Practical Yoga
Practical Yoga
Yoga classes for optimum day-to-day functionalitySep 23, 2021
Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep)
Location : Nawa Saraan Healing Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a form of yogic sleep where the body lies down and sleeps while the mind remains alert, vigilant and aware. The body falls into a deep relaxed state, far deeper than regular sleep. In this awake but dream-like state, you can explore into your mind, deep into the subconscious - get to know yourself a little more. In tantra, Yoga Nidra gives access to the powers and energies within the unconscious mind and opens the doorway to Samadhi.
Tall Claims
Tall claims about Yoga Nidra have been made by realized gurus. Some sages, seers, sadhus and masters don't even sleep - they just do Yoga Nidra. They claim that a 30-minute session can be the equivalent of three to four hours of sleep.
Tibetan Buddhist, Lama Thubten Yeshe, who authored Bliss of Inner Fire (Tummo Yoga) once remarked that he accidentally fell asleep (during the times people thought he was in his regular sleep) - which means he was never asleep all those times people thought he was sleeping.
Vipassana guru, S.N. Goenka said in a 10-day silent meditation discourse that Vipassana yogis remain aware 24/7 even during their 'sleep'.
What is sleep?
Sleep is like a pit stop when the body can restore and repair itself from the toil of daily existence. Not just the body, but the mind and spirit also take a respite. Energy is replenished and the system is rebooted back to homeostasis. The less damage the body sustains, the less maintenance. The more friction the body endures, the more damage, the more maintenance, the more sleep time. However, if the body is well lubed, well-tuned and well cleaned, there is much less friction, therefore less need for sleep.
Yoga Nidra is not the same as sleep. Sleep relaxes only the mind and senses. Yoga Nidra relaxes the inner self.
Overcoming Sleep in Yoga Nidra
During initial attempts at Yoga Nidra, the initiate usually falls asleep - this is normal. However, as the practice progresses, he becomes more relaxed and finds no need to sleep. This is the time when exploration can be done. You can explore the deeper workings of the internal organs of the body; the rhythm of the breath and its ability to calm and heal; the power of the mind and its ability to think, emote and create; and, if you can stay the course, the luminosity of the spirit. For active meditations, Yoga Nidra can function as a healing meditation.
TIPS:
- on the mat - don't do this on your bed - you will likely fall asleep. Do this on your mat
- blanket - use a blanket, pillow and bolster to feel comfortable
- eye cover - wear an eye cover. Relaxation, recovery and healing are enhanced in total darkness. It can also add more hours into your sleep as melatonin is not triggered by light
- cannot sleep - if you can't sleep, don't force yourself into sleep - do Yoga Nidra instead and get the benefit of sleep in a shorter time
- detachment - as you remain aware in Yoga Nidra, you also need to remain detached - no reaction to any drifting thought
- seated or standing - if you feel fidgety lying down, try seated or even standing up
- awakening - doing Yoga Nidra when you wake up allows you to go the distance without falling asleep - because you just woke up
- fist-clenching - if you keep falling asleep, it's normal. Don't react to any frustration. When you catch yourself falling asleep, clench your fist and let go. This keeps you alert
Sankalpa
Sankalpa is your intention or the thing you want to manifest. You start the practice with your desired sankalpa. It is essential in the practice of Yoga Nidra. Your sankalpa can be general like "I am aligned with the natural laws", or it can be specific, "I will talk less and listen more." The wonder about Sankalpa is that it works behind the scenes. While you go through with life, through the years, you may just realize that your intentions have already manifested without you even making an effort to make it happen. Separately, there is also a sankalpa mudra.
Body Scanning
The mind scans the body starting from the right thumb. There is a specific order in compliance to the map the brain uses in sending signals throughout the body. This scanning is done much faster than Vipassana Meditation body scanning.
Awareness on the Breath
Even though there is no pranayama in Yoga Nidra, awareness is still maintained on the breath. Awareness straddles between breath, body sensation and sankalpa.
Induced Sensations
Sensory perceptions are induced, often in opposites - feeling cold and then feeling hot. The purpose is to make you traverse the full range of the sensory spectrum. This moves faster than Vipassana scanning.
Visualization
Visualization, just like most meditation practices, gives you a concrete perception of your etheric environment. When done vividly, the brain cannot distinguish reality from visualization and thus react as though reality is really happening and connect the corresponding neurons accordingly. Old patterns are replaced by new patterns.
The 60-Minute Class
- introduction - what is yoga nidra? what are the benefits? heads-up on the 60-min process
- sankalpa - reaffirm your sankalpa
- warm-up - Surya Namaskar A & B
- pranayama - bhastrika, kapalabhati, anuloma viloma, ujjayi
- Yoga Nidra proper
Instructions - 30-minute guided meditation
- Relaxation - quiet the mind, let go of all thoughts. Relax the body. Let go. Surrender to the greater forces at play. Its reason for being is to look after your well-being. Trust the process. Feel a deep sense of contentment in your heart. Be grateful for the things you have.
- Breathing - one deep inhale and exhale through the mouth with a sigh. Do it again. Resume normal breathing. Do not regulate the breath. This is not pranayama. Just normal breathing.
- Body Tensioning - Moving awareness throughout the body to release stuck energy. Focus on the lower body - feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips and buttocks. Inhale, contract all these muscles, intensify and hold that breath. Continue tensioning and stressing these parts. And release before you feel the strain. Repeat. Focus awareness on all the sensations.
Focus on the upper body - abs, sternum, rib cage, obliques, intercoastal muscles, chest, lower back, middle back, upper back, your trapezius muscles. Inhale, contract all these muscles, intensify and hold that breath. Continue tensioning and stressing these parts. And release before you feel the strain. Repeat. Focus awareness on all the sensations.
Focus on the arms - hands, wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. Inhale, contract all these muscles, intensify and hold that breath. Continue tensioning and stressing these parts. And release before you feel the strain. Repeat. Focus awareness on all the sensations.
Focus on the neck and face - the entire length of the neck, the jawline, chin, cheeks, nose, ears, eyes, forehead and your scalp. Inhale, contract all these muscles, and scrunch them towards the center of the face. Intensify, hold that breath and keep scrunching. On the exhale, do a lion's breath - stretching all your facial muscles, sticking your tongue as far out as you can, widening your eyes and pulling your ears behind you. Repeat. Focus awareness on all the sensations.
Focus on the entire body - from the tips of your toes, to the tips of your fingers to the top of your head. Inhale, contract all your muscles. Intensify and hold that breath. Continue tensioning the whole body. And release before you feel the strain. Repeat. Release. Let the body go limp like a rag doll. Focus awareness on all the sensations. Feel the flood of energy moving within the body. - Facial Massage - rub the hands together and cup the eyes. Small circular massage on the eye orbits. Massage the face - forehead to the hairline. Circle the thumbs on the temples. To the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, gently pull the ears, massage the jaw, jawline to chin. Relaxing all expressions on the face.
- Going Deeper - deep breath in, and let go. Focus awareness within, closing the doors to the outside world, gently reminding yourself that you will remain awake. Remain awake. Stop thinking and doing and begin feeling and being. Let the thinking mind sleep and awaken the feeling heart. By opening the heart, you co-create reality. You transcend the limitations of the mind. Just relax and let go. Let go of the control and let the benevolent forces take over. Let consciousness and energy become one. Trust the process.
- Breathing - Take a deep inhale and fully inflate the lungs. Slowly, very slowly exhale with pursed lips like blowing through a narrow straw. Don't rush it. Let it take as long it takes. Let it be a steady continuous unbroken stream of breath until the lungs are completely empty - no residual air left. Next inhale, fill your heart with joy, vitality and contentment. As you exhale, release any tension, stress and release anger or resentment. It has no place in your heart. Continue breathing with awareness. As you breathe, visualize you are breathing through your Heart Chakra, the Anahata. The air goes through the middle of the chest and inside. Prana is activated where the air goes. Feel the prana dispersed throughout your body. Feel it absorbed by the cells. Feel the energy pulsate. As you breathe out, you sink your body deeper into savasana...completely letting go.
- Sankalpa - Reaffirm your sankalpa. Make a clear mental imagery of your intention and with your heart, feel that the intention has already manifested. Feel the joy of having it. Feel gratitude for having it happened. When the thinking mind and the feeling heart merge as one, your sankalpa manifests. You become a co-creator of the construent essence of reality.
- Remaining Awake - reaffirm your resolve to remain alert, awake and aware, as the body sinks deeper into sleep. Drop into the deepest silence as you sink deeper into your subconscious.
- Body Scanning - these are 2 of a few ways to go about this.
a) Bandha Scanning (energy locks on joints)
A conventional way is to focus on the right thumb first or at least include the right thumb and proceed with scanning major joints which are also points of bandha engagement. This maps the way the brain sends signals throughout the body. The scanning is faster than the vipassana body scanning technique.
Focus your awareness on the right thumb. Observe. The index finger...now the middle finger...the ring finger...and the little finger.. Awareness on your right wrist - this is the seat of the mani bandha. Bandhas are energy locks that are activated when 2 opposing muscles flex on a joint. Move your focus up to your right elbow - this is the seat of your kurpara bandha. We have 9 bandhas or energy locks but most yogis are only familiar with 3 - mula, uddiyana and jalandara. Now, awareness on your right shoulders where you can activate your amsa bandha. Bandhas prevent energy or prana from leeching out, thus sustaining your strength, vitality and resilience from disease. Again, observe any sensation on your shoulder.
Observing, feeling, witnessing sensation without reaction, without changing anything.
GO BACK EXACTLY THE SAME WAY UNTIL THE VISHUDDHI CHAKRA AND THEN TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY, AND BACK TO VISHUDDHI. START GOING DOWN,
b) Chakra Scanning (energy hubs)
This is what I employ and this makes more sense to me. Beginning from the base or root chakra, I ascend towards the highest chakra, making stops on all the major chakras.
Chakras are energy centers where the 72,000 nadis (enery pathways...think blood vessels, but delivering energy instead of blood) converge for prana (energy) distribution.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
1] Muladhara Chakra
Move your awareness to the base of your spine. This is the seat of the Muladhara Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lift the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to awaken the kundalini shakti. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
Observe any sensation that's happening here. Stay focused. Muladhara is where it all begins - this is your base...the foundational cornerstone of all your chakras. This is where both the female or Ida Nadi and the male or Pingala Nadi begin their ascent towards the Sahasrara Chakra. This is where the Kundalini Shakti sleeps. This is where you engage your Mula Bandha. Maintain your awareness here.
Take a deep inhale, and on the exhale, in your mind's eye, silently, chant the seed mantra, LAM, while feeling a resonance on this chakra. Repeat the chant 5 times.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
2] Svadisthana Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to the sexual center at the sacrum. This is the seat of the Svadisthana Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Muladhara chakra to the Svadisthana chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
Once you transcend the survival mode, you shift into pleasure, indulgence and intoxication - sex, drugs and rock & roll. You crave respect, prestige and admiration. You now aim for genetic immortality - thus the sacral chakra.
Take a deep inhale, and on the exhale, in your mind's eye, silently, chant the seed mantra, VAM, while feeling a resonance on this chakra. Repeat the chant 5 times.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
3] Manipuraka Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to your navel. This is the seat of the Manipuraka Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Svadisthana chakra to the Manipuraka chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
Move your awareness to your navel - the seat of the Manipuraka Chakra. When this chakra is activated, you develop a strong body and a strong mind. You are determined and you make things happen. You influence public opinion. You are now powerful but not necessarily spiritual. Despite the power, you are left asking, "Is this all there is to it?". The Napoleons and Elon Musks of the world reside in this chakra. Observe any sensation that's happening here. Stay focused.
Take a deep inhale, and on the exhale, in your mind's eye, silently, chant the seed mantra, RAM, while feeling a resonance on this chakra. Repeat the chant 5 times.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
4] Anahata Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to your heart. This is the seat of the Anahata Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Manipuraka chakra to the Anahata chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
Stay focused here. When Anahata opens or becomes activated, you develop a heightened sense of perception about the reality. You begin your spiritual path where you feel the connection with the universe at large. You transcend the confines of your self-centered world and you open up for love and compassion. You straddle the 2 worlds - one leg remains anchored on default reality and the other leg rests on Cloud 9. As you deal with the challenge of existence, you also have heaven in your mind.
Silently, chant the mantra YAM and feel the vibration in your heart.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
5] Vishuddhi Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to the soft spot on the base of your throat, slightly above the center where the 2 collar bones meet.. This is the seat of the Visuddhi Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Anahata chakra to the Vishuddhi chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
This is your Vishuddhi Chakra. As you activate this energy hub, you no longer fight with life. You move with it, in compliance to the natural laws. You find yourself in the right place, at the right time, meeting magnificent lives who open doors to manifest your intentions. You operate at a higher level of competence. People gravitate to you. They sense that you do things beyond their abilities and you understand things beyond their comprehension.
In your mind's eye, silently chant the mantra HAM and feel the etheric reverberation within the throat chakra.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
6] Ajna Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to the spot between your eyes, slightly above the center. This is the seat of the Ajna Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Vishuddhi chakra to the Ajna chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
Focus on your Third Eye. Observe whatever sensation is taking place here. It can be throbbing, it can be pulsating, it could be warping or even tingling. Just observe and witness with no reaction, without attempting to change anything. Activating this chakra means you are intellectually realized. You have gained knowledge and you have wisdom. Psychic abilities begin manifest. You transcend this dimension and gain access to other worldly realities.
Silently chant the mantra OM and feel the activation of this chakra.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
7] Sahasrara Chakra
Move your awareness up along your spine to the spot on top of your head. This is the seat of the Sahasrara Chakra. Take a deep inhale, hold the breath, press the tips of the fingers and the heels against the mat, slightly lifting the pelvis to squeeze the mula bandha, generating heat to move the kundalini shakti from the Ajna chakra to the Sahasrara chakra. Keep holding and intensifying. Release before you feel the strain. Allow the body to sink into a deep sleep again.
From the Ajna, there is no established path towards Sahasrara. There is no blueprint, there is no template. You are on your own to take that leap of faith, trusting the process. When this chakra is activated, duality ends and union happens. Male and female unite as one. Power and consciousness become one. Shiva and Shakti are reunited. You are in a very deep state of meditative absorption where it becomes very clear that you are not your body, not your thoughts, not your feelings and not your memory. You are pure consciousness, you are divinity and you are the universe - and you are all of that combined into a singularity. This is where the self, the universe and God, become one. Pause. Let that sink in. Take as much time as you need to let that register.
Take a deep inhale, and on the exhale, in your mind's eye, silently, chant the seed mantra, OM, while feeling a resonance on this chakra. Repeat the chant 5 times.Reminder: keeping the mind alert/awake as the body goes deeper into full sleep. Sankalpa invocation.
- closing - gratitude...always
Ending Thoughts
Ideally, meditation and savasana are essentially a form of yoga nidra - not sleeping and keeping the mind alert and vigilant. If you fall asleep, then it failed. But when it succeeds, it becomes a very powerful tool. Imagine getting the benefits of an 8-hour sleep in only 2 hours? That leaves you 6 more productive hours within a 24-hour day. Not only that, when you come out of yoga nidra, everything is rebooted. You start out fresh again - unlike in some sleep where you can wake up exhausted from where the mind takes you. There is a reason why advanced yogis and meditators no longer sleep - they are just in a state of yoga nidra.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bus Station
Train Station
Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
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
La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup
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
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
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 Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
- Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
- My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
- Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
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)
- 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
- B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
- B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
- B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com
- Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
- Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
- Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains
source: railway.co.th- Check Train Schedule & Fares
- Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai 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
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
- 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
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- September Snapshots Sep 30, 2022
- Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
- Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
- August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
- Yoga Nidra with Chunyah and Tom Aug 18, 2022
- Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
- July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
- Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
- Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
- June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
- Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
- Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
- Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
- May Snapshots May 31, 2022
- Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
- Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
- Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
- Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
- April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
- Tombstone Epitaph Apr 29, 2022
- Kayaking along the Ping River with the BioHackers Apr 24, 2022 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
- Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
- Yoga with Leo Apr 5, 2022
- March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai's Recovering Music Scene Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
- Friday Bitcoin Meetups Mar 18, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Aida and Sophie Mar 14, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
- In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
- Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
- Tell John Feb 16, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
- Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
- Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
- January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
- ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
- Pumpkin Tahini Recipe Jan 3, 2022
- 2021: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Lisa Dec 28, 2021
- Tahini Salad Dressing Dec 27, 2021
- Baba Ganoush Recipe Dec 23, 2021
- 7 Universal Laws Dec 20, 2021
- Sacred Circuitry Dec 18, 2021
- Cave-Living in a Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2021
- Tummo Yoga + Wim Hof Breathing + Full-Body Muscle Contraction Dec 13, 2021
- Monk Chat Dec 10, 2021
- Making Tahini and Hummus Dec 8, 2021
- Watering the Plants Hands-Free Dec 2, 2021
- Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Dec 2, 2021
- Tummo Yoga Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Book Summary/Review Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa Dec 1, 2021
- 'Must Experience' Cafés of Chiang Mai Nov 30, 2021
- British Hobnob Cookies Nov 22, 2021
- New York Cheese Cake Nov 22, 2021
- Dham's Poetry Nov 14, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Nat Nov 11, 2021
- Stepping Forward / Reaching Out Oct 31, 2021
- Cancel Culture Attack Oct 31, 2021
- Mantra Primer Oct 29, 2021
- Spinal Mobility Oct 7, 2021
- Swedish Cinnamon Rolls [Kanelbullar] Oct 4, 2021
- Just Bring 2 Chinese Oct 3, 2021
- Sep Snapshots Sep 31, 2021
- One-Leg Yoga Asana Sequences Sep 30, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Monika and Yuki Sep 27, 2021
- 23-Minute Ice Bath Sep 27, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Simona and Malee Sep 23, 2021
- Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) Sep 23, 2021
- Making Cornbread Sep 15, 2021
- Kombucha: 2nd Batch Sep 11, 2021
- Making German Stollen Bread Sep 9, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Jackson, Goi and Paapu Sep 6, 2021
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Making Homemade Kombucha Aug 30, 2021
- Wrong Question to Ask This Crowd Aug 29, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Tom, Chunyah and Goi Aug 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Moms and Kids Aug 15, 2021
- Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) Aug 14, 2021
- Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
- Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) Aug 11, 2021
- Fighting Infection through Yoga Aug 3, 2021
- Too Close for Friendship Aug 2, 2021
- Manifesting: Epicurus' Pursuit Jul 31, 2021
- Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream Jul 30, 2021
- Ice Bath at Nawa Saraan Healing Space Jul 25, 2021
- Pizza Nite + Slack Line + Hammock Jul 23, 2021
- Yin-Yoga & Hypnosis with Christine Thiel Jul 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with James and Nat Jul 19, 2021
- Antara Kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan Pranayama: Yogic Breath-Hold on the Inhale Jul 17, 2021
- Moving and Cashing-Out Bitcoin Jun 2 - Jul 11, 2021
- 'The Bow' Yoga Jul 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Calum Mar 27 - Jul 4, 2021
- Hike to Wat Pa Thammachat Waterfall Jul 2, 2021
- Pizza Brunch with the Yogis July 1, 2021
- Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
- On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
- Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Katharine Day Jun 17, 2021
- Pranayama Basics II Jun 16, 2021
- 36-Hour Love Life Jun 11, 2021
- Pranayama Basics I Jun 9, 2021
- Biohackers Meetup in Chiang Mai Jun 6, 2021
- Learning How to Breathe Jun 2, 2021
- Not the Usual Day-to-Day Life May 31, 2021
- Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
- Breathwork & Ice Bath with Jason Ryer of Zen Strength May 23, 2021
- It's Raining Bell Peppers May 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Nana Apr 20, 2021
- You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
- Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
- Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
- Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
- Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
- Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
- Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
- Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
- Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
- Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
- Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
- Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
- Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 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
- Am I 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
- Prana Vayu Adhitthana Yoga Class 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
- Wicked Game: Anger and Pain August 19, 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
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
- 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.
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 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
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.
Book Train Tickets in Thailand
Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com
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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