Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide for 2024
There are several amazing yoga teacher training destinations around the world to consider. But when I first decided to become a yoga instructor, I had a strong desire to do my yoga teacher training in Thailand.
I had never been to Thailand before, but something drew me to this exotic South East Asian country. Like many yogis before me, I did Vinyasa yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan, and it entirely changed my life. So much so that I ended up teaching yoga and living in Thailand – for three years and counting.
So, if you also feel called to do your 200-hour yoga training in Thailand and are looking for recommendations on the best yoga courses you’re in the right place.
In this article I’m going to be sharing why Thailand is such a great yoga destination, the best places to do Thailand yoga teacher training courses, and my top 5 certified teacher trainings.
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Reasons to do yoga teacher training in Thailand
Thailand has a rich culture, abundant nature, beautiful temples and some of the most impressive beaches in the world! It is literally a tropical paradise, combined with a relaxed way of life, friendly locals and Buddhist culture.
Many yogis choose to do a Thailand yoga teacher training as part of an extended trip around the country or South East Asia as it’s an affordable, safe and easy place to travel – even for solo female travellers.
Best places to do yoga teacher training in Thailand
So where in Thailand should you do your yoga teacher training course? Here are the top four places I’d recommend.
Koh Phangan – This is Thailand’s spiritual hub, often compared to Ubud in Bali. It is a relatively small island, but the yoga community is HUGE. You’ll find dozens of yoga schools and studios (many located directly on the beach or with sea views). Aside from YTTs, Koh Phangan is known for its extensive spiritual offerings, from Ecstatic Dance to Tantra Workshops, Cacao Ceremonies and Dynamic Meditations.
Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai is a lovely small city in northern Thailand packed with ancient temples and boasting a stunning mountain backdrop and an incredibly peaceful, friendly vibe. The locals are laid back and welcoming and you’ll find plenty of affordable yoga retreats in Chiang Mai along with several outstanding yoga schools offering yoga teacher training in Chiang Mai and a real immersion into traditional Thai culture.
Phuket – The bustling island of Phuket in the south is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations but is also known for its luxurious wellness resorts and retreat centres. Phuket yoga and wellness retreats are hugely popular here, and several schools run regular yoga teacher trainings.
Koh Samui – This island is located next to Koh Phangan but has a totally different vibe. If you love the island lifestyle, but Koh Phangan is too hippy for you, come here. The tourist island offers so much to do and see and some of the country’s best beaches and luxury yoga resorts.
For more inspiration check out our detailed guide to yoga in Thailand which also includes the best yoga studios and retreats.
Best Thailand Yoga Teacher Training Courses
If you’ve already started researching yoga teacher training Thailand courses, you’ll know there is an enormous selection. So to save you time (and prevent you from getting overwhelmed), I’ve narrowed it down to the 5 best options.
All of these courses are approved by Yoga Alliance and offer comprehensive teaching in the physical practice of yoga, the asanas, meditation and pranayama, as well as yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology and teaching methodology. You’ll also get plenty of practice teaching yoga so you’ll be confident and ready to start teaching upon completion.
- Best Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan – One Yoga
- Best Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Samui – Vikasa Yoga
- Best Yoga Teacher Training in Phuket – TAYSP
- Best Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai – Path Of Yoga
- Best Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand – Yoga Vidya Mandiram
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan – One Yoga
One Yoga is one of the newest yoga schools in Koh Phangan, Thailand, yet it is already one of the most popular. Over 28 days, you’ll learn to teach yoga in a gorgeous, modern retreat centre right by the beach.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive program including anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology
- 2 huge, airy yoga shalas with stunning ocean views
- 4 accommodation options, including beachfront bungalows
- Daily vegetarian breakfast and lunch
This 200-hour yoga course will prepare you for teaching yoga in the traditional Hatha and modern Vinyasa styles. However, the daily yoga classes include Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative Yoga.
Prices from approx. US$2,199 / €2.062 / £1,784 for 28 days
If you love this YTT and want to deepen your teaching skills further, One Yoga also offers advanced 300-hour yoga teacher training.
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Samui – Vikasa Yoga
This is one of the most sought after YTTCs in Thailand not only because it is set amongst stunning tropical scenery with views out over the sparkling Gulf of Thailand, but also because it offers exceptional yoga teacher training.
The syllabus covers core yogic knowledge like methodology, asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy and philosophy, whilst also allowing you time for self discovery and personal growth.
Highlights:
- World class yoga facilities
- Unique, Hatha based Vikasa yoga method
- Infinity pool and private coastline
There’s a good range of private accommodation options, from compact bungalows and “yoga caves” to ocean view rooms with king size beds, and all built in an ecologically sustainable manner.
Twice daily throughout the program you’ll have food provided by the Vikasa Life Cafe, which serves healthy and nutritious meals in a communal dining area. An integral part of the philosophy here is awareness of what food you put in your bodies and the impact it has on the Earth and its inhabitants.
Prices from approx. US$4,880 / €4,591 / £3,986 for 28 days
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Phuket – TAYSP
Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Shala Phuket (TAYSP) is a Yoga Alliance registered school in Phuket, offering a 28-day training specialising in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. So if you’re a budding “Ashtangi”, this is the ideal YTT for you!
Highlights:
- Daily asana, pranayama, and meditation taught by two highly experienced Ashtanga yoga teachers
- The course follows the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series
- A broad program including yoga therapy, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching ethics
During the 28-day course, you’ll stay at a hotel 5 minutes from the yoga shala. A nutritious vegetarian brunch and dinner are also included every day.
Even if you don’t have time to do a full YTT their intensive Ashtanga yoga course is one of the best yoga retreats in Phuket that will deepen your knowledge of yoga both on and off the mat.
Prices from approx. US$3,552 / €3,233 / £2,798 for 28 days
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai – Path Of Yoga
The Path Of Yoga school in Doi Saket near Chiang Mai is hosted at the serene Mala Dhara Resort. Set away from the city amongst a sea of rice paddies with views toward jungle covered mountains, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places to do yoga teacher training in northern Thailand.
Highlights:
- Small group sizes
- Tutors living on site with you
- Stunning natural setting
Three vegetarian meals are freshly prepared for you each day, providing all the nourishment you’ll need during your stay. The accommodation is cool and comfortable whether you choose to stay in the shared dorms , small villa, or private bungalows.
A salt water swimming pool is available onsite for you to use and cool off, plus there’s plenty of chill-out space for taking some time to yourself.
Prices from approx. US$2,897 / €2,716 / £2,350 for 27 days
Path Of Yoga also offers 300-hour yoga teacher training during June and July at another equally beautiful yoga resort in Chiang Mai..
Best Affordable Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand – Yoga Vidya Mandiram
This budget friendly 22-day multi-style 200-hour yoga teacher training in Thailand takes place in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai.
Highlights:
- Train to become a multi-style Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga teacher
- In-depth modules on yoga philosophy, including the Vedic scriptures
- Excursions and activities include temple visits and Thai cultural performances
The yoga training schedule runs from 5 am to 8:30 pm, including two asana classes, daily meditation and breathwork, and three vegetarian meals.
Prices from approx. US$2,000 / €1,875 / £1,460 for 22 days
If you want to dive even deeper into your yoga practice, Yoga Vidya Mandiram also offers an affordable 300-hour yoga teacher training twice a year.
Read more: Affordable Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Tips for Planning your Thailand Yoga Trip
An essential part of planning your yoga teacher training in Thailand is figuring out how you will get there and the best time to visit.
If you are doing your YTT in Phuket, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui, you can fly straight there, as each city has an international airport.
Koh Phangan is a little harder to reach. The easiest way is to fly to Koh Samui and take the short ferry ride across. Or a cheaper alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and take a longer ferry.
Thailand has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The rainy season is between May and November, depending on the region. December and January are the busiest months for tourism and often the most expensive.
Thus, I recommend doing your Thailand yoga course in March or April. The weather is typically beautiful during this time, yet it is relatively quiet.
As with every country, get travel insurance before leaving home! And lastly, check the reviews of Thailand YTTs on BookYogaTeacherTraining to ensure you choose the one best suited to you.
I hope this article has helped you choose the best yoga training course in Thailand for you. If you’re still undecided check out our other guides on yoga teacher training in Bali, India, Europe, Costa Rica and the USA.
Read More about Yoga Teacher Training:
- How to choose a Yoga Teacher Training program
- Best destinations for Yoga Teacher Training abroad
- A Guide to Yoga in Thailand – Best Studios, Retreats and YTT
- The Best Bali Yoga Teacher Training Courses
- A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Europe
- Is Online Yoga Teacher Training worth it?
- Are you ready for Yoga Teacher Training?
- How to prepare for Yoga Teacher Training
- Things I wish I’d known before Yoga Teacher Training
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