TheLoneRider
a nomad in search of Easter Eggs
yoga in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Yoga Series

Practical yoga classes for optimum day-to-day functionality
Facebook Event page: The Yoga Series

Prana Vayu
Prana Vayu
Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes
Eyesight
Abs Yoga
Abs
Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion
Digestion
Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle
Strength


Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020

Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes

Location Google Map: Nawa Saraan Healing Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Eye Care
Our eyes are muscles that can be exercised just like biceps or abs. We don't have to default to prescription lenses when vision becomes challenging. For clearer vision and eye strength, yoga has kriyas and mudras specifically designed to enhance eyesight.

Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes
producing tears through Trataka Shatkriya to cleanse and lubricate the eyes

Complimentary Approaches

  1. Gabor Patches - With age, usually beginning 30, the eye lenses harden making it hard to focus on nearby objects (presbyopia). If this cannot be helped, another approach to vision therapy is using the Gabor Patches. They don't really improve eyesight, but retrain the brain in interpreting what the eyes are seeing - visual perception. The improvement lies in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Here is a sample game.
  2. Supplements - Again, because diet alone is not enough to provide adequate eye nutrition, eye-specific supplements can be taken to improve contrast, degeneration and acuity - Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Astaxanthin and Bilberry extract. These supplements are mostly carotenoids - anti-oxidants rich in Vitamin A that prevents further cell damage caused by free-radicals (unstable molecules that have lost their electrons and damage the cells), enhance the immune system and promote healthy eyes. Supplements are amazing but you can get Vitamin A naturally by juicing carrots.
  3. Carrot Juicing - It's extremely rare that anyone gets a balanced diet to provide the required nutrition our eyes need. I learned this first hand when I started juicing carrots for taste. It tasted so good I was drinking 1 quart of fresh carrot juice daily for about 3 months. When it came time to get an eye exam, my eye doctor said my astigmatism was completely gone and that my eye grade was better than 20/20 so I didn't have to use my reading glasses anymore! Even when I stopped juicing, my eyes remained in great condition and it was not only til I hit my 50s when the aging process started taking its toll on my eyes.

The 90-Minute Class
This class uses traditional yoga eye exercises and conventional vision therapy to enhance eyesight and bring back that glow.

  1. Props - have props ready: pinhole glasses, Brock string already set up, Gabor patch screen on the monitor, bread dough rising (so at end of class, carrot juicing and use pulp for 2nd rising)
  2. Introduction - (writing things down on a white board and showing props [brock string, pinhole glasses]) eyes are just muscles, the aging process, yoga kriyas/mudras, pinhole glasses, carrot juicing, supplements, Gabor patches, Brock String method
  3. Eye warm-up/palming - eye roll, left/right, up/down, thrombone, near/far, eye socket massage, fast blinking
  4. Pinhole Glasses - Pinhole glasses are cheap and they allow you to read the fine print without squinting. It is still debatable if this restores the eye to normal vision, but it surely does not contribute to the erosion of eye health unlike prescription lenses.
  5. Brock String - Brock String is a popular vision therapy that uses a string with different colored bead tied along it. Practitioners focus with both eyes on any of the string and get instant feedback if they both see the 2 lines leading towards it and the 2 lines behind it. This determines if you have Amblyopia (lazy eye), Convergence Insufficiency (coordinated movement of both eyes as focused objects get closer) and Strabismus (eyes do not align properly when looking at an object).
  6. Surya Pradarshini Mudra - from hereon, things are up to you until the end of the class - no one knows how long it will take for tears to flow.

    In lotus (padmasana), 4 fingers of the 2 hands are interlaced and the thumbs form a cross (concentrate on this area), hands on shoulder level. Strained, tired eyes are given its glow again. Eyesight improves.
  7. Trataka Kriya - while on Surya Pradarshini Mudra, fix the gaze on one spot without blinking. On the in-breath, fill the lungs, pause and on the exhale, chant OM softly. When the lungs are empty, hold the breath and stay relaxed while keeping your focus on that object without blinking. The eyes will feel like burning. Do not blink. Keep staring on that object until tears flow.

    Trataka cures all diseases of the eye, provides good eyesight, and develops the power to become adept at Sambhavi Mudra.
  8. Sambhavi Mudra - once tears start flowing from both eyes, close the eyes and fix the gaze on the area between the eyebrows (Ajna Chakra) for the next 20 minutes. Meditating on Sambhavi Mudra produces measurable benefits on breathing and brain activities through the brain stem within 24 hours. This gives rise to single-pointedness of the mind. Life obstacles are smoothened-out instead of encountering snags along the way.
  9. Palming - rub both hands until heat is generated. Gently place the hands over the eyes and envision the eyes absorbing all that prana-rich heat from the hands.
  10. Meditation - meditate for 5 minutes in gratitude for the gift of already having fresh eyes with keen acuity, feel (not think) the feeling of having sharply focused eyes, eyes that can see even if it's dark, eyes that can read from near and far.
  11. Carrot Juice treat - everyone juices their own carrots

Ending Thoughts
As we age, the eyes deteriorate. So eye therapy is a constant wellness program for the eyes - it's not a one-time fix. Palming and nutrition play a major role and should be part of the program even if different modalities are employed (Brock String, Gabor, etc).

Eyesight is a precious gift and should be taken as such.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider

Class pictures

starting the class with Joanne
using the Brock String for instant eye health feedback
Pinhole Glasses vision exercise
Trataka Shatkriya on Surya Pradarshini Mudra for optimum eye strength
carrot juicing for that dose of carotenoid antioxidant

Vision Therapy blogs:

  1. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  2. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  3. Sagada: Vision Therapy Nov 10, 2006

External Links on Eye Care

  1. Yoga for Your Eyes - Meir Schneider presents a Youtube DIY on how to improve eyesight. He was legally blind. Now, he is licensed to drive a car without using glasses.
  2. Irlen Syndrome Eye Test - offensive light (flourescent, LED, computer screens) can cause 1 in 2 people adverse effects - fuzzy sight, foggy thinking, headache. Placing a color overlay can help. This test can help determine for Irlen Syndrome.
  3. f.lux - a free software download to lower blue light spectrum from your computer. However, when you have "Night Light" feature on your Windows OS, you can just simply activate it.
  4. Bulletproof - Dave Asprey gives 6 biohacks to improve eyesight

Reader Comments:

Suzi SuchiSuzi USA
(Jul 28, 2020) Very cool, G, and so important. I had a student with Irlen syndrome, he needed special yellow glasses

TheLoneRiderGigit
(Jul 28, 2020) Amber glasses, Gabor Patches and eye covers were also a few of the eye tools I covered in the class.

Tom LenehanTom Australia
(Jul 28, 2020) Are there exercises for glaucoma?

TheLoneRiderGigit
(Jul 28, 2020) Sorry, Tom, I have not yet looked into that.

Martha Jane WigginsMartha USA
(Jul 28, 2020) Thanks for this. I always forget about my eyes, but love to work them when I do remember!

Leave a comment?

Next stop:

Abs Yoga: Core Sequence yoga

Abs Yoga: Core Sequence

(June 14, 2014) Full 2-hour yoga sequence to develop the abdominal core. Core underpins nearly every activity you do, but it is also one of the most neglected muscle group in the body...more »»


Google Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

important places in Chiang Mai IMPORTANT PLACES
Chiang Mai Bus Station Bus Station
Chiang Mai Train Station Train Station
Chiang Mai airport Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

hotels in Chiang Mai HOTEL
Chiang Mai Arun Dara Villa Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Chiang Mai Nawa Sheeva Hotel Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Chiang Mai Nawa Saraan Hotel Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite, Chiang Mai Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

birds nest restaurants in Chiang Mai RESTAURANT
La Pizza Chiang Mai La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Chiang Mai birds nest restaurant Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

Thai massage in Chiang Mai WELLNESS
ITM – International Training Massage School ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school
Float Chiang Mai Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod
Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Lanna Massage Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Chiang Mai birds nest motorcycle Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200



USEFUL INFORMATION

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
  • crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
  • hot season begins March and lasts until June
  • wet season begins July and lasts until September
  • best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
  • you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
  • the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
  • to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
  • get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
  • shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
  • for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
  • FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
  1. North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
  2. Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
  3. Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
Chiang Mai Cost Index
  • B60 Chiang beer
  • B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
  • B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
  • B50 noodle soup with meat
  • B50 coffee
  • B40 pad thai
  • B30/kilo wash-only laundry
  • B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
  • B100-150 dorm bed/night
  • B250 fan room/night
  • B30 internet cafe/hour
  • B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
  • B130-150 Movies weekdays
  • B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
  • B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
  • B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
  • B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
  • B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

    • Transportation
  • B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
  • B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
  • B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
  • B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
  • B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
  • B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
  • B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B50 red taxi fare from point to point
  • B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

    • Tours
  • B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
  • B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
  • B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Bus from Loei to Chiang Mai
  1. From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
  2. As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
  3. The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
  4. Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
  5. Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
  1. In Pursuit of Happiness Aug 2020
  2. Manipuraka (Navel Chakra) Aug 5, 2020
  3. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  4. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
  5. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
  6. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  7. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
  8. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  9. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
  10. Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019) July 11, 2020
  11. Movie Review: The Kingmaker (2019) July 8, 2020
  12. Anahata (Heart Chakra) July 5, 2020
  13. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  14. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  15. Movie Review: Underwater (2020) Jan 19, 2020
  16. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  17. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  18. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  19. Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Jan 7, 2020
  20. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  21. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  22. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  23. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  24. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  25. Movie Review: Knives Out (2019) Dec 12, 2019
  26. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  27. Movie Review: Ford vs Ferrari Dec 5, 2019
  28. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  29. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  30. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  31. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  32. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  33. Movie Review: The Cave (2019) Nov 23, 2019
  34. Movie Review: Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis (2018) Nov 22, 2019
  35. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  36. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  37. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  38. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  39. Movie Review: Midway (2019) Nov 15, 2019
  40. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  41. Movie Review: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) Nov 11, 2019
  42. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  43. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  44. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  45. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  46. Movie Review: Judy (2019) Oct 31, 2019
  47. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  48. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  49. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  50. Movie Review: Roger Waters - Us + Them (2019) Oct 27, 2019
  51. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  52. Movie Review: Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Oct 24, 2019
  53. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
  54. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  55. Movie Review: Liam: As It Was (2019) Oct 23, 2019
  56. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  57. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  58. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
  59. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
  60. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
  61. Movie Review: Official Secrets (2019) Oct 15, 2019
  62. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  63. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
  64. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  65. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  66. Movie Review: Joker (2019) Oct 8, 2019
  67. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  68. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  69. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
  70. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
  71. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
  72. Movie Review: Hail Satan? (2019) Sep 29, 2019
  73. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
  74. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
  75. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  76. Movie Review: Ad Astra (2019) Sep 25, 2019
  77. Movie Review: Rambo 5 Sep 22, 2019
  78. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
  79. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  80. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  81. Movie Review: Farewell Song (2019) Sep 16, 2019
  82. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
  83. Movie Review: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) Sep 12, 2019
  84. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  85. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
  86. Movie Review: Yesterday (2019) Sep 3, 2019
  87. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  88. Movie Review: Midsommar (2019) Aug 28, 2019
  89. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
  90. Movie Review: Ready or Not (2019) Aug 22, 2019
  91. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
  92. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
  93. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
  94. Movie Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) Aug 14, 2019
  95. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
  96. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
  97. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
  98. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
  99. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
  100. Movie Review: Anna (2019) July 15, 2019
  101. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  102. Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) July 4, 2019
  103. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
  104. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
  105. Movie Review: Rocketman (2019) June 25, 2019
  106. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
  107. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  108. Movie Review: Aladdin (2019) June 13, 2019
  109. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
  110. Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) June 6, 2019
  111. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
  112. Movie Review: John Wick 3 - Parabellum (2019) June 4, 2019
  113. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  114. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
  115. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  116. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
  117. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
  118. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  119. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  120. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
  121. Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019) May 14, 2019
  122. Movie Review: Arctic (2018) May 13, 2019
  123. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
  124. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  125. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  126. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
  127. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
  128. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
  129. Movie Review: Hellboy (2019) Apr 15, 2019
  130. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
  131. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
  132. Movie Review: Shazam! (2019) Apr 4, 2019
  133. Movie Review: Captive State (2019) Mar 27, 2019
  134. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
  135. Movie Review: Captain Marvel (2019) Mar 19, 2019
  136. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
  137. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  138. Movie Review: Vox Lux (2018) Mar 2, 2019
  139. Movie Review: The Favourite (2018) Feb 25, 2019
  140. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  141. Movie Review: Alita Battle Angel Feb 19, 2019
  142. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
  143. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
  144. Movie Review: Spider-Man - Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Feb 3, 2018
  145. Movie Review: Green Book Jan 30, 2019
  146. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
  147. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) Jan 27, 2019
  148. Movie Review: Aquaman Jan 26, 2019
  149. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
  150. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
  151. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
  152. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
  153. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
  154. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
  155. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
  156. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  157. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  158. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  159. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
  160. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
  161. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
  162. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
  163. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
  164. Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

Travel Tips for Thailand

How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days

    60-Day Thai Tourist Visa

    NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.

  1. Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
    a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
    b) flight booking to Thailand
    c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
    d) filled-in tourist visa form
    e) 2 passport pictures
    f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
    g) passport with at least 6 months validity
  2. After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
  3. NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.

    30-Day Extension

    NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.

  1. bring the following to the Immigration Office:
    a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
    b) Baht 1900
    c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
    d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
    e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
  2. submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
  3. when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
  4. when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
  5. when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
General Travel Tips
  1. arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
  2. put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
  3. avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
  4. power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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