Thailand has always been a popular tourist hotspot – but did you know it’s a fast growing fitness, yoga and wellness destination too!?
Yes, India and Bali have traditionally been the hotspot for doing yoga teacher training abroad, but the serene Buddhist spirituality, steamy tropical jungles, spectacular beaches and islands and friendly people make Thailand an excellent setting for a life changing, transformative yoga training experience.
Whether you’re embarking on a new career path as a yoga instructor and want to become a certified yoga teacher, or even if you just want to deepen your personal yoga practice, learn about yogic philosophy or simply find out more about yourself, joining a yoga teacher training in Thailand (YTT) is well worth considering.
Nowadays, yogi’s are flocking here to find their zen and there are numerous options for yoga training in Thailand in all styles and locations. So if you are feeling overwhelmed trying to choose the right Thailand YTT this post is for you.
I’ve completed yoga teacher training myself, so I know how confusing it can be shifting through all the options available for this challenging but also amazing and potentially life changing experience.
I’ve also lived in numerous places in Thailand, including Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, and Phuket and have been lucky enough to practice yoga in Thailand at some of the best studios, yoga retreats and yoga training centres.
So if you are looking for a guide to everything you need to know about yoga teacher training in Thailand and recommendations of the best courses to make your search easier, this post is for you. If you’re in a hurry you can skip to my recommendations for the best yoga teacher training courses in Thailand here.
Reasons To Do Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, there are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand and bucket list worthy things to do in Thailand, from island hopping and floating markets to admiring temples and elephants – you’ll never get bored in Thailand!
But ‘the land of smiles,’ is more than just a holiday hotspot – it’s also home to numerous world class detox and wellness resorts, yoga retreats and yoga teacher training centres – making it a great place to do yoga teacher training and become a certified yoga instructor.
Thailand is also a deeply spiritual Buddhist country, the local people are generous, kind, welcoming and make newcomers feel right at home. This joyful and serene energy, combined with the glittering Buddhist temples, beautiful beaches and stunning islands, lush jungles and mountains of Thailand make it an excellent place to explore both as a yogi and a tourist.
Yoga teacher training courses in Thailand are often much more affordable than those in Europe or America and normally include meals and accommodation too. Starting at around $1000 they offer world class facilities, experienced international trainers and truly inspiring, stunning scenery to practice yoga and meditation in. While the country is not as cheap as it used to be, you still get great value for money in this tropical paradise.
It’s also a much easier, safer and hassle free country to travel than India, so I’d recommend combining your YTT with exploring this beautiful country. If you need inspiration on where to go, check out my recommended 2 Week Thailand Itinerary to find out how to fit the highlights into just 14 days after your training.
How much does yoga teacher training in Thailand cost?
Thailand yoga teacher training is an important investment in both your physical, mental and spiritual health and also your future career if you are planning to teach yoga. Thailand is a more affordable place to do your yoga training than the West.
Most 200 hour yoga teacher training courses in Thailand cost between $1500 and $3000. Most courses take between 2 – 4 weeks to complete and prices include training, accommodation and meals. Some even include some excursions to explore nearby attractions and airport transfers making it really quite a good deal.
Don’t forget to budget for the cost of your flights too. To find the best deals of flights to Thailand check Skyscanner. You should be able to get a return air ticket from UK or Europe to Bangkok for about £500 or around $1000 from East Coast US.
Thailand is quite affordable to travel around and very safe for solo female travellers so I’d recommend allowing extra time either after your yoga course or before it begins to explore this amazing country. Check out my2 weeks in Thailand itinerary for the perfect combination of sightseeing, island hopping and adventure in both the north and south.
Different programs for yoga certification in Thailand
There’s a variety of yoga courses in Thailand to choose from but if you want to be qualified to start teaching yoga then the basic requirement is the completion of a 200 hour yoga teacher training course.
I always recommend going for a program that is approved by Yoga Alliance as this guarantees a comprehensive and quality program. It’s also highly advantageous to have a Yoga Alliance certificate as this will allow you to teach at any studio literally anywhere in the world.
These programs normally take between 15 – 30 days to complete and are usually residential meaning your yoga classes, food and accommodation are all included. I recommend taking the most time you can for the best experience because it is an intensive and challenging process.
There are so many different styles of yoga from traditional Hatha yoga, to full power work out yoga styles like Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga, to calming, relaxing and therapeutic styles like Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Once you find a style that you like and a teacher that you like in your home town commit to going at least 2 or 3 times a week for at least 6 months to prepare for your Thailand yoga teacher training journey. If you’re not sure which style to focus on I’d recommend doing a multi-style or traditional Hatha yoga teacher training.
While most yoga schools request that students should have at least 6 months of regular yoga practice there are no formal requirements to join these courses, some even take beginners.
Read More: My favourite yoga retreats in Thailand
All Thailand yoga teacher training courses will cover elements of both physical and spiritual yoga, including asana practice (physical postures), meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises), but will also include theoretical lectures of yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology and teaching methodology. The best programs include plenty of teaching practice so that you will feel confident and ready to teach upon completion.
Once you have completed the 200 hour training, you can further advance your knowledge with a 300 hour yoga teacher training. Or you could do them both together with an intensive 500 hour yoga training, this is a combination of the 200 hour and 300 hour yoga programs in succession and takes about 60 days.
If you don’t have that much time and are looking for short yoga courses in Thailand you can also do a 100 hour yoga teacher training in Thailand and come back later to do another 100 hours to complete your training. There’s also a few 50 hour options, for example in Yin Yoga or Sound Therapy teacher training which are normally extras to add onto to a 200 hour certification or just to improve your personal practice and enhance your yoga journey.
Also be aware that if you want become a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance make sure the course you choose is approved by Yoga Alliance.
Different types of yoga training packages
As well as considering the yoga program and yoga style you’d like to teach, you’ll also want to check what’s included in the package – this will mostly come down to your personal preferences and budget.
Would you prefer an all inclusive yoga teacher training package that includes accommodation and food in a yoga resort/ retreat style, or would you prefer to be more independent and just book the yoga training and then find your own hotel and restaurants nearby? Food at yoga schools is usually vegetarian or vegan so be prepared for that.
In my experience, the all inclusive Thailand yoga training retreats are often great value for money as they also often include airport transfers and some local excursions. The days can be long and tiring on an intensive yoga training so it’s one less thing on your mind when food and accommodation are all included on site. Plus the community vibes you’ll get from staying on site with the other students is priceless – many people meet new life long yogi friends on a YTT.
Luxury yoga teacher training retreats will often have a swimming pool and spa and be held in a beautiful resort, while cheaper YTTs may have shared rooms to keep costs down and may not provide as much food.
So check what’s included in the package to make sure you will be comfortable and have the best experience. Whatever you decide, always make sure your YTT is Yoga Alliance approved
The Best Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand
There are YTTs all over the country so whether you want to practice yoga on the beach on a tropical island or meditate surrounded by ancient temples and jungle in the mountains, there’s plenty of options available.
The best and most popular locations for yoga teacher training courses in Thailand are the beautiful islands – Koh Phangan is quickly turning into one of the world’s best yoga meccas while Koh Samui and Phuket are also home to several yoga centres as well as world class wellness and detox resorts.
In Northern Thailand, the historical old city of Chiang Mai is the spiritual and cultural heart of Thailand and you’ll find excellent yoga schools in the jungle and mountains surrounding the city.
You won’t so many Yoga schools around Bangkok. But it’s still worth spending a few days exploring Thailand’s capital city if you have chance as it’s filled with things to do and see. Check out my Bangkok itinerary for the best way to start your Thai adventure.
You might also want to read my comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide for all the information you need to know before traveling to Thailand.
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My Pick of The 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Thailand
These are the best yoga teacher training courses in Thailand, based on personal experience, friend’s recommendations and reviews.
- Wonderland Healing Center, Koh Phangan
- Pure Nature Yoga, Koh Yao Noi
- One Yoga, Koh Phangan
- EarthSea Yoga, Koh Samui
- Path of Yoga, Chiang Mai
- Orion Healing, Koh Phangan
- All Yoga, Phuket
- Ananda Yoga, Koh Phangan
- Yoga Vidya Mandiram, Chiang Mai
- The Yoga Mat School, Koh Samui
Carry on reading to learn more about what makes each one special and for more tips on how to choose the right Thailand YTT for you.
200 Hour Multi Style Vegan YTT @ Wonderland Healing Center
- Location: Koh Phangan
- Duration: 28 Days
- Price: From US $2,365
Located on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, Wonderland Healing Center offers a 28 day multi style 200 hour yoga teacher training program surrounded by lush Thai forests, waterfalls and breathtaking beaches.
This yoga teacher training in Thailand is among the best value for money and is suitable for both beginner and intermediate levels. The program includes two yoga classes a day, meditation sessions, and training on philosophy, methodology, anatomy of yoga and pranayama, bandhas, and kriyas. Yoga styles include yin, kundalini, vinyasa, Nidra, Hatha, and acro yoga.
Daily vegan buffet meals, including a coconut or smoothie, clean 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 experienced teachers who go the extra mile make this a one of a kind experience for your yoga teacher training run in collaboration with Nirodha Yoga tat has been running YTT’s for over 16 years in India.
Read More: Best Yoga Teacher Trainings in Koh Phangan, Thailand
200 Hour Yoga and Sound Therapy Teacher Training @ Pure Nature Yoga
- Location: Koh Yao Noi
Duration: 29 Days
Price: US $2,899
Yoga and sound therapy are two highly complementary practices, and with Pure Nature Yoga, you can become qualified in both methods in just 29 days.
During this holistic YTT, you’ll learn various yoga styles, including Hatha, vinyasa, yin, and restorative, as well as sound healing, meditation, mantra, and even moon ceremonies. The comprehensive curriculum will equip you to host transformative spiritual and wellness practices that blend the wisdom of many traditions.
Another massive highlight of this Thailand YTT is its location. Koh Yao Noi is a small, peaceful, and largely untouched island just a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket. Spending 29 days at the Island Yoga retreat center will give you that authentic Thai island experience, where your breaks involve ocean dips and sunbathing sessions.
There are both onsite and nearby accommodation options available, both within walking distance of the beach and village. Note that only breakfast is included in this YTT, but there are Thai restaurants closeby where you can enjoy the local food.
Read More: My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Bali
200 Hour Multi Style YTT @ One Yoga
- Location: Koh Phangan
- Duration: 28 Days
- Price: US $2,439
If you’re looking for a fun, multi style teacher training in a small timescale then this 28-day, 200-hour multi style yoga teacher training in Thailand could be perfect.
One Yoga is located in an ocean view resort in Sri Thanu, Koh Phangan – the yoga hub of Thailand. You will learn to teach Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Flow and will also be introduced to other yoga styles like Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative yoga.
You’ll get access to Yoga Alliance standard lectures and learn from teachers from a wide variety of backgrounds. They also have an excellent meditation program that will help to increase your mindfulness and enhance the benefits of the yoga training. Through their courses, you’ll get a unique and detailed look at alignment and anatomy and experience a high-quality, comprehensive yoga training. You’ll also get access to the One Yoga Online Studio.
The accommodation is situated in sea view bungalows surrounded by tropical nature with a beautiful ocean view yoga shala. Vegetarian breakfast and lunch is included and you’ll also get the chance to explore healthy and delicious restaurants nearby in the surrounding area.
On days off you can try fun activities like the herbal sauna, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, snorkeling, ecstatic dance and tours of temples.
Read More: My Guide to yoga teacher training in India
200 Hour Equivalent Intensive Yoga Teacher Training @ EarthSea Yoga
- Location: Koh Samui
- Duration: 12 Days
- Price: US $1,888
Want to do yoga teacher training in Thailand but can only stay for 2 weeks? No problem; head to Koh Samui for EarthSea Yoga’s super intensive YTT.
The in-person training lasts just 12 days, and to fit all the learning into this short time span, each course is capped at 5 participants. This gives the experience a truly intimate, personalized, and semi-private feel, a stark contrast to the large-scale YTTs found at some of the bigger yoga schools.
In this course, you’ll start each day by meditating on the beach. The days will then feature 2 yoga asana practices (Hatha and Yin), posture clinics, anatomy lectures, and philosophy-based Satsangs.
What I really like about EarthSea is that their yoga teacher training is synchronized with the moon’s cycles. The training starts on the new moon, as spiritually, this is the time of fresh starts and new journeys. It then concludes on the full moon, which represents celebrating progress and letting go of what no longer serves you.
Earth Mountain Homestay is located close to the trendy Bo Phut area of Koh Samui. You can stay in either the dorm or a private room onsite and you’ll get both lunch and dinner at the homestay.
200 Hour Hatha & Vinyasa YTT @ Path of Yoga
- Location: Doi Saket, Chiang Mai
- Duration: 26 Days
- Price: US $ 3,297
If you’re up for an in-depth advanced yoga teacher training in Thailand, this 26 day, 200-hour hatha and vinyasa YTT in Chiang Mai caters to intermediate and advanced students. This program focuses on Hatha, Vinyasa and Tantra yoga styles taught by experienced yoga instructors from around the world.
Path of Yoga practically apply and blend traditional philosophy and sacred traditions of the East with modern sports science. You’ll learn about the history and philosophy of yoga, anatomy and the science of breath work, mind, meditation and the subtle energy body.
There’s also teaching practice every day and, by the end of the program, you’ll have a certification from Yoga Alliance and all the skills to embark on your yoga teaching journey. You’ll also experience special activities throughout your stay such as chanting, massage, and meditation.
Held at the stunning Mala Dara resort in Doi Saket, just 45 minutes from the Chiang Mai airport, the location of this program provides unparalleled convenience. You’ll be immersed in nature and also able to explore the temples of Chiang Mai’s Old City on your days off. You’ll enjoy access to a swimming pool, spa treatments, personalised attention from instructors, and three daily vegetarian meals throughout your stay. They also offer an advanced 300 hour yoga teacher training program once a year.
200 Hour Multistyle Yoga Teacher Training @ Orion Healing
- Location: Koh Phangan
- Duration: 29 Days
- Price: US $2,949
I’ve had the pleasure of taking multiple yoga courses at the legendary Orion in Koh Phangan, and every time, I’ve been highly impressed.
Orion is one of the OG yoga schools of Sri Thanu. They have a long-standing reputation and a multitude of highly experienced lead instructors, including Sarah, with whom I’ve personally done yoga training. While this YTT is a little more expensive than other yoga teacher training in Thailand, you are guaranteed the highest-quality teaching and top-class facilities.
Talking about facilities, the recently renovated campus boasts a swimming pool, a herbal steam room, an infrared sauna and ice bath, a vegan cafe/restaurant, and a breathtaking beachfront yoga shala. And did I mention it’s situated on a semi-private beach? During the training, you’ll stay onsite, in a shared or private eco bamboo hut.
Orion’s YTT predominantly focuses on vinyasa, Hatha, and yin yoga, 3 of the most commonly taught modern yoga styles. But what makes this teacher training program so unique is the additional healing practices it includes, such as emotional empowerment workshops, Kirtan, and sound healing.
200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa & Vinyasa Flow YTT @ All Yoga Training
- Location: Panwa Beach, Phuket
- Duration: 23 Days
- Price: From US $2,650
Phuket is becoming a hotspot for all things wellness with several new yoga centers popping up – including All Yoga who have been running yoga courses in both Bali and Thailand since 2009 and have over 2300
All Yoga recently moved over to Phuket from Koh Phangan! I haven’t had a chance to check out their new location yet but I completed All Yoga’s training in Nusa Lembongan in Bali and now they have brought their world class YTT training to Phuket!
While many parts of Phuket are quite crowded nowadays, All Yoga hold their training in a serene beachfront shala on quiet Panwa Beach which is a world away from all the hustle and bustle of seedy Patong but within easy reach of colourful and cultured Phuket Old Town – so it’s the perfect location!
All Yoga’s 23 day, 200-hour Yoga Alliance approved training blends the Modified Primary Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa with Creative Vinyasa Flow, meditation, philosophy, anatomy and plenty of hands-on teaching methodology. The group sizes are intentionally kept small (max 16 students) so you’ll get an intimate experience with personal mentoring and confident, real-world teaching practice.
In between classes, you can recharge with ocean dips, island excursions, Thai massage and hikes to waterfalls. Accommodation ranges from on-site bungalows to nearby guesthouses, and if you are in the first 10 people to sign up you’ll receive free accommodation! You can also get $150 off by mentioning ‘Global Gallivanting’ when you book a YTT at All Yoga Training!
200 Hour Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training @ Ananda Yoga
- Location: Koh Phangan
- Duration: 29 Days
- Price: US $2,350
Ananda is a well-established yoga and detox center, renowned for its international teachers and successful YTTs.
Ananda’s signature 200-hour yoga teacher training focuses on the ashtanga-vinyasa lineage, though you will also explore more therapeutic styles, including yin, restorative, and myofascial release. Alongside physical practice, the theory includes lectures on anatomy and yoga philosophy. Plus, you’ll get daily pose clinics to nail those arm balances you’ve been working on.
The school is located in the hip district of Hin Kong, right on the beach and within walking distance to the island’s spiritual hub, Sri Thanu. Right outside the school is one of the best sunset spots on Koh Phangan, and classes end right before the magic happens, giving you the chance to enjoy a breathtaking twilight every evening.
Ananda’s YTT package includes two daily buffet-style meals, and honestly, the food is a significant highlight of this YTT. The meals are a mix of Thai and international dishes, with raw food options and vegan desserts. It’s healthy, delicious, and filling, so you won’t even need lunch.
200 Hour Hatha & Ashtanga Vinyasa YTT @ Yoga Vidya Mandiram
- Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai
- Duration: 22 Days
- Price: From US $2,200
One of the best schools in Rishikesh, India, also now offers yoga training in Thailand! Located in Chiang Mai, this centre is surrounded by rolling hills and tropical greenery around every corner. If you’re looking for an authentic, spiritual yoga teacher training in Thailand, this 24 day, 200-hour Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga program may be a great fit.
This comprehensive program boasts a cross-cultural and modern spin on traditional yoga teacher training. Instructors design highly intensive sessions to transmit authentic knowledge of yoga and meditation from the ancient Indian Vedic scriptures to help you lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.
With many different yoga styles including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Nidra, Karma, Japa and lessons on kriyas, mantras, philosophy, anatomy and Ayurveda, homemade vegan meals and satsang sessions, you’ll love the spiritual focus and rejuvenating quality of this intensive program.
The program also includes cultural activities like visiting ancient Buddhist temples, hiking Thailand’s highest mountain range and enjoying a traditional Northern Thai dinner with Thai cultural performance. The training is held on a private farm and accommodation is in comfy dorm rooms in a traditional Thai-style wooden house or you can pay a bit extra and opt for a private room in a nearby guesthouse.
200 Hour Intensive Yoga Teacher Training @ The Yoga Mat School
- Location: Koh Samui
- Duration: 19 Days
- Price: US $1,699
The Yoga Mat School has a yoga teacher training in Thailand that is among the most popular offers out there. Located in Koh Samui, this program is a 19-day, 200-hour intensive teacher training for all levels in Hatha, yin, and vinyasa yoga styles.
You will also get to explore yoga styles like Kundalini, Nidra and Metta and enjoy ecstatic dance sessions. You’ll study yoga philosophy and history, anatomy and physiology, asana, pranayama, healthy living, developing a home practice, ethics, chakras, mantras, meditation, teaching methodology, and get plenty of practice teaching yoga.
The program features 5 star accommodations right on the beach, a pool, a restaurant with room service, and a magical garden to explore. The deluxe rooms even have a deep soak jacuzzi bath perfect to relax in after a hard day of yoga training.
You’ll get access to multi-lingual teachers, free kayaking, bikes, and scooters, and courses that go beyond yoga to encompass healthy living, ethics, physiology, and more. Enjoy a luxury yoga experience in paradise while taking advantage of everything this dynamic teacher training program has to offer.
Tips for Choosing The Best Yoga Teacher Training Program
Yoga teacher training in Thailand is a life changing, transformative and very rewarding journey but it can also be challenging and expensive so it’s important that you do your research, prepare and find the best YTTC for you and the style that you wish to teach.
Before you get overwhelmed trying to choose between the hundreds of yoga programs in Thailand, take time to think about what your goals and personal preferences are, as well as your reasons for doing a YTTC. This will make it easier to filter through the huge range of options to find the course that’s right for you
There are many reasons to do yoga teacher training – not just getting a yoga teacher certification. Maybe you want change your whole career and become a yoga teacher, or maybe you just want to take some time out to learn more about yogic philosophy, focus on deepening your practice, get fitter and healthier, or simply focus on self discovery and personal growth.
Either way, yoga teacher training could really change your life and be the start to a whole new path just make sure you get the certification you need.
As well your reasons for doing a YTT and the certification you’ll gain, other important things to consider when looking for a yoga teacher training program include:
- The style of yoga taught
- Your experience level
- The length and price of the course
- The facilities and location
- The reputation of the yoga school and instructors
Yoga teacher training is very different from a yoga retreat – the programs are challenging physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Remember that you only get one body so listen to your body and make sure that you’re ready for yoga teacher training.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to do every pose perfectly to join a yoga teacher training in Thailand, it’s the journey that matters.
But, if you’re not sure you’re ready yet or want a more relaxing escape then there are also many excellent yoga retreats in Thailand.
How to find real reviews
With so many Thailand yoga teacher training courses to choose from one thing that is really important to check is reviews.
Be aware that the reviews and testimonials you see on a schools website or social media pages may not tell the whole truth so you need to see real reviews from previous students.
#MeToo in yoga is sadly a concern and yoga teacher training is big business now so you can never be too careful. Sadly, there have been reports of sexual abuse in some places like Agama so it’s really important to do your research and check reviews – you want your YTT to be an investment and life changing experience for the right reasons!
I’ve found sites like www.bookyogateachertraining.com, www.bookretreats.com and www.bookyogaretreats.com really helpful. On these sites you can search through all the yoga teacher training courses in Thailand (and across the world) learn more about the program, style of yoga, instructors, accommodation, food etc and, most importantly, you can read real reviews written by people that have already taken these courses.
Final Thoughts on Yoga Training in Thailand
As you can see there’s plenty of options when it comes to yoga teacher training programs in Thailand. Whatever style you want to learn to teach and whatever location you prefer, I hope this blog has helped to find your ideal Thailand yoga teacher training course and start your journey towards becoming a certified yoga teacher!
If you’re still undecided you can find even more courses on bookyogateachertraining.com. Whichever you choose I’m sure you’ll have an amazing experience.
Also check out my other blog posts about Thailand and yoga, like this article about yoga teacher training abroad, for more tips and recommendations.
Other Popular Yoga Teacher Training Destinations:
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in India
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Bali
- The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Europe
Do you have any more questions about yoga teacher training in Thailand? Leave them in the comments below the post and I’ll try my best to answer! 😊
2 comments
Yeah, I agree with your article.
Wow! I haven’t ever considered becoming a certified yoga instructor, but this post really made me want to get out there and do it. I do yoga at home in the mornings before work 3-4 times a week and I enjoy it immensely. It helps me wake up, feel happier, and of course has physical bonuses.