[button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/”%5D Overview [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/2/”%5D What’s Included [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/3/”%5D Excursions [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/tthailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/4/”%5D Itinerary [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/5/”%5D FAQs [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/6/”%5D Cuisine & Spa [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/7/”%5D Where is Thailand [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/8/”%5D Accommodations [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/9/”%5D Etiquette [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/10/”%5D What to Pack for Thailand [/button][button link=”http://www.alchemytours.com/2014/01/thailand-yoga-retreat-october-2015/11/”%5D Getting to Samahita Retreat [/button]

 

WHERE IS THAILAND

Thailand, formerly Siam, is located in the center of Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma, Laos, Malyasia and Cambodia that contribute to its diverse culture.

The country is a constitutional monarchy, headed by King Rama IX, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, who, having reigned since 1946, is the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. The king of Thailand is titled Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Adherent of Buddhism, and Upholder of religions.

Thailand is the world’s 51st-largest country in terms of total area, with an area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and is the 20th-most-populous country, with around 64 million people. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, which is Thailand’s political, commercial, industrial and cultural hub. About 75–85% of the population is ethnically Tai, which includes the four major regional groups, consisting of Central Thai (Khon Pak Klang): 30%; Northeastern Thai (Khon [Lao] Isan): 22%, Northern Thai (Khon Lanna): 9%; and Southern Thai (Khon Tai): 7%. Thai Chinese, those of significant Chinese heritage, are 14% of the population and up to 40% possess part-Chinese ancestry. Thai Malays represent 3% of the population and the rest belong to minority groups, including Mons, Khmers and various “hill tribes”. The country’s official language is Thai and the primary religion is Buddhism, which is practised by around 95% of the population. (Wikipedia)

The Island of Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, is located in the Gulf of Thailand. For centuries it has been considered a safe haven because of the thriving, self-sufficient communities that have little contact with mainland Thailand.  It is the perfect place to find a peaceful haven of serenity.

VISAS AND SHOTS

• Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Passport holders of the United States, Australia, and most European countries do not require a visa if staying less than 30 days. If you are planning on staying longer, you should get a tourist visa from the Thai embassy in your resident country, which will allow you to remain in the Kingdom for a longer period. You can also extend your visa while in Thailand. For visa information, please go to http://www.thaiembdc.org/wp/ for the United States; http://www.thaivisa.com for all other countries

• Do I need any inoculations

Generally speaking, traveling to foreign countries exposes you to new germs and diseases. Thailand is a clean, healthy place to visit. No
immunization shots are required. we recommend you take precautions to keep your immune system strong. Drink bottled water, wash your hands regularly, eat clean, healthy foods (do not eat street food), and take vitamin supplements if necessary.

• What airport do I fly into?

Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways fly directly to Koh Samui from Bangkok. They operate flights e
very hour daily, and you can book your flights directly online. One-way is around 4000 THB. Travel time is approximately one hour from Bangkok. There are direct also flights from Phuket, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Hong Kong. Please be aware that you will need to depart the US one to two days before the start of the retreat, depending on the flight schedule you chose. At Bangkok Airport you’ll meet this guy to your right. 

• What does Samui Airport look like?

It is a small, international airport with a very relaxed vibe. It has a beautiful outdoor mall.

• How do I get from Samui Airport to the retreat?

Samahita Retreat lies on the south coast of Koh Samui, a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand that still has long stretches of pristine beaches and unspoiled land. Situated on Laem Sor beach, Samahita Retreat is surrounded by towering coconut trees in a quiet, spacious area, with incredible sunrises and sunsets that play with the colors of the water, sand and tropical fauna. Only a few hundred meters away is the well-known Laem Sor Pagoda, which houses the remains of Leung Poo Daeng, a realized monk.

The main shopping areas are still within easy reach, about fifteen to thirty minutes away by car or motorbike and Samahita Retreat’s gentle setting inspires long, refreshing walks on the beach or through the meandering back roads.

We are forty-five minutes away from Koh Samui airport, and taxi drivers will know how to get to Laem Sor. Directional road signs will also guide you to Samahita Retreat as you begin to approach. Nonetheless, we recommend that you book a taxi pickup directly with Samahita Retreat, just to be sure. That way, someone will be standing at the airport holding a sign for Samahita.

More information and a map can be found here: http://www.samahitaretreat.com/koh-samui.html

• Do you recommend I spend time in Phuket? 

Yes, especially if you want that transition place between where you’ve come from and where you’re going on Koh Samui. Phuket is a vibrant city on the water and there are many easy excursions to enjoy nearby like the Big Buddha.

• Do you recommend I spend time in Bangkok? 

Yes, we do. It is the most amazing combination of an ultra modern urban mecca with ancient tradition. Take a couple days there if you can.