A Sanskrit word with depth. A practice with a history thousands of years old. A mind-body modality of multiple styles and many more modern interpretations. More than 55 million people will begin their yoga practice in 2020.
Thailand continues to be a magnet for the modern day seeker of this age old practice. It sits squarely on the map as a growing destination for yoga teacher trainings spanning all the styles of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Acro, Aerial, and just about any other flow you can name. Not to mention, this country has something for just about everyone.
Majestic mountains in the North? Check.
Tropical charm of an unspoiled jungle paradise? Check.
Comfortable amenities balanced with natural living and heartwarming smiles (this country is called the ‘Land of Smiles’ for a reason) at every turn? Full yes!
With one finger always on the pulse of now, we’ve created a comprehensive roundup of the top yoga teacher trainings in Thailand — based on a complete programmatic review which you’ll see below (note: program costs listed only cover the RYT-200 offering).
Before we swan dive in, close your eyes for a moment and tune in to your truest intention. Why are you considering a YTTC? What do you hope to get out of a yoga teacher training?
Wherever you are in your journey, let this be your starting point and trust that the ‘one’ will reveal itself in time.
Exhale to step through 🙂
1. Vikasa Yoga Academy (Koh Samui)
Hands down (in dog), this school has mastered the TTC in all ways. Perched on top a scenic Samui overlooking blue skies and purple sunsets, this idyllic setting transports you into a world where you can fully immerse yourself in the Vikasa Yoga Method.
Think Classical Hatha combined with Himalayan Buddhism and Taoist practices.
This school grounds ancient wisdom into modern day amenities with an emphasis on holistic health and organic food to cultivate personal transformation in mind, body and spirit.
Offerings: RYT-200 and RYT-300
Review of Vikasa Yoga
– Style/method: Vikasa Yoga Method is an integral system of Yoga based on Classical Hatha Yoga lineages with influences from Himalayan Buddhism and Taoism practices.
– All in cost (without food or accommodation): $4000
– Class size: 30-60 students
– Combined years of experience (across all teachers): 60 years
– Extracurricular: Access to a pool, spa, gym, white shala and secret beach
– Internship: No
– Food: Fresh, wholesome, health-conscious creations in self-service style
– Special sauce: Your graduation takes place on a beautiful historic boat as you set sail for nearby islands and celebrate in sunset style. Also, as a graduate of Vikasa, you have the opportunity to create your own individual Yoga franchise using the Vikasa Yoga Method
and Vikasa Yoga names.
– Practical promotion: Save $500 off the total price when you register 90 days in advance
Website: Vikasa
2. Samma Karuna (Koh Phangan)
“It is indeed very little the amount of information required to become truly wise!”– Ishi, Founder of SK
Community is at the heart of this International Awakening & Healing School that runs Yoga Teacher Trainings all year round along with a variety of other self-development training.
The teachers live what they teach and teach what they live, creating a truly authentic and heart-based experience that translates into everything Samma offers.
Non-dogmatic and deeply experiential in nature, this YTTC teaches multiple styles along with daily Osho-inspired meditation to allow freedom for students to feel into their preferred style of practice. Run by a community of conscious volunteers, you’ll be immersed in good vibrations all day long.
As a graduate of Samma, you can begin teaching right away in the school’s free 4-week internship program to put your newly gained yoga training into practice. Can there be any better way to start? Namaste hands if you agree 🙂
Offerings: RYT-200 and RYT-300
Founded: 2013
Review of Samma Karuna
– Style/method: Yoga, Tantra, Taoist and Buddhist values as well as modern scientific research
– All in cost: $2370
– Class size: 16
– Instructor creds (total years of experience): 80+ years
– Extracurricular: Samma hosts a beautiful beachfront yoga campus of 7000m2 with four yoga shalas and bungalow housing. When you’re not in class, you can relax by the beach, slow down in Zen Garden or energize yourself on the trampoline and slack line.
– Internship: Yes
– Food: Provided by the onsite vegan healthy restaurant, Chikalicious. A daily vegan lunch
buffet is served.
– Practical promotion: YTTC graduates gain lifetime access to all regular yoga classes in the school. You can also volunteer with Samma and receive a 20% discount on the training price. Double yes.
Website: Samma Karuna
3. Samahita Retreat (Koh Samui)
They’ve been going strong since 1999.
Considered one of the leading veterans in the TTC world, this school customizes for every kind — the aspiring, the seeking, and the seasoned.
This school is the brainchild of Paul Dallaghan, a pioneering entrepreneur in the wellness and well-being retreat world space. With a PhD in the science of Yoga along with the rare opportunity of having studied Ashtanga under Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, Paul brings a colorful and experienced level of mastery into these trainings.
Beyond the beautiful beachfront setting of Samui, Samahita also brings a strong focus to life beyond training — expanding an active network of 1400 graduates and teachers from all four corners of the world.
Founded: 1999
Offerings: RYT-200, RYT-300, RYT-500
Review of Samahita Retreat
– Style/method: Classical Raja, Hatha Yoga, and Vinyasa Flow
– All in cost (training, accommodation and food): $4994-6394 depending on the type of accommodation
– Class size: 20-38 students
– Combined years of experience (across all teachers): 75+ years
– Extracurricular: Samahita is an all inclusive wellness center so there’s plenty of healthconscious activities and treatment add-ons to explore.
– Internship: No
– Food: Thoughtfulness infuses each meal, from the quality of sourcing to the timing foodis prepared and served. Driven by Ayurvedic principles, Samahita elevates organic and local whenever possible and accommodates dietary needs of all types. Bulletproof coffee, probiotic drinks and whey protein among many other healthy treats are available on campus.
– Practical promotion: Loyalty is rewarded at Samahita with different levels of perks and programs available for those who return. Early bird (60 days before the course starts) and early bird prime (108 days ahead) pricing options are available.
Website: Samahita
4. One Yoga (Koh Phangan)
With 3600 hours of collective teacher experience in Hatha and Vinyasa Flow, One Yoga brings a high degree of fluency into their intensive training course. Striking a balance between physical and spiritual, dynamic and meditative, the curriculum covers a wide spectrum of knowledge without ever sacrificing depth.
One Yoga meets you wherever you are in your yoga journey with care and thoughtfulness.
Their yoga hall feels like the Apple store of yoga shalas — airy, white and inspiring for the mind and body while overlooking the turquoise sea.
Graduates of the school can continue their practicum by teaching free yoga classes to the local community for 30 days.
Offerings: RYT-200
Review of One Yoga
– Style/method: Hatha and Vinyasa Flow are emphasized while Ashtanga, Yin/Restorative & Prenatal are also introduced. The training is mainly based on the traditional teachings
of India.
– Cost (without accommodation): $1999 (accommodation is offered and starts at $200 for 4 weeks)
– Class size: 26 students
– Teacher to student ratio: One teacher per class with assistants supporting asana clinics
– Combined years of experience (across all teachers): 60+ years
– Extracurricular: Experience the fullness of Koh Phangan in your down time (Sundays are off) from active jungle hikes to relaxing herbal sauna sessions. One Yoga is just steps
away from the crystal clear sea.
– Internship: Yes
– Food: Healthy vegan breakfast and lunch are included on class days
– Special sauce: The curriculum was thoughtfully curated for people of all ages, physical ability and level of yoga experience. The program is reliably inclusive and suitable for a
diverse group of practitioners.
– Practical promotion: Reserve your spot today with a $300 deposit and pay the rest 2 weeks before the course start date.
Website: One Yoga
5. Pujan Yoga (Koh Phangan)
Pujan and Betty are a husband-wife team with a combined 70 years of experience in Yoga and 14 years of facilitating TTCs in Australia, Indonesia, India, and Koh Phangan.
Having trained with all the original founders of Yoga (B.K.S Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Desikachar to name a few) and dedicated deep study to the Upanishads and Vedanta, they bring a high level of mastery in translating all dimensions of this ancient practice to the modern day student. By enrolling in this twenty-two day program, you receive a complimentary free Yoga Nidra training to add to your teacher toolkit.
Expect to gain basic knowledge around Yogic nutrition, Ayurveda and the principles of energy and chakra work. Step into your spiritual path and learn from teachers who walk the walk of a genuine Yogic lifestyle.
The school setting will enchant you — think beautiful villa, private beach and pool and spacious sea view rooms. Simply a pearl in paradise.
Offerings: RYT-200 and RYT-300
Review of Pujan Yoga
– Style/method: Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra (optional). Yoga philosophy is emphasized and led by Swami Pujan who has taught Meditation and Philosophy for 30+ years.
– Cost (without accommodation): $2750 (shared room option are available upon request)
– Class size: 15 students
– Instructor creds: 70 years
– Extracurricular: Evening activities are TBA each day. Enjoy the private chlorine free pool when you’re not in class.
– Internship: No
– Food: Healthy vegetarian or vegan breakfast and lunch
– Practical promotion: Early bird pricing is available, but be sure to check their website regularly to secure yours.
Website: Pujan Yoga
6. Spirit of Yoga (Koh Phangan)
As a student of this school, all roads lead back to the powerful question “who am I and what do I want to share with the world?” Spirit of Yoga is the YTTC that empowers you to find your authentic voice, redefining the training model with their unique mission — rise up, transform and inspire with breath guided Vinyasa Yoga, Self-Development and Energy Medicine.
This school offers one training and two certifications (Yoga and Reiki Level One), along with a focus on bringing out the superpower of each student.
Personalization is at the heart of this dream team of teachers — Anja, Selina and Paula. This school comes from pure passion and goes above and beyond the core curriculum of Yoga Alliance to include topics like nonviolent communication, cacao ceremonies, inner dance, kirtan and kinesiology to name just
a few.
Step into your personal positive power and find your voice in this transformative experience in paradise.
Offering: RYT-200
Review of Spirit of Yoga
– Style/method: Breath guided Vinyasa Flow and Reiki Level One
– Cost (without accommodation): $2299 which includes brunch buffet
– Class size: 16
– Extracurricular: Based in the hub of all things conscious community, enjoy the diverse array of beaches, activities, coffee shops and restaurants on your down time just steps away from the school.
– Internship: No
– Food: Delicious brunch buffet is offered on all training days. All produce comes directly from the organic garden to ensure the highest quality of ingredients (100% organic) in their famous dishes like spring rolls and Pad Thai noodles.
– Practical promotion: Early bird pricing is available 90 days before the course begins, so check the website to get yours.
Website: Spirit of Yoga
7. La Casa Shambala (Koh Phangan)
“There’s no place like home” says Dorothy in the classic Wizard of Oz. Similarly, there is no school quite like La Casa.
This professional non-dogmatic YTTC is hosted in a natural environment grounded in a fresh and genuine community (of students, practitioners and volunteers who support onsite), where spirituality comes down to earth.
La Casa hosts 100% TTCs, meaning no drop ins or distractions from the outside world. Here, expect to feel like you are home away from home while immersed in hands-on training.
Their core belief is that union within self equals union with others and the planet — which you can tangibly feel on campus from the compost toilets and bamboo bungalows onsite to the budding permaculture garden surrounding you. Classes are kept small and family style so you can focus on your process of self discovery and transformation.
For those with tighter schedules, you can also complete your RYT-200 in just 18 days. Prayer hands for practical possibilities 🙂
Review of La Casa Shambala
– Style/method: Hatha and Vinyasa Flow
– All in cost (depending on accommodation, whether shared or private): $2000-3600
– Class size: 20 max
– Instructor creds (total years of experience): 30+ years
– Extracurricular: Bask in the fertile greenery and zen pathways of La Casa’s campus. Healing sessions (massage and Reiki) can be arranged upon request.
– Internship: No
– Food: Clean, delicious and nutritious food is catered by the local Ayurvedic restaurant. They take your dietary needs and preferences seriously, just communicate with them up front.
– Practical promotion: La Casa offers a seasonal scholarship for those who cannot afford a TTC. Contact them to get more info.
Website: La Casa
8. ULU Yoga (Koh Phangan)
Committed to preserving authentic yoga tradition while providing a creative learning experience spanning many diverse styles of Yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Aerial, SUP and Acro, ULU Yoga finds the sweet spot of tradition and innovation.
Since its founding in 2014, ULU has facilitated over 100 yoga teacher trainings and yoga retreats around the world from its two campuses, Koh Phangan and Ubud.
The experienced team of teachers take great care in quality and improvement, nurturing student relations with private interviews and group sharing to reflect on feedback and growth of the program.
With a solid footing in technical skill, ULU proudly makes their own signature cushioned aerial swing, which are more comfortable and supportive than the average anti-gravity hammock on the market. As a student here, you will be guided in designing and teaching three complete yoga classes, leaving confidently and well-equipped to start your yoga teaching journey.
Pressed for time? ULU has designed a range of trainings as short as 7 days and as long as 35 days. Their variety is all-inclusive so you can find the best program for your schedule.
Offerings: RYT-200, RYT-300 and 50HR Aerial Yoga
Review of ULU Yoga
– Style/method: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Aerial, SUP and Acro Yoga
– Cost (without accommodation and food): $2199 for 21 days
– Class size: 12 years
– Combined years of experience: 50+ years
– Extracurricular: In your free time, you can enjoy amazing snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, elephants, temples and parties.
– Internship: No
– Food: Packages include a healthy vegan breakfast, including fresh tropical fruits, coconut milk, muesli or flax seed porridge, green smoothie and ginger lemon tea. Lunch and dinner can be added at extra cost, or you can venture into nearby local boutique cafes and restaurants at your own leisure.
– Practical promotion: The early bird discount begins 6 weeks earlier than the course. If you pay the total amount, you get $200 off tuition.
Website: ULU Yoga
9. Pure Flow Yoga (Koh Phangan)
This school brings you into the body in many more ways than one.
The Pure Flow team brings a well-rounded resume into the ancient teachings of Yoga, including Ayurveda & Anatomy, Trauma-Informed Approaches, and Sacred Sound/Vocal Awakening.
Recognized by media outlets spanning Yogi Times, The Guardian and Bali Spirit Festival, this school is internationally acclaimed for a good reason.
Pure Flow grounds the sacred practice of Yoga into modern day living. There is great attention placed on how students immerse themselves into the material as well as the time and space required for proper integration.
Their compassionate schedule includes 1.5 days off each week to ensure students have ample time to process and pace themselves, enjoying nature and her abundance during the course.
Above all, this program is designed to support students in connecting to their purpose and finding their voice.
Offerings: RYT-200
Review of Pure Flow Yoga
– Style/method: Vinyasa, Hatha Flow, and Yin Yoga
– Cost (without accommodation and food): $3200
– Class size: 10
– Combined years of experience: 45 years
– Extracurricular: Special events during the course include Kirtan, Cacao Ceremony, Ecstatic Dance, Fire Ceremony, and Thai Vedic Massage
– Internship: No
– Food: If you book at Bamboo Hut, you can sign up for a 1200 baht weekly food voucher to be used onsite at their restaurant. Otherwise, the campus is close to many delicious and nutritious restaurants.
– Practical promotion: Early bird offerings and payment plans are available. Contact the Pure Flow team for more details.
Website: Pure Flow Yoga
10. Yogagati (Koh Phangan)
Vinyasa and Yin are at the heart of this YTTC, featuring teachers with over 10 years of experience under their belt. While precise in their styles, these teachers bring a vast and varied portfolio into their practice (expect to get an intro to Acroyoga for example :).
Held across beautiful and tranquil retreat venues across southern Thailand, Yogagati has inspired and developed teachers in a multitude of settings.
Their mission is to guide students to find their authentic identity and voice as teachers.
Class sizes are small (hello, 14) to ensure highly personalized attention. In just three weeks time, the course delivers content above and beyond, bringing awareness to the business of yoga and how to get started right away.
Offerings: RYT-200
Review of Yogagati
– Style/method: Vinyasa and Yin
– All in cost (program, accommodation and food): $2490 – $3290
– Class size: 14 students
– Combined years of teaching experience: 20 years
– Extracurricular: This program is hosted at the Sanctuary Resort, a pearl in paradise surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. With a focus on detox and wellness vacations, this venue will inspire your immersion into study, practice and down time at the beach.
– Internship: No
– Food: Healthy meals are offered onsite.
– Practical promotion: If you pay your deposit 3 months in advance, you can get their $200 early bird discount. Friends applying together receive $400 off each.
Website: Yogagati
11. Shri Kali Tantra Yoga (Koh Phangan)
Based in an ashram in the jungle, this school is rooted in the ancient wisdom of Tantric and Yogic texts, bringing a modern lens to these timeless teachings.
With spiritual tradition driving their curriculum, Shri Kali was founded to preserve and promote the traditional knowledge, culture and practices of Tantra Yoga.
Pulling from disciplines spanning Ayurvedic Panchakarma, Sanskrit, and modern day psychology and sociology to supplement the core yoga curriculum, this school also firmly grounds into the practical application of teaching — building a weekly practicum into their program.
Offerings: RYT-200, RYT-300, RYT-500
Review of Shri Kali Tantra Yoga
– Style/method: Traditional Tantra Yoga combining asana, mantra, yanta, puja, dhyana, dharana, and samadhi. Ayurveda and practices involving Kundalini and Chakras are also incorporated.
– All in cost: $1,450 / person ($1,140 / person in a couple)
– Class size: 30-40 students
– Combined years of experience (across all teachers): 100+ years
– Extracurricular: The ashram spans several acres of secluded jungle hills overlooking the bright blue sea, allowing for deep immersion and study of Traditional Tantra Yoga.
– Internship: No
– Food: Three healthy vegetarian meals are offered a day
– Practical promotion: If you stay an extra week, the cost is only $363 (discounted from $483 per week during the 200 hours TTC). If you decide to stay longer or return regularly, the cost per month goes down the longer you stay (after 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months).
Website: Shri Kali
12. Shambala Marina Yoga (Krabi)
Magic happens when you do a YTTC in a school that excels both in the ancient practice of Yoga and other sacred healing modalities (can I get an OM for reiki treatments, shamanic drum circles, kirtans and sound healing?).
To leverage the breadth of experience, this YTTC designed the unique opportunity to become a teacher and healer through Reiki level one certification.
The styles are varied across Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin and Restorative to inspire well-rounded practitioners and teachers.
Classes are kept small at only 12 students for intimacy and ample support from a team of well-qualified teachers. Enjoy the fullness of this course under lush palms and starry sea nights, as classes are taught outdoors (weather permitting).
Offerings: RYT-50, RYT-100, RYT-200
Founded: 2008
Review of Shambala Marina Yoga
– Style/method: Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin and Restorative + Reiki Level One Certification (~$100 value)
– Cost (without accommodation or food): $2186 which also includes complimentary breakfast
– Class size: 12 students
– Combined hours of teaching experience: 1000+ hours of experience – Extracurricular: Weekly beach yoga, kirtans, group sound healing sessions, a blessing at a local temple to guide your spiritual path, and a full moon shamanic drum circle. If you’d like to add on cacao or one-on-one coaching to your program, these are available at an extra charge.
– Internship: No
– Food: breakfast is included
– Practical promotion: When you book the 200 YTTC, you receive two free nights of accommodation and a free spa package
Website: Shambala Marina
So, these where the bests yoga teacher training in Thailand.
Who’s your favourite?
