When at home, do you tend to seek out a few yoga classes? Do you enjoy going to different types of wellness classes when they have workshops? When planning your visit to Koh Phangan, it is easily possible to dive deeper into your inner hippie and in return possibly find yourself. A huge variety of services are offered on this lovely island that are perfect for any level of self-work you are interested in. Every budget can find a place here as well. So let’s find out what Koh Phangan has to offer!
Where is Koh Phangan and Why Should I Visit?
Located in the gulf of Thailand, this island is an absolute must see. The beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and beautiful water are worth the visit alone. A full-moon party is also hosted each month along with a half-moon party. This is often why people deem the area as a party island. It is well-known that you can easily walk around and find different…supplements…to take while there. If this is your choice, do your best to remain safe and be smart about it. We highly encourage finding a place to stay that is within walking distance of the parties.
Though a party is fun, this island offers even more wellness options than any place we’ve been before. If you want to deepen your yoga practice, there is a place on every road for it. More interested in taking a workshop? Plan ahead but there is unlimited options. Want to get in touch with your inner self on a less guided experience? There’s space for that as well. Prefer to dance the night away on the beach with a drum circle? There’s that too! The options are endless and worth every minute you will spend on this stunning island.
Yoga
Let’s start with the obvious of most people’s choice. Every road on this island has an option for yoga it seems. When planning your trip, check online ahead of time to see if there are any workshops you might be interested in. Many are set up as wellness retreats where you are able to stay on location as well. If you only have a few days, most places also run daily classes for around $10-15 for a drop in. Usually they will provide yoga mats, blocks, straps, and towels for you. Bring your own water as it can be very warm. Who needs hot yoga when your doing it outside in Thailand? You’ll sweat just the same.
Koh Phangan is perfect if you are wanting to get your RYT certificate. It is super easy to get around and is full of like minded people. You’ll find a wide variety of places offering different levels of certification for a really reasonable price.
Another great option if you are going with a friend or partner is doing an acroyoga option. Most of what I found was specifically related to a retreat experience for acroyoga. It is also not a requirement to have a partner for the classes. Generally they will let you know what the requirements are. Costs will change based on single vs two people. This is a great opportunity to tune in with your body and your partner’s body! Building confidence in yourselves and your communication skills can be an awesome way to connect in your relationship!
Here are the locations I’d recommend based on experience: Pyramid Yoga Center and Anahata Yoga Shala.
Sound baths and Meditation
Along with yoga, many places will offer sound baths or guided meditation. Most places will offer a variety of services. There is a mixture of retreats, drop in options, and one-on-one guided experiences.
My absolute favorite is The Dome. They have herbal saunas that are big enough for 5-10 people in one. In the evening, they offer an hour long sound bath where you lay around a firepit with cosy pillows. A unique part is the light show they have projected onto the forest. With an offering of fresh fruit and water it is easy to spend a few hours here. After the entrance fee, you can pay a little extra for homemade kombucha and a fresh treat. They also offer tarot cards for reading yourself. If you are worried about being sweaty, there is a shower just outside the sauna and provided towels.
Another great option is Aum Sound Healing. They offer a sauna, ice bath, sound baths, yoga, and breath work. Prices are as low as $8 for basic classes. Private classes are quite a bit more but if you are here for a deep healing experience, the price may be worth it.
Energy Healing, Reiki, General Wellness
Getting deeper into your own healing can be done at many different levels. A common part of many of these services offered is having a one-on-one experience. Noting that it is pretty much always going to cost more for this type of experience.
If you know there is something you are wanting to work on specifically, doing your research ahead of time can be helpful. Here are a few key words you can use in your search to find the right practitioner for your goals:
- Breathwork
- Reiki
- Energy healing
- Rebirth work
- Bodywork
- Mindfulness
Please note these photos and offerings were available at the time we visited. It is highly possible there will be different offerings and some of these may no longer be available.
Unique Workshops on Koh Phangan
Since there are so many options, it is hard to experience all of them in a short time. For that reason we only had time to do a few and then while there learned about even more options! So here is a list of other experiences that we saw offered throughout the island:
- Tantra (massage, movement, and teacher traingings)
- Ecstatic Dance
- Shamanic Medicine Ceremonies
- Aquatic Healing
- Women’s Healing
- Intimacy Healing (partnered and by yourself)
- Hypnosis
- Detox Experiences
- Tapping therapy (Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT)
- Ayurveda Wellness
After a day of great healing work, head over to Zen Beach. This is where many people will hold drum circles and do fire dancing. With a couple of restaurants it is a great spot to spend the evening. It also faces the sunset.
I hope you are fully convinced that a visit to Koh Phangan should be on your travel itinerary! And if some of this sounds a little woo woo, don’t knock it till you try it! Let us know your favorite place to visit when in Koh Phangan!!!
