The Yoga Series

Practical yoga classes for optimum day-to-day functionality

Pranayama

Core

High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT)

July 11, 2020 to present

Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy)

Location : Nawa Saraan Healing Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Gearing Up for a Yoga Class
I've long toyed with the idea of conducting specific yoga classes to codify my practice into a teaching format. With my current focus on moving energies (prana vayu), It was time to codify my technique and teach an advanced Prana Vayu class.

Now back in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan with time on my hands and no hotel guests to worry about, I was already in an ideal position to do so. I could use the money (which means it's not a free class) and second, I've learned many things in the interim that can deepen the practice of those who wish to go beyond the usual Downward Dog. Teaching would also ensure regularity of my practice. Essentially, I'd just be sharing my private practice.

And what's so special about my practice? It's unique because so many disciplines are amalgamated with it - traditional yoga of T. Krishnamacharya, Sadhguru, Ramaswami, Vipassana meditation, freediving, Burningman, harnessing gleaned knowledge from many renegade thinkers like Mantak Chia, Bruce Lipton, Joe Dispenza, and Wim Hof, etc. I have developed my own practice, weaving together elements of those disciplines that fit together into a seamless singularity.

Does it work? Let's put it this way - I'm strong, I don't get sick and I hardly get old. I can eat anything I want, I feel connected with the universe and I find myself in the right place at the right time...always. That's enough validation for me.

What is Prana?
Prana is the subtle life-force that sustains us and the universe at large. Many cultures have different words for it. The Chinese call it Chi and the western world simply refers to it as energy. Without prana, there is no life. Enhanced prana means a vibrant life. We are born with a given quantity of prana. When we use that up, we die - so it's best to conserve it.

There are a few versions on how we source prana. Krishnamacharya says that we don't get prana from the air we breathe. We simply use prana that we were born with. However, Mantak Chia says that we can activate and align prana within our immediate space and that also becomes available for our use.

I have always been particularly curious about where we source our prana ever since I experienced the Superman-Effect. I was wondering, "Where is all this strength and power coming from? Is it from me? But it's too much to be coming from within. Was I able to generate that from the air I breathed? Am I harnessing it from an infinite source in this universe?" Even up to now, I still don't have a finger on it. All I know is that prana is real and boosting prana through pranayama can yield immense strenth and power.

There are 10 functional divisions of prana in the body and they flow within their respective nadis (energy pathways).

What is Prana Vayu?
Vayu means "wind". So Prana Vayu is the wind carrying prana throughout our bodies. When we move prana, it means energy reaches all our body parts, ensuring our health and well-being. If let us say, nadi in the liver is blocked and prana cannot flow through it, we get a liver disease. But once we clear the nadi and move prana into the liver, the organ is revitalized and sickness is gone. This also means that in theory, there is no disease yoga cannot cure.

Moving Prana Vayu
We move Prana Vayu essentially through pranayama (breath control), kumbhaka (breath retention), bandhas (energy locks) and mudras (balancing and sealing energy). These are the elements I employ in the Prana Vayu class.

The 90-Minute Class

Introduction - explaining the relationship between pranayama, kumbhaka, bandha and mudra. I explain what we are trying to achieve. It's important for me to let them know the theoretical backdrop so they get a sense of what they are doing and why they are doing it.
Stretching - neck to calves
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 3 rounds. While on bhaya kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) on the 30th exhale, focus on the anahatta chakra (heart energy hub). This strengthens the heart and causes stuck emotions to flow freely. Superior states of the mind follow. The body and soul are energized. Continued practice leads to kevala kumbhaka (spontaneous cessation of the breath). This gives rise to ekagrata citta (single-pointed focus of the mind).
Surya Namaskar - warm-up to generate heat. Not too much on asana, only to prime the body
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Navasana (boat) - point of failure hold while breathing. Objective is to observe an increasingly difficult pose while keeping the balance of the mind.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
The Wall - Point-of-failure leaning on a wall like there is an invisible chair - while breathing. Objective is to observe an increasingly difficult pose while keeping the balance of the mind.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths

(July 31) including me, we started out as 4

"All of us 4 went on the wall, one by one we succumbed to the fall, in the end, there remained one who answered the call"
High plank - can transition into side plank and back to high plank. Point-of-failure hold while breathing. Objective is to observe an increasingly difficult pose while keeping the balance of the mind.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Wall-Supported Handstand - Point-of-failure handstand on a wall while breathing. Objective is to observe an increasingly difficult pose while keeping the balance of the mind.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Purvotanasa (reverse plank) - straight line from pointed toes to shoulder as neck remains limp and head hangs. Hold until you can't.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Salabhasana (locust) - best to lift shoulder and knees on every inhale like a bellows. Hold until you can't.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Setu Bandhasana (advanced bridge) - body arches up with only the heels and shoulders pressing against the mat. Knees are NOT bent, arms do not touch the mat. Hold until failure.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Calf Extension - holding it causes cramping, so pump both legs and endure the burn.
Vinyasa - 1 round, transitioning into a seated pose for another round of breathing
Wim Hof/Dispenza breathing - 1 round, no kumbhaka, no bandha, no mudra - just 30 breaths
Anuloma Viloma pranayama - visualizing inviting divinity on the inhale, ingesting divinity on the in-breath hold. On the exhale, you approach divinity and on the out-breath hold, you surrender to this divinity
Kapalabhati - 108 repetitions
Anapana meditation - seated meditation while focusing on the breath

(July 11) carrot-bread after Prana Vayu class with Victoria, Joanne, Carlos and Juanito

Ending Thoughts
It wasn't an easy class because it was designed to be challenging. I thought there would be more yogis who would be interested. Why? This was my dilemma when I wanted to level-up. Where do I go? What do I do when I'm already proficient with my asanas? Where do I look for a teacher? Frustrated, I simply relied on established yoga text written by great and renowned teachers. Additionally, I leaned heavily on the new science which provided me a blueprint for the practice. I read, practiced and biohacked, figuring out what works and what doesn't.

You don't find this offering very readily so I was surprised that there were not as many takers as I thought. This class was meant to be a blueprint on how to get to the next level.

I think people will be more receptive if I teach practical yoga - yoga for healthy eyes on Mondays, yoga for ripped abs on Tuesdays, yoga for optimum digestion on Wednesdays, and of course, Prana Vayu yoga on one day of the week.

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

Gallery

(July 31) class picture: Joanne, Tom and Santiago

(Sep 18, 2020) PRANA VAYU class with powerful yogis Christine, Lara, and Jonas

(Aug 7) Twin Towers Asana with Tom Maher

(Oct 23) with Christine, Claudia and James (not in pic)

Reader comments

Christine

(Sep 29, 2020) Gigit is an excellent teacher, who has the gift of merging different disciplines together into a new, powerful and unique practice. I really enjoyed his prana vayu class, in which he teaches how to move energy, push beyond the limits of mind and body and thus become mentally stronger and energized. Gigit not only instructs you how to do so, but he is also able to create a space and the energy needed to push beyond the limitations. It is very interesting to see, how much further than you think it is actually possible to go. I am looking forwards to his next class!

Nicola

Nix Dawn Yoga
(Aug 2, 2020) Love the name of this asana!!! 🙂

Santiago

Damaru Sound Journeys
(Aug 1, 2020) Observing suffering 🙂

Tom

Tom Maher

(July 15, 2020) Gigit, thank you! I will definitely look at the blog to continue this practice. I've already been incorporating the pranayama into my daily practice. It was an excellent class, a great way to take the practice to the next level. I hope to attend another prana vayu again soon!

Joanne

@inhaledeeplyexhalefully
(Aug 1, 2020) Again thank you Gigit, for encouraging us to go beyond and find ease in discomfort with a non-reactive mind. You're a fantastic teacher. I am looking forward to more Superman training. 🙏

(July 11, 2020) Powerful yoga session and delicious freshly baked bread. Thank you 🙏 Gigit

Gigit
(Aug 1, 2020) With the way you're doing things, let's call it the Super Woman training 🙂

Victoria

(July 11, 2020) Very good teacher thank u Gigit

The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom

(Jul 17, 2020) In a Zeitgeist of emergent mind-expansion modalities, Heart Math comes along with the endorsement of 2 biggies in the conscious landscape - Gregg Braden and Dr. Joe Dispenza. How is Heart Math different from all the rest? Who needs Heart Math? To get the low-down, I sat down with Heart Math Director, Lead Trainer, and Master Coach Alan Strydom....more »»

Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPORTANT PLACES

Bus Station

Train Station

Chiang Mai International Airport

Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

HOTEL

Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening

Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe

Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location

Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

RESTAURANT

La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee

Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

WELLNESS

ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school

Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod

Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

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

North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
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)

take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
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.
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

From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
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.
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)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
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

Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
RSVP Nov 25, 2020
High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
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.

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
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!
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.

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
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
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes

General Travel Tips

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.)
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
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.
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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