Location
Our workshops are held at Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort which nestles in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas of Northern Thailand, 30 minutes drive from Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is situated at 300 metres above sea level in a large mountainous area. Also known as ‘The Rose of the North’, the 700 year old city is home to over 300 glittering temples. Flanking the banks of the gentle Ping river, surrounded by a ring of chartreuse-green mountains leaking with waterfalls, the city is approximately one hour flight from Bangkok.
Designed in accordance with ancient Chinese principles of Feng Shui, Tao Garden was originally conceived and developed by Taoist Master, Mantak Chia in 1995 to house his Universal Tao seminars. Tao Garden has since become a rare haven amongst the world’s plethora of healing retreats, offering people the chance to improve and nourish their health through nutrition, meditation and exercise.
Set in 80 beautiful acres (40 hectares) of tropical gardens, the grounds provide an air of calm and tranquillity most conducive with healing, spiritual growth and self-development. You may find yourself seduced by the simple charm of strolling along the many paths criss-crossing through the splendid gardens exotic plants, flowers and abundant fruit trees. Tao Garden is a smoke and alcohol free zone.
how to get there ?
There are direct international flights to Chiang Mai. However, if travelling via Bangkok International airport, we recommend that you leave a minimum of 2 hours before your departure time for Chiang Mai. This will allow plenty of time to transfer to a different part of the same building, to connect with your flight to Chiang Mai. Please check carefully if your connecting flight to Chiang Mai departs from Bangkok international or domestic airport as these two airports are not close to each other. Please see links below for low cost airlines flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Please check carefully if your connecting flight to Chiang Mai departs from Bangkok international or domestic airport as these two airports are not close to each other.
Tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are cheaper if pre-booked online through local low cost airlines (see www.airasia.com,
www.nokair.com or www.fly12go.com).
passport & visa
For a visit of up to 30 days, a free entry visa is normally given to holders of passports from Western countries at the point of entry to Thailand. Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months. Extension visas are needed for longer stays (visit www.thaivisa.com).
Residents from the following countries can also normally apply for Visa On Arrival: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.
Please contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your own country for the exact details.
when to arrive ?
Depending on how far you have to travel, you may wish to consider arriving a day earlier to acclimatize and to allow yourself time to settle in and feel more refreshed before the course. Equally, a few days afterwards could be spent enjoying Thailand’s many wonderful gifts, or simply relaxing by the pool.
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climate & clothing
The weather is generally warm and dry. The temperature is around 23-34oC (73-93oF) during March and October. The rainy season is between July and August with 23-31oC (73-88oF). The cooler months are from December to February with 16-25oC (61-77oF) when one will need a sweater or light jacket for the evening.
money exchange
Currency exchange rates are generally more favourable in Thailand. Exchange bureaus are available at the airport and throughout Chiang Mai. Traveller's cheques give a better exchange rate than cash. Many shops in Chiang Mai accept credit cards. Market traders accept cash only.
electrical
220 volts, 50 Hertz. Please check voltage compatibility before using your personal equipment.
local information
The local village has a small mini-supermarket, internet café, coffee shops, launderette and a couple of good restaurants. The nearest bank, money exchange and post office is 5 km away.
local transport from Tao Garden to Chiang Mai city centre
Daily mini buses leave Tao Garden for the beautiful city of Chiang Mai, with its vibrant bustle of shops, world-famous night bazaar and restaurants at 2pm and 7pm, returning at either 9.30pm or 11pm. There are Saturday and Sunday markets offering a vast range of local handicrafts.
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