For most students looking into yoga teacher training programs, location is among their top priorities. People are naturally curious about where the Wise Living Yoga Academy (WLYA) is situated, and internet search alone may not satisfy all the questions they have: What is life like around WLYA? Is it very secluded? How will you get around? Will you be using squatting toilets? Read on to find out!
WLYA is tucked away in a peaceful, unpolluted neighborhood comprised mainly of rice fields and low rolling mountains in northern Thailand. It is an ashram dedicated to students in the yoga teacher training programs. It has beautiful Eastern designs integrated into Western facilities and amenities, so students can focus on their studies in comfort and peace.
It is very safe to walk around the surrounding area. Don’t expect the locals to speak any English, but you can bet they are very friendly, even by Thai standards! The commercial area of the neighborhood is small, but you will have no trouble finding basic necessities. If you must, the largest city in northern Thailand-- Chiang Mai-- is less than an hour away. Otherwise, many students use their time at the ashram as an opportunity to let go of their attachments and addictions, small or big.
What you can find around the ashram
Within 15 minutes’ walk
- Local shops selling basic toiletries and snacks
- Vegetarian restaurant and juice bar
- Temple
Within 30 minutes’ walk/5-10 minutes’ bike ride
- Small supermarkets
- Two resorts with pools and services
- ATMs
- Bike and motorcycle rental
- Local massage places
- Copy and print shop
- Hospital
- Dam with a view
- Secondary school
Within 30 minutes’ bike ride
- Doi Saket Market
- Many temples
- Many cafes and bakeries run by both Thai people and foreigners
Within 30-60 minutes’ taxi ride
- Chiang Mai
- Airport
- Waterfalls
- Countless tourist activities!
Getting around
You will very rarely see tuk tuks or minivans around the ashram. Songtail (truck taxi) is the transportation of choice. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get here from Chiang Mai.
Bikes are a great, inexpensive way to explore the neighborhood. There is a bike rental shop in town where you can rent a bike daily, weekly, or monthly. You can also rent motorcycles for a negotiated price.
Communication
Local SIM cards are best purchased at airports or in cities before you head up to the ashram, but a small selection may be available at the supermarkets in town.
WIFI is available at the ashram daily during designated times. Several places in town (e.g. Jamjuree Restaurant and Tao Garden) have free WIFI for guests.
Printing, Xerox copying, and desktop computers are available for a small fee at a shop in town.
Past students have described the Ashram environment as one of their favorite things about their teacher training experience. Please check out our Facebook page for photos of the ashram and yoga teacher training courses in Thailand!Namaste!!!
WLYA Team
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