Thinking of doing your yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan!? Well, you’re onto something great!
There’s so many options all over the world for yoga teacher training (YTT) but, in my opinion, the beautiful, magical, spiritual island of Koh Phangan (also refered to as Ko Pha Ngan) is one of the best places to do yoga teacher training in Thailand and even the whole world!
Whatever your style of yoga and type of experience you are looking for there are plenty of world-class yoga retreat centers and yoga teacher training courses in Koh Phangan to choose from. While the island is most famous for the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan also has a spiritual side and is quickly turning into one of the world’s best yoga destinations so I thought it was about time I put together a guide to yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan.
My Guide To Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan, Thailand
Whether you want to change your career to become a yoga teacher, or even if you just want to take some time out to focus on deepening your practice, learning more about yogic philosophy or simply finding out more about yourself, the incredible yoga teacher training courses in Koh Phangan, Thailand are a great place to start on this transformational journey.
There are many options for yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan, so how do you decide?
Even though, in the end, I did my YTT in India, when I was living in Koh Phangan I tried out yoga classes at all the top yoga studios and I still visit the island often, so I can help you find the best yoga teacher training on Koh Phangan for your needs.
In this guide I’ll explain why I think Koh Phangan is the ideal place to do a yoga teacher training program, give you some recommendations for the best courses and tips for choosing from some of the best yoga teacher trainings in Thailand!
Also see: My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand
Reasons To Do Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan
So why should you do your yoga teacher training on Koh Phangan instead of some other Thai island paradise or in Bali or India? It’s hard to explain but the energy on this island is just special!
It’s not just the stunning landscapes, idyllic beaches, and lush mountainous jungles that make it a tropical paradise. It’s also the spiritual energy the island exudes, which draws in spiritually-minded, conscious people from all corners of the world.
The island’s unique healing energy is attributed to the rose quartz crystal it’s reportedly made from, making it an ideal setting for yoga and spiritual practice. With a huge range of yoga, detox, healing, tantra and spiritual retreats, Koh Phangan is rapidly gaining recognition as a global epicenter for all things yoga. From the barefoot foot luxury of the famous the sanctuary retreat to budget friendly drop in classes on the beach – there’s something for every yogi on Koh Phangan.
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While there’s many great retreats on the island, if you’re more serious about wanting to learn yoga and want to become a yoga teacher then joining a Koh Phangan yoga teacher training program allows you learn from experienced yoga teachers and gain your yoga teacher certification while being immersed in the spiritual essence of the island, be part of a community of like-minded yogis, reconnect with your inner self and experience profound personal and spiritual growth.
The Sri Thanu region, located in the North-West, is the yoga hub of Koh Phangan, brimming with yoga studios, vegan eateries, and wellness resorts.
This tranquil part of the island is a refreshing contrast to the party vibes of the Full Moon revellers at Haad Rin, situated at the southern end of the island. Contrary to it’s party island reputation the rest of the island is actually quite peaceful, especially outside of the Full Moon period.
Tropical Thailand is also one of the best travel destinations in the world so don’t miss the chance to see the rest of this incredible country before or after your training.
From ancient monuments to golden Buddhist temples, to vibrant night markets and sizzling street food, tropical islands to lush jungles, there’s so many beautiful places to see in Thailand, plus it’s easy, affordable and safe even for solo female travellers.
Koh Phangan’s weather is normally warm and sunny, perfect for practicing yoga outdoors or on the beach, but note that November and December can be very rainy so its not the best time to go.
Check out my Thailand travel guide for all the practical tips you need, the Ultimate Thailand Bucket List, and my 2 week Thailand itinerary to find out how to fit the highlights of both north and south into one trip.
The Best 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Koh Phangan
So here’s my pick of the best yoga teacher training programs in Koh Phangan:
- Best Multi Style YTT – One Yoga Thailand
- Best Multi Style Vegan YTT – Wonderland Healing Center
- Best Vinyasa YTT – Orion Healing Centre
- Best Ashtanga Vinyasa YTT – Ananda Yoga
- Best Hatha and Vinyasa YTT – La Casa Shambala
- Most Transformative YTT – Samma Karuna
If you’re in a hurry click the links above for more details, or carry on reading and I’ll explain what I love about each course.
200 Hour Multi Style YTT at One Yoga Thailand
- Location: Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 28 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 2,540 / £ 1,950 / € 2,240
One Yoga has quickly become one of the most popular and top rated Koh Phangan yoga teacher training retreat centers. The teachers here have over 60 years of experience between them and will teach you to teach both modern and traditional yoga in a stunning oceanside yoga resort with an open air shala (studio)
This YTT course focuses on traditional and authentic Hatha yoga and the spiritual side of the practice. You’ll also get to experience more modern dynamic styles like Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative yoga. You’ll also deep dive into yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology and a unique Zen and mindfulness meditation program.
The schedule includes an early morning meditation practice, the practice of yoga asanas, yoga philosophy, anatomy, tips on how to teach and an evening activity. It’s an action packed but not too overwhelming schedule.
The course fee includes accommodation and daily vegetarian breakfast and lunch, plus, it is just a few minutes’ walk to the beach! The yoga hall is a fantastic open-air structure that is protected from the mosquitoes by screens, while still allowing the natural breeze to come through. Can you think of a more perfect environment to dive deep into everything yoga!?
*Advanced yoga practitioners could also consider One Yoga Thailand’s 300 hour and 500 hour YTTCs
200 Hour Multi Style Vegan YTT at Wonderland Healing Center
- Location: Baan Maduea Wan, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 28 Days
- Price: From US $2,650 / £ 1,970 / € 2,200
Located in the heart of the island surrounded by lush jungle and waterfalls, just a short distance from the beach, lies the tropical sanctuary of Wonderland Healing Center.
Wonderland offer one of the best reviewed, and best value for money, multi-style 200 hour yoga teacher training programs in Thailand run in collaboration with Nirodha Yoga that has been running YTT’s for over 16 years in India.
This program includes two yoga, meditation and pranayama classes a day and comprehensive training on philosophy, teaching methodology, anatomy of yoga, bandhas, kriyas and much more. Yoga styles include hatha, yin, kundalini, vinyasa, Nidra, and acro yoga.
Daily vegan buffet meals, including a coconut or smoothie, tropical resort accommodations with sauna and pool, yoga books and a yoga mat are all included. In the evenings you can take part in Kirtan, bhajans, movies, lectures, or dance classes.
The friendly community vibe and experienced teachers who go the extra mile make this a special experience for anyone wanting to escape to a lush tropical and learn more about yoga.
200 hour Vinyasa YTT at Orion Healing Centre
- Location: Sri Thanu Beach, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 29 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 2,260 / £ 1,680/ € 1,935
Orion Healing Center, a holistic healing sanctuary and detox retreat that was founded in 2005, runs a unique Vinyasa yoga teacher training course that will help you find your individual and unique teaching style.
Their highly rated program starts with exploring the question ‘Who am I’ and combines top quality yoga training in a stunning beachfront location with reiki, herbology and detox. This will help you to purify your mind and body, clear out negative emotions, toxins, and fully awaken your chakras and set you up for a life changing journey of exploration, personal growth and evolution.
Besides the yoga theory and philosophy, the daily asana classes (Ashtanga Vinyasa and Yin), anatomy and alignment, they focus on ethics, mindful movement and practice teaching in small groups. Their Yoga Alliance Certified 200-RYT program will give you the confidence and qualification to start teaching yoga with authenticity and integrity in unique way that is individual to you.
What I found to be truly unique about their yoga teacher training is the exploration of the interplay between yoga and its connection to spirit through reiki, the power of plant-based nutrition, herbalism and their properties for healing.
The variety of tools that you gain there through detoxification, diet change, yoga, meditation and healing are tools that incorporated as part of a daily lifestyle choice, can help people to become healthy, vibrant and gain the clarity and courage to truly follow their dreams and resolve many personal issues.
Orion is located in the yoga centric village of Srithanu on its own private white sand beach, set in a natural tropical gardens full with butterflies and exotic flowers, 3 yoga shalas, a spa, herbal steam rooms and a wellness lounge with ocean views.
They also boast an award-winning, beachfront cafe that serves high-quality healthy vegan and raw food dishes and offer a variety of comfy accommodation options from rustic bamboo huts to modern air conditioned rooms. Accommodation and buffet style lunch and dinner are including in the YTT package.
200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa YTT with Ananda Yoga
- Location: Hin Kong, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 29 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 2,350 / £ 1,800 / € 2,075
This 29 day 200 hr Ashtanga-Vinyasa yoga teacher training is held at Ananda Yoga and Detox Center in Hin Kong. The retreat center is surrounded by coconut palms and with beautiful views of the nature that makes the island so magical.
This amazing Koh Phangan yoga teacher training course includes comprehensive asana instruction in dynamic Ashtanga and Vinyasa forms along with explorations of Yin, Myofascial Release, Restorative yoga, and much more.
Plus, Ananda offers teachings on the business of yoga which includes a professional photo shoot as part of the training to help you build your professional portfolio.
As well as Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga practice, the courses includes anatomy, philosophy, ethics and meditation. One thing that makes Ananda Yoga stand out amongst the rest is that the course also includes an introduction to Myofascial Release and restorative yoga.
A typical day here will start with an early morning yoga and meditation session, and ends with an evening of self-practice, beach time, or a relaxing movie. You will also do pose and somatic clinics, and have free time to enjoy the rest of the island. They also offer the option to do day trips to waterfalls and temples, and its easy to rent a kayak, scooter or mountain bike to explore with on your days off.
Accommodations onsite are in shared dorms, private rooms or individual bungalows, and include breakfast and lunch every day – there’s also lots of healthy cafes nearby with stunning sunset views for dinner.
200-Hour Traditional Hatha and Vinyasa YTT at La Casa Shambala
- Location: Wok Tum, near Thong Sala, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 18 Days
- Price: From approx. $1,963 / £1,461 / € 1,685
The 200-hour yoga teacher training at the long-established La Casa Shambala is an excellent option for anyone who is short on time or looking to keep costs low. In just 18 days, you’ll learn how to sequence and teach Vinyasa yoga classes, and you’ll walk away with an in-depth knowledge of topics like yogic philosophy and anatomy.
The days begin with meditation and pranayama, followed by Hatha/Vinyasa practice. After breakfast, you’ll attend 3 different lectures or teaching practice sessions, before ending the day with restorative yoga and dinner.
You’ll find the yoga school in Wok Tum, which is close to both the island’s central hub, Thong Sala, and the stunning Hin Kong beach, which offers some of the best sunsets in Koh Phangan. La Casa Shambala is a sustainable yoga school with a strong community feel. Expect shared meals, simple bamboo huts, compost toilets, and permaculture projects that you can get involved in.
This YTT includes all meals, so you’ll have everything you need on site. However, the central position also means there are several shops and restaurants close by, and the beach is a 20-minute walk away.
200 Hour Healing and Awakening YTT at Samma Karuna
- Location: Haad Chao Phao beach, near Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan
- Duration: 28 Days
- Price: From approx. $ 3,250 / £ 2,420 / € 2,790
Samma Karuna is one of my favourite yoga centers on the island as it offers such a transformational experience with so much variety of yoga styles and healing therapies and has a really loving, inclusive vibe.
Samma Karuna offers a unique 200-hour yoga teacher training course that is based on awakening, mindfulness and a loving heart and it was recently named one of the best yoga teacher trainings in Thailand.Plus, it’s right on the beach and Haad Chao Phao is only a few minutes away from Sri Thanu – the yoga center of the island.
One of the things I liked the most about Samma Karuna was the huge variety of yoga styles, meditations and other workshops and activities that are on offer including osho meditations and tantra workshops. A big bonus of this unique YTT is that you get a taste of these and you’ll also gain free access to their popular and unique 4 week Awakening and Healing program upon completion.
The YTT course at Samma Karuna embraces the values of Yoga, Tantra, Taoism and Buddhism, as well as covering all the subjects that you need to go off and teach yoga yourself. You will learn to teach Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga, as well as learn meditation, anatomy, physiology, the history of yoga, philosophy, nutrition and all about the 8 limbs of yoga of Patanjali.
Samma Karuna offer free yoga classes daily to the public which give recently certified teachers an amazing chance to home their teaching skills if you want to stay on after the course and do an internship. It is a unique program unlike any other on the island.
Accommodation in the cute bungalows on this beach front resort and 2 vegetarian meals each day is included in the course fee. Food is also served at the tasty, healthy onsite cafe. If you volunteer for 3 to 4 hours a day you can even get a 20% discount.
How to Choose a Koh Phangan Yoga Teacher Training Program
The 200 hour yoga teacher training certification is the foundational qualification required to start teaching yoga and there are many places that offer 200 hour yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan.
No two courses are the same but all will include not only twice daily yoga classes, but also meditation and pranayama sessions and lectures on yoga philosophy, alignment and anatomy and teaching methodology and practice. Most also include accommodation and meals in the package.
But before you shell out thousands of dollars and commit yourself for a month to do one of these courses, take the time to be sure to choose one that is right for you and the style that you wish to teach.
Always make sure your YTT is Yoga Alliance approved and check the qualification of the yoga teachers, certification offered, the style of yoga taught and the level of experience required. Also consider the location, facilities, accommodation, meals and any extra activities provided. Read more tips on how to choose your YTT here.
YTT is big business nowadays, and some yoga teacher training places are more about profit than anything else and there have even been reports of sexual abuse in some places.
Just because a yoga school is high up on the google search it doesn’t mean they offer the best and most authentic teachings – it just means they are good at seo and use the keyword ‘best yoga teacher training course’ a lot or pay money to google ads to be up there!
It’s really important to do your research – you want your Koh Phangan yoga teacher training experience to be a good investment and life changing experience for the right reasons! A great site I use for finding yoga retreats and yoga teacher trainings and checking out reviews is on bookyogaretreats.com.
I spent a few months living on Koh Phangan and had a chance to take yoga classes at all the top yoga studios in Koh Phangan. By combining my personal experience, my friend’s experiences, research and reviews I’ve put together my pick of the best yoga teacher trainings on Koh Phangan to help you narrow down your search. I hope it helps!
By the way, I’ve included course prices to help you choose the right YTT for your budget, but note that these are approximate prices due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, so check the most up to date prices using the links provided to the retreats.
I hope this blog has helped to find your ideal Koh Phangan yoga teacher training course. Check out my other posts or this article about yoga teacher training abroad for more tips and recommendations and my other Thailand blogs for more travel tips.
Have you done yoga teacher training in Koh Phangan? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below 😊
Read More Yoga and Koh Phangan Blogs:
- Koh Phangan beyond the full moon party
- How to rent a house on Koh Phangan
- My Cost of Living in Koh Phangan
- Best Yoga Retreats in Koh Phangan
- Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan
- Confession – I hated the Full Moon Party
- 6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Koh Phangan
- Where to stay in Koh Phangan (for all areas and all budgets)
- 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali
- Yoga teacher training courses in Bali
- 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Goa, India
- 5 Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Goa, India
- Reasons to take a retreat holiday for your next trip
- Exploring the quieter side to the party island of Koh Phangan – Telegraph Travel
7 comments
Very helpful information. Sometimes, it’s very hard to get the information about the teacher you are going to teach with. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, its so important to get to know a bit about what the teachers are like as it makes a big difference to your experience.
the article is worth sharing, also the list is very short to put all good yoga schools of Thailand. great, I am sharing it. 🙂 Please make a next article on top destination of yoga activities in Thailand.
Thank you for writing here for us.Nice Information and good Article in this blog and
keep it up this more and more good luck……
Great Post. I love your content. Actually I’m offering training room rental in Singapore and now I have planned to make it more perfect for yoga classes.
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