Thinking of joining a yoga retreat in Koh Phangan, Thailand? Great idea! This stunning island is one of the best yoga destinations in Thailand for those looking to get in touch with their spiritual side in a tropical island paradise!
Koh Phangan, also known as Ko Pha Ngan, is most famous for it’s Full Moon Party (which, confession – I hated!) But there is so much more to this picturesque, spiritually-minded, island than this and the rest of the island is pretty peaceful, especially outside of the Full Moon period.
As well as beautiful tropical beaches, a gorgeous mountainous and jungly interior, and a magical, spiritual vibe, there are so many world class yoga retreats in Koh Phangan making the island one of the best places to practice yoga, not just in Thailand, but in the whole world!
My Guide to Yoga in Koh Phangan
There’s certainly no shortage of choice for yoga in Koh Phangan, whether you are a beginner or more experienced yogi, whether you are on a budget or looking to treat yourself to a luxurious experience, there’s really something for everyone.
The numerous yoga studios and yoga retreat centres in Koh Phangan offer everything from drop in yoga classes to yoga retreats, tantra retreats, detox retreats, spiritual retreats, vegan retreats, healing retreats and yoga teacher training courses!
But with so many options, it can be difficult to narrow it down to choose the best Koh Phangan retreat for you – that’s where I come in.
When I first came to live on Koh Phangan I went to different yoga classes every day to try out all the different yoga schools and yoga styles to find one that suited me best.
So I thought it would help other yogis to write about and recommend my favourite yoga retreats in Koh Phangan and tips if your planning a yoga trip to this paradise island.
Why I Love Practicing Yoga in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is not just a beautiful tropical Thai island with crazy nightlife, it’s also fast becoming a Yoga mecca.
The area of Sri Thanu in the North-West of Koh Phangan has become the center for all things yoga related and has many yoga studios and vegan restaurants that attract more conscious yoga travellers and hippies, a far cry from the Full Moon revellers on the other end of the island in Haad Rin.
This island also has a very special vibe and energy that is said to come from the Rose Quartz the island is made from. Koh Phangan attracts a loving, open and conscious yoga community making it one of the best places in the world to take a yoga retreat and connect with yourself and others.
What better place to do yoga than on a magical, spiritual, tropical island in Thailand with some amazing teachers and surrounded by a great community of like minded yogis.
Read More: My Favorite Things To Do on Koh Phangan
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How to Choose the Right Koh Phangan Retreat for you
Before booking your yoga trip to Thailand be sure to do your research and check that the yoga retreat you plan to go to is in fact a good one. I feel this especially important now after the allegations against the popular and famous Agama yoga school’s founder.
A great site I use for checking reviews and testimonials is www.bookyogaretreats.com and www.bookretreats.com. On these unbiased sites you can search for retreats all over the world, find out more about the classes, instructors, accommodation and food offered as well as getting the lowest price and booking your place.
Duration and cost are of course important factors, but don’t forget to check what’s included to make sure you get the best value for money retreat you can.
Also consider the style of yoga taught and level of yoga practice required. Some retreats are designed for beginners, while others are better suited to yogis at an advanced level. Some retreats concentrate on a specific type of yoga whilst others offer multiple styles so make sure your chosen retreat matches your proficiency level and offers your favorite style.
Other things to take into consideration include the type of retreat – what are your objectives – yoga, healing, wellness, detox, relaxation, spirituality, or a combination? Whatever your reasons for heading to the island you should be able to find a retreat to suit.
Many Koh Phangan retreats also provide extra activities and extra services like spa treatments, cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance, meditation, sessions, tantra workshops, detox plans, wellness consultations and excursions around the island.
You’ll also want to check the location, amenities and facilities meet your requirements. You can find retreats located on the beachfront or nestled in the jungly hills. Many retreats have a swimming pool and air conditioned rooms, but some of the cheaper ones might now so if that’s important to you it’s something to check.
You might also check out my post on the best yoga retreats in all of Thailand for more options across this beautiful country. But for now let’s reveal the best yoga retreats on Koh Phangan island!
My Picks for the 6 Best Yoga Retreats in Koh Phangan, Thailand
Here’s my quick list of the best yoga retreats in Koh Phangan, based on my personal experience, friend’s recommendations and review score. If you’re in a hurry, click the links for more info, or carry on reading if you want to discover why I choose each one.
- Vegan Yoga and Meditation Retreat, Wonderland Healing Center
- Spiritual ‘Sadhana’ Yoga Retreat, One Yoga Thailand
- Ashtanga Yoga Detox Retreat, The Yoga Retreat Koh Phangan
- Yoga and Detox Retreat, Orion Healing Centre
- Luxury Beach Yoga Retreat, The Sanctuary Thailand
- Yoga, Healing and Awakening Retreat, Samma Karuna
I’ve tried to include retreat prices where possible to help you find one that fits your budget, but be aware that, due to the fluctuations in currency exchange rates, these prices are approximate. Check the most up to date prices using the links provided to the retreats.
Vegan Yoga and Meditation Retreat at Wonderland Healing Center
- Location: Baan Maduea Wan, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 415 / £ 330 / € 380
My favourite Koh Phangan yoga retreat, Wonderland Healing Center, is nestled in the jungle in the centre of the island surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. It was founded by a group of friends that all experienced changes in their life thanks to yoga, and wanted to share this with others.
Wonderland Healing Center is a community-based and affordable yoga retreat centre that has 37 air-conditioned rooms, a two-storey yoga studio (shala), a herbal steam sauna and a swimming pool. It is located in a magical place just inland close to temples and waterfalls and the beach is also not too far away.
This retreats center offers yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and meditation classes for all levels as well as dance, sound healing, breathwork, kirtan, lectures of yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and so much more.
The most popular program is the 8 day yoga, meditation and vegan wellness retreat that includes accommodations, 3 incredible vegan buffets a day, yoga classes, meditation sessions, Thai massages, and access to all facilities and other activities. You’ll certainly not get bored here!
Spiritual ‘Sadhana’ Yoga Retreat at One Yoga Thailand
- Location: Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 350 / £ 275 / € 320
One Yoga is well known for running one of the most popular yoga teacher training programs on Koh Phangan but if you’re looking for a deep dive into yoga, meditation, spiritualty and philosophy then their shorter retreats are ideal.
This retreat offers so much more than just yoga classes in a variety of yoga styles including Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, and Yin Yoga. You’ll also learn about the rich philosophy of yoga, and develop a Sadhana (daily spiritual practice) which is the pillar of traditional yoga, leading to transformative spiritual growth.
The silent and guided meditation sessions, sound journeys and Yoga Nidra practice also offer healing and a transformative new perspective on yoga, yourself and life in general.
You’ll stay in a private beachfront resort in Koh Phangan and receive a wholesome breakfast and lunch each day. Being surrounded by a supportive community and away from the stress and distractions of daily life is the ideal setting for spiritual and personal growth.
On this retreat you’re sure to find it easy to stay devoted to your practice and experience the profound benefits that a consistent yoga practice brings.
Ashtanga Yoga Detox Retreat at The Yoga Retreat Koh Phangan
- Location: Haad Salad, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From Approx. $ 382/ £366 / €304
One of the original detox and yoga centres on the island, The Yoga Retreat Koh Phangan opened its doors in 2000 and specialises in the Ashtanga style of yoga. Owners Teresa and Kes Kennard are both level 2 KPJAYI teachers, trained in India under the guidance of the famous K Pattabhi Jois.
The Yoga Retreat is nestled in the jungle just above Haad Salad, which happens to be one of the most spectacular beaches on the island. They offer private and shared rooms, have a healthy vegan restaurant onsite and offer some of the cheapest retreat packages on Koh Phangan.
Retreats can lasts as little as 6 days or as many as 30 days, but the most popular and most beneficial duration is their 8 day life changing detox fasting retreat program.
On this retreat you’ll study the traditional Mysore style of Ashtanga in a beautiful jungle setting with some ace teachers and follow a detox fasting program with 3 detox shakes a day. So, if you’re and Ashtangi looking to detox look no further that this Koh Phangan retreat!
Yoga and Detox Retreat at Orion Healing Centre
- Location: Sri Thanu Beach, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 5 – 29 Days
- Price: From Approx. $ 600/ £475 / €550 for 5 days
Founded in 2005 as a reiki and healing centre, Orion Healing Centre later brought yoga into the mix and today it is one of the largest and most popular yoga retreats in Koh Phangan.
It’s situated right on the beach in the popular yogi area of Sri Thanu and specialises in detox programs, wellness programs, reiki courses and, of course yoga retreats. You can even choose to add them all into the mix.
There are three yoga shalas onsite that offer a wide range of classes, and there is an amazing open-air vegan restaurant. Retreat packages range from 3 to 14 days and include accommodations, unlimited yoga classes, meditation, 3 meals a day and use of the onsite gym and facilities.
The most popular yoga retreat here is their signature 12 day complete detox program which is specifically designed to restore your body’s natural self-healing abilities. Their shorter 5 day yoga and healthy living retreat is also really good for those with less time.
Luxury Beach Yoga Retreat at The Sanctuary Thailand, Haad Tien
- Location: Haad Tien Beach, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 3 – 10 Days
- Price: From Approx. $ 185/ £147 / €170 (not including accommodation)
The Santuary is the oldest yoga retreat on Koh Phangan and was originally created as a private hideaway for friends. That was in 1989. It is now arguably the most well-known yoga retreat centre in Thailand, voted as one of the world’s best retreats by The Guardian, and a place that is exactly what its name says it will be; a sanctuary.
The centre is located on a remote corner of the island that is only accessible by boat and boasts a stunning beach and a hippy vibe. Add in the great food, world-class yoga teachers and wide array of accommodation options and you truly are in a tropical paradise.
They offer 3, 7 and 10 day yoga retreats, all of which include a daily yoga class, at least one private yoga session, at least one therapy session, massage treatments and accommodations. The only downside to doing a yoga retreat here is that only lunch is included, accommodation and other meals are extras so make sure you budget extra for these.
Yoga, Healing and Awakening Retreats at Samma Karuna
- Location: Haad Chao Phao beach, near Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 6 – 28 Days
- Price: From $67 / £54 / €64 per day
In my opinion, Samma Karuna is the most interesting and most complete yoga retreat in Koh Phangan due to the huge diversity of yoga classes, meditations and other workshops and activities on offer. It was also the center where I felt most at home.
Samma Karuna is one of the most diverse yoga retreats on Koh Phangan which opened in 2014. It’s located on Haad Chao Phao beach which is just a 2 min drive from the center of Sri Thanu – the most popular area for yogis.
The retreat centre features 4 yoga studios (3 on the beach), 2 evening event halls, chill out areas, a shop and a vegan restaurant. The entire environment at Samma Karuna is inviting and friendly, plus, accommodations are included in the price.
There’s so many different meditations, workshops and different styles of yoga including OSHO mediations, Qi Gong, dance meditation, rebirthing, tantra, evening and social activities. They offer both yoga and meditation retreats, all of which are priced to suit all budgets.
Their 11 day yoga and active meditation retreat is popular, but if you have time I would really recommend checking out the unique and comprehensive 1 month healing and awakening course.
They also offer yoga teacher training and detox programs. I think this is the ultimate yoga retreat in Koh Phangan – you’ll learn so, so much more than just yoga here!
About Agama …
Any mention of yoga retreats in Koh Phangan wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Agama. Agama is probably the most famous ( or maybe infamous is now more appropriate) and was one of the most popular yoga retreats in Koh Phangan. Agama ran comprehensive month long yoga courses, teacher trainings and tantric retreats.
In 2018 allegations were made about sexual misconduct there. The founder has now fled the island but who knows that will happen – Agama may restart again, maybe even under a different name. So that’s why I suggest always reading unbiased reviews first!
Anyway don’t let this put you off from coming to experience yoga in Koh Phangan – there are many more amazing people and wonderful retreats than there are bad. Just make sure you research your options and check reviews!
I hope this blog has helped you to find your ideal Koh Phangan retreat and that you have a wonderful time on this magical island. If you’re also thinking of exploring more of this beautiful country check out my comprehensive Thailand travel guide and Thailand bucket list which have all the information you need.
If you need destination inspiration read my article on the best places to visit in Thailand and see my 2 week Thailand itinerary to know how to fit the highlights of both north and south into one trip.
I’ve been blessed to be able to spend a lot of time in tropical, spiritual places with great yoga – so check out my pick of the best yoga retreats in Goa, India and my choice of the best yoga retreats in Bali too!
Read More Yoga and Koh Phangan Blog Posts:
- Koh Phangan – the perfect island for yogis, digital nomads and party people
- How to rent a house in Koh Phangan
- My cost of living in Koh Phangan
- Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan
- Best yoga retreats in Thailand
- 6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Koh Phangan
- Where to stay in Koh Phangan (for all areas and all budgets)
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