Pilar at the Koh Phan Gan beach after yoga practice

YOGA IN KOH PHANGAN

ByPilar

The island of Koh Phan Gan is world famous due to its Full Moon party that attracts party goers from all over the world every month. However the island is not only about party but offers a complete different scene on the other side of the island.

The yoga Koh Phangan scene is located on the West coast of the island and it offers a variety of yoga styles and retreats for all tastes, including some Tantra Yoga, Koh Phangan If you are looking for a place where to practice or learn some yogic ancient techniques in a breathtaking setting, Koh Phangan is your place.

I have been practicing yoga with one of the schools in the island, Agama yoga, and stayed there for months practicing yoga and I know the yoga side of the island quite well. I came to this island sometimes with a lot of stress and a few months stay in this beautiful island practicing yoga with some of the best trained teachers in the world can really make an impact at all levels of you being.

I am writing here to share my yoga experience in Koh Phangan and help you preparing  for your spiritual quest when traveling to this stunning island in the Golf of Thailand.

Pilar at the Koh Phan Gan beach after yoga practice

ABOUT YOGA ON KOH PHANGAN

Koh Phangan is a stunning island in the Golf of Thailand famous for its breathtaking beaches, lush jungles and wellness scene. With its chill out vibe and natural beauty the island is perfect for a detox or to get an introduction to the yoga practice or continue it.

Yoga adepts flock to the island from all around the world and some of them even chose to live there. Wether you are a beginner willing to get an introduction to yoga or an advanced practitioner that wants to deepen the practice, Koh Phangan is the place for you.

The island offers some very nice activities such as scuba diving with whale sharks, or hiking to secret waterfalla and view points, so you can combine your yoga retreat with some uplifting activities.

One of the best things about practicing yoga in this island is that you can chose from a great variety of settings, from beachfront shalas to jungle retreats, and you will have the chance to melt with nature vibes while doing your yoga practice.

Pilar close to a goddess statue with a blue dress in the Agama yoga garden in Koh Phangan

The island  natural beauty setting will ease your meditation practices and you will be able to hang around with other people who are also into the same yoga path, which is a big motivation to do it.

Wether you are more incliced to just experience the physical benefits of yoga or to take the practice as a spiritual path you will find the right place for you in this island.

I am a bit more inclined to the spiritual and meditative part of yoga so I will describe my experience about this, in the article.

WHERE IS KOH PHANGAN LOCATED

Find here a pin with Koh Phangan location:

HOW TO GET TO KOH PHANGAN

Most likely you will be arriving in Bangkok and from there you will want to reach the island.  Getting to the island it usually requires a combination of transportation. Find here the guide to get there.

  1. Flight to Surat Thani or Koh Samui: The most convenient way to reach Koh Phangan from Bangkok is by flying to either Surat Thani or Koh Samui. Surat Thani is closer to the mainland, while Koh Samui is nearer to Koh Phangan.
  2. Bus or Transfer to Donsak Pier (Surat Thani): If you fly to Surat Thani, you’ll need to take a bus or arrange a transfer to Donsak Pier. This journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  3. Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Phangan: Ferries depart from Donsak Pier to Koh Phangan regularly. The ferry journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the ferry type and sea conditions.

Alternatively, if you fly to Koh Samui:

  1. Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: Upon arrival at Koh Samui Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to one of the piers (e.g., Big Buddha Pier, Maenam Pier, or Nathon Pier) and catch a ferry to Koh Phangan. The ferry ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Regardless of whether you choose to fly to Surat Thani or Koh Samui, it’s essential to check the ferry schedules in advance, especially if you arrive in the afternoon or evening, as the last ferry to Koh Phangan might have departed.

AGAMA YOGA, THE BEST YOGA ON KOH PHANGAN

Agama is a holistic yoga system and offers and in-depth approach to spiritual evolution and well-being founded by  Swami Vivekananda Saraswati in Koh Phangan, Thailand,  There are several branches of Agama Yoga worldwide, in fact I got introduced to the practice in Amsterdam where I live. People come to island to complete its very complete yoga curriculum that takes more than two years to complete.

The teachings are a combination of practices from ancient yogic traditions such as Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, Tantra and meditation. This is not a purely physicial yoga school but it touches the most deeper levels of the being to evolve spiritually.

At the preparation of a tantric ceremony in Agama yoga Koh Phangan

The yoga asanas are performed bringing awareness to the energy center of the being and the aim is to stay for a long period into the poses to gain all the spiritual and emotional benefits of the poses.

The practice brings a systematic development of consciouness through the awakening of the Kundalini energy dormant at the first energy centers of the being.

The Agama yoga currIculum consists of 23 levels with different exams that prepares you for their Kundalini program, the chakra tapas and their ultimate Kundalini initiation, Kaula Trika.

The study of the courses is a complete framework for personal growth and transformation and touches all levels of the being. As you progress through the courses you will gain greater physical vitality, emotional balance, mental clarity and spiritual insight.

Tantra as a path for liberation lies at the core of Agama yoga teachings and through practices such as laya yoga, yantras, rituals and meditation such as Kryas the practitioner will evolve.

Agama yoga offers workshops, courses and retreats in various locations around the world allowing the practitioners to deepen their practice surrounded byt a supportive community.

MY EXPERIENCE IN AGAMA THE BEST YOGA IN KOH PHANGAN

I got introduced to yoga for the first time in Amsterdam through a school that has the same approach as Agama yoga has and then as some of my fellow students travel to Thailand to attend the yoga classes offered there I decided to go and try the place by myself.

I find the yoga practice really useful and has helped me in various occasions in my life. In fact I wish I was able to keep a daily practice that some times I find challending to follow while in other periods I keep on a very strict way.

This type of yoga when practice daily has cumulative effects on the physical and mental being and in fact in periods of my life in which I had to pass exams or had very stressful working conditions the daily practice has really helped me achieving my goals.

Pilar with the Kali statue outside of Agama yoga in Koh Phangan

I have tried other yoga traditions such as Ashtanga but I never found such an effective approach anywhere else as in this method. I have followed the yoga lessons in the halls and online and I have advanced until the level 13 and I hope I can soon go back there to continue my practice.

My experience with their workshops is a really good one also and also attending their spiral meditation that happens during the Full Moon when other people are partying on the other side of the island.

TANTRA YOGA KOH PHANGAN

Koh Phangan spiritual landscape offers also Tantra Yoga courses and workshops, I have attended two Tantran yoga workshops with Agama yoga and I really love the respectful and knowledgeable approach to the practice.

The Tantra yoga that you can find in Koh Phangan comes from ancient practices and touches the subject of sacred sexuality, energy sublimation and holistic healing.

With its stunning landscapes and chill out atmosphere Koh Phangan is the perfect place to practice or get introduced into this sacred ancient practice.

BEST YOGA RETREATS IN KOH PHAN GHAN

There are choices for all types of preferences and what the best places are for the yoga practice in Koh Phangan are a very personal choice but I have put here together five of the best places in the island in my opinion.

  1. The Yoga Retreat: The yoga retreat is located in the middle of some tropical gardens and overlooking the ocean. You can have an immersive yoga experience that will blend meditation, wellness and yoga practices. , their programs cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
  • Samma Karuna: This school is well known for its diversity of workshops and transformative yoga and tantra retreats. It offers also some ecstatic dance classes. Located in a lush environment, this retreat center promotes inner peace and self-discovery.
  • Orion Healing Center: The Orion center is located in a quiet jungle setting and its focus area are wellness retreats and integrating yoga and detoxification. They also offer teacher trainings and the experience teachers will guide you into the spiritual awakening.
  • Agama yoga: I think I have already discussed a lot about Agama yoga in this post and why I consider it the number one yoga school in Koh Phangan.
  • Ananda Yoga % Detox Center: Combining yoga, detoxification, and healing modalities, Ananda Yoga & Detox Center provides tailored retreats aimed at rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil beaches, guests can immerse themselves in holistic wellness practices for overall well-being.

MAP OF THE BEST YOGA RETREATS IN KOH PHANGAN

WHERE TO STAY WHEN PRACTICING YOGA IN KOH PHANGAN

If you are going to be doing yoga in Koh Phangan you need to stay in the West coast of the island. I have been 5 times in the island and stayed in different accommodation always very close to Srithanu beach where Agama yoga is located.

Find here my top hotel picks:

  • Orion healing center:  The Orion healing center offers accommodation and it is very nice to stay whether you are taking their lessons or not.
  • Seaflower bungalows: This bungalows offer a nice accommodation setting with a nice outdoor pool very conveniently located close to the beach and to all the best yoga retreats.
  • Amaya boutique resort: This boutique hotel offers the perfect setting to spend some relaxed time and enjoy your stay while getting introduced to the most profound spiritual teachings.
  • Phangan Akuna:  Situated in the heart of Sri Thanu on Koh Phangan, Phangan Akuna offers a tranquil escape with its year-round outdoor pool and accommodation enveloped by coconut plantations and verdant evergreen trees. Ensuring guests remain seamlessly connected, complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms as well as throughout the public areas.

YOGA IN KOH PHANGAN FAQs

WHERE TO LIVE IN KOH PHANGAN

There are nice accommodations all around the island but if you are coming to Koh Phangan to practice yoga you should stay around the area of Srithanu beach in the West coast.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT KOH PHANGAN

The best months to visit Koh Phangan are December to March, offering dry, sunny weather perfect for beach activities. April to June brings hot temperatures, while July to September sees occasional heavy rainfall. October to November offers a transition period with less intense rain. Choose based on weather preferences and desired activities.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Koh Phangan is much more than a party island and it is home to some of the best spiritual centers in the planet. Surrounded by a landscape of breathtaking beauty that will support your journey of self discovery you will leave the island with a deep experience that will resonate in your being for a long time after you return home.

MORE BANGKOK AND THAILAND GUIDES

I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;

And it is not only about Bangkok but Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that I have travel extensively and I know quiet well. Check here some of the guides:

Pilar
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