optional activities
2. Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort – A Vegan Retreat
For a yoga retreat with a touch of luxury, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort is the perfect choice.
This unique design hotel is tucked away on a quiet lane in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, near historic temples and the famous Thapae Gate.
The resort currently offers a 5-day Yoga & Meditation Retreat that’s ideal for anyone looking to revitalize their body, recharge their energy, and take a step back from the daily grind. You’ll enjoy daily yoga flow and meditation sessions, as well as fun activities like painting, sketching, and even a Thai dessert cooking class.
A highlight of the retreat is the 60-minute sunset Tuk Tuk ride around the old city, where you’ll visit ancient temples and pray for good luck. It’s a great way to soak up the local culture and see some of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful sights.
The resort itself is an oasis, with colonial charm and Lanna cultural beauty at every turn. The deluxe rooms are beautifully designed with dark-stained furniture and offer plenty of space to relax and unwind. You’ll also have access to great facilities like a pool, restaurant, and free wifi.
As for the food, you’ll be treated to delicious vegan meals twice a day, with both breakfast and lunch included in the package. The resort can also cater to gluten-free diets.
You should stay at Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort if you:
– Want a luxurious retreat experience in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city
– Enjoy a mix of yoga, meditation, and creative activities
– Love the idea of a sunset Tuk Tuk tour around ancient temples
– Want to be well-fed with delicious vegan meals
– Appreciate beautifully designed accommodation with great facilities
3. Flow Yoga Chiang Mai Meditation & Yoga Studio
For a truly immersive yoga and meditation experience, look no further than Flow Yoga Chiang Mai.
This unique retreat center is located in a tranquil natural garden, surrounded by a flowing stream, rice fields, and the soothing sounds of nature. While it has a peaceful rural setting, it’s still conveniently close to urban amenities, restaurants, markets, and temples.
Flow Yoga currently offers a 3-day Mindful Meditation and Yoga Retreat that’s designed to help you re-balance your body and mind, improve your physical health, and relieve stress. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their overall well-being and find some much-needed peace and quiet.
During the retreat, you’ll enjoy daily yoga practices in a variety of styles, including General, Power, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Vipassana. There are also daily mindfulness and meditation sessions to help you stay grounded in the present moment.
The experienced instructor, Amori Thang, will guide you through each practice with care and attention, adapting to your individual needs and level.
When you’re not on the mat, you can relax in your comfortable private room, enjoy the delicious vegetarian Thai meals (breakfast and lunch are included), or explore the beautiful surroundings. The retreat also includes airport transfers, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Many previous guests describe it as a transformative experience that leaves them feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to themselves.
You should stay at Flow Yoga Chiang Mai if you:
– Want a deeply immersive yoga and meditation experience
– Love the idea of practicing in a natural, peaceful setting
– Enjoy a variety of yoga styles and want to deepen your practice
– Are seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life
– Value personalized attention and expert instruction
4. Amrita Integral Yoga Centre
For a deep dive into the world of Tantra yoga, Amrita Integral Yoga Centre in Mae On, Chiang Mai is the place to be.
Their 6-day Tantra Immersion Level 1 Retreat promises an intensive study and practice of Tantra yoga that will elevate your consciousness and help you experience life from a profound new perspective.
The retreat is led by experienced instructors Uriel, Blandine, and Radu, who guide you through daily lectures, Hatha yoga sessions, meditations, and special Tantric exercises. You’ll learn about the principles of Tantra, the secret law of resonance, the importance of relaxation and awareness, the divine masculine and feminine, and much more.
The retreat takes place in a beautiful chic ashram, built according to the principles of sacred architecture. You’ll stay in comfortable en-suite rooms with air conditioning and hot water. Delicious vegetarian meals are provided three times a day, and you’ll have access to an outdoor pool for relaxation.
When you’re not immersed in the teachings, you can explore the tranquil countryside surroundings. The retreat center is located at the foothills of the Mae Takhrai mountains, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies and farms. Nearby attractions include the impressive Muang On Cave, the Sankampaeng Hot Springs, and the Mae Takhrai National Park.
Former guests say their time at Amrita Integral Yoga Centre was a truly transformative experience. Many describe it as heart-opening, soul-nourishing, and life-changing.
The quality of the instruction, the depth of the content, and the serene location all contribute to a profound and memorable retreat.
You should stay at Amrita Integral Yoga Centre if you:
– Want an intensive, immersive introduction to Tantra yoga
– Seek to elevate your consciousness and gain a fresh perspective on life
– Enjoy a balance of lectures, yoga, meditation, and experiential exercises
– Appreciate comfortable accommodation and delicious vegetarian food
– Love the idea of a peaceful rural setting with nearby natural attractions
Wrap Up
There you have it – the top 4 yoga retreats in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In a nutshell:
– True Nature Chiang Mai is perfect for those seeking an authentic, back-to-nature experience.
– Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort is ideal if you want a touch of luxury in the heart of the old city.
– Flow Yoga Chiang Mai is the place to be for a deeply immersive meditation and yoga journey.
– Amrita Integral Yoga Centre is the go-to for an intensive Tantra yoga dive.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, one of these exceptional retreats is sure to resonate.
