FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHERE IS THE MEDITATION RETREAT LOCATED?J

Jungle Yoga retreat at Praiwan Rafthouse (แพไพรวัลย์) is in the heart of an ancient, protected jungle reserve called Khao Sok National Park in the interior of Southern Thailand. Located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park (www.khaosok.com) the raft house floats on a lake that is hidden among towering limestone karst formations in one of a few primary rainforests left over 160 million years old.

HOW DO I GET TO KHAO SOK?

It is possible to go to Khao Sok on your own, but for this retreat we must go together as a group, as all of the tickets , boats and transport will be pre-arranged and paid for. Jungle Yoga offers you a free pickup and drop off service to and from Surat Thani. There are ALL these options for meeting up:

1. Meet at Surat Thani airport at on January 10th at 11.15am (see recommended flight details)

2. A hotel in Surat town - pickup point around 10.45-11.30am. (Exact time to be confirmed –this will depend on other arrivals at the airport and we won’t know the details until 8th December). We’ve used the CBD hotel in the past – it’s simple, clean, cheap, adequate. ( CBD means central business district in this instance :).

3. PTT gas station: The PTT gas station near Baan Takun where we all muster at 12 noon to count the troops and for a last shop at 7/11, a free toilet, an ATM and a bad coffee :). From there we can make quick work of boarding the boats when we get to the pier - at this time of year it will be busy. We will drop our luggage at a boat pier on the way – and may need your help to carry the bags to the boats. Please try to minimize your luggage if you can. Stick with the programme, please!

Travel outside of the group arrangements will be expensive for you, and a hassle. It is not possible to arrive after the group does: There is some orientation to living on the floating rafthouse environment and the retreat rules that can’t be shared with you once we enter silence. It’s highly recommended to arrive a few days early in Thailand to acclimatize, and so you can get the most out of this amazing retreat, and so that you aren’t exhausted, disorientated and jet-lagged on arrival. We will be meeting up and boarding boats in the middle of the day, so there’s every reason to be alert, hydrated and chill.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND LEAVE?

The retreat starts on January 10th and ends on January 19th, 2025.

ARRIVAL FLIGHTS FOR JANUARY 10TH, 2025

If you are travelling from overseas, we suggest that you arrive a few days early in Bangkok or the South of Thailand to adjust to the time zone. Currently, the only airline that flies directly from the international airport in Bangkok to Surat Thani is Vietjet. Other airlines use the domestic airport Don Muang (DMK) which requires a road transfer from the international airport. There’s a free rickety bus (not always aircon!) or you can take an aircon taxi (approx. 1 hour ride). If you are staying over in Bangkok, DMK is convenient to access. All these airlines are budget airlines (doesn’t mean they are all cheap!) and have weight restrictions so please check the conditions when you book – usually it’s just 7kg cabin luggage and you must upgrade to be able to check in luggage.

1. Travel to Surat Thani airport From Suvarnabhumi (international airport) Arrival: We will pick up at Surat Thani airport (URT) at 11.15am on your arrival day to meet this flight from Bangkok’s International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK):

Vietjetair.com Arrive 29/12/23:: Flight No: VZ350 (Suvarnabhumi – Surat Thani) (BKK – URT) 10:00-11:15 Return 8/1/24: Flight VZ351 (URT to BKK): 11:45- 13:00 Jungle Yoga drivers will meet you at Surat Thani Airport from 11.15am

For arrival from Don Muang (DMK) the domestic airport: You’ll arrive before the Vietjet flight – hang around and meet up when that flight gets in. Air Asia Arrive 29/12/23: Flight No: FD3237 (Don Muang – Surat Thani) (DMK – URT) 09.15-10.35 Return 8/1/24: Flight No: FD3238 (Surat Thani- Don Muang) (DMK – URT) 11.15-12.35

Thai Lion Air Arrive 29/12/23: Flight No: SL 734 (Don Muang – Surat Thani) (DMK – URT) 08.50-10.00 Return 8/1/24: Flight No: SL 735 (Surat Thani-Don Muang) (URT-DMK) 10.45-11.50

Nok Air There are twice-daily flights from DMK but they are not at convenient times for meeting up with our group transport. The morning flight departs at 06:00am and the evening flight lands at 19:10pm – so you can use this to fly down to Surat Thani the evening before, if you like. Info for booking your

DEPARTURE flights for January 19th:

Departure from Praiwan Rafthouse at 8.30am by boat Minibuses leave Rachaprapa pier for Surat Thani Airport 9.30am We will drop you at the Surat airport by 10.30am. For those travelling elsewhere or in the south of Thailand, Surat Thani airport is an excellent portal for other flights or bus/ferry combinations to the Gulf islands like Samui or onwards to Krabi/ Phuket. See below for more travel info. Outside of group transport arrangements Jungle Yoga can arrange transport for students outside of the group transport. We are not a travel agency and can’t advise on destinations and times, but once you’ve done your homework on where you are going, we can arrange to book minivans to Khao Sok and further east, to Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Surat Thani, Donsak etc. For any bookings outside of group transport, we will require two weeks notice, plus a deposit. This is not an economical way to get to and from Jungle Yoga. Note that just the boats to and from Praiwan across the lake go for B2,600 per boat – that’s why it’s best to come with the group and let us pay for it.

WHAT WILL THE CHARGES BE FOR THE ROOM IF MY HUSBAND/WIFE/PARTNER ACCOMPANIES ME BUT IS NOT ATTENDING THE TRAINING?

Due to the limited room availability and noble silence, this retreat is only for couples whom both parties are attending the retreat.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND LEAVE?

Registration information: We need info on arrivals and departures two weeks in advance of the retreat: full names/ date of birth/ nationality/contact phone or email.

Arrival details: Please let me know by email when you have your plans in place. I will need to have this by 8th December at the latest. We will need final departure details on arrival (or before). There’s no way to make any travel arrangements once you arrive at the venue – we know we may have mentioned it before J, but we have no or poor phone signal, no internet and no information! And we will be in silence. So, please plan ahead. If you don’t inform us on arrival, we will drop you at the airport on the 19th Jan. Arrival day problems: On arrival day if you have any last minute issues, you can also try these numbers between 8am and 12 noon.

One of us should be in signal range meeting the group/s. Phet (our Jungle Yoga manager) + 66 92 659 6162 Beth: +66 81 477 9095 Shelley: +66 81 892 1180 Note also, there is no internet /phone signal once we leave the pier and begin our journey across the water. Please plan carefully and not to miss the group transport. If you do, you will need to get to the lake venue on your own, and be liable for those costs too. For this retreat, we do not encourage late arrivals as we will be in silence, and you will miss all the orientation!

Private arrangements (outside of group transport): With as much advance warning as you can (at least 3 weeks before you arrive) we are happy to arrange private transport with reliable drivers for those who have no patience with public transport, or aren’t comfortable travelling in Thailand yet.

Rates: See below for rates.

Payment: cash directly to Phet at the venue. Practicalities of arrival: Keeping dry: We are going to be on open boats for the ride across the lake. It may be a clear day, but remember, it’s a rainforest and it is likely to rain at some point. So you may want to pack your clothes in plastic bags in your suitcase - bin liners work well. Consider a dry bag for your electronics. Bring along a light macintosh to keep yourself dry on the boat. We usually have a tarp, but if it really rains, your gear can get wet. At the venue we have umbrellas and you’ll be fine whatever the weather :) Lost luggage: We will make arrangements to track luggage with our drivers. Best to have travel insurance or bring your spare undies in your carry-on J.

Orientation: On arrival at the rafthouse, we will do a health and safety orientation for your group about the venue, sort out food preferences, and get people settled in their rooms. You will be tired from travelling and need some time to settle in before we go into silence.

Address for lost luggage The airline can call Dtuk 0848518629 (he’s one of our drivers) Address - Praiwan Raft House, Rajaprapa Dam, Baan Takun. There will be a B500 handling fee to pay the driver and boat to Praiwan. For more information on rates and travel options, see that section below

DO I NEED TO BRING YOGA MAT AND TOWEL?
Yoga mats and other supplies are available on the spot.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather in January is perfect, with warm tropical days and cool evenings. It is not rainy season, but in the tropics there is always posssibilty of rain. Bring sweaters, wraps and a jacket, as it does get chilly in the morning and evening.

WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE WITH ME?
Comfortable clothes, bathing suit, hiking shoes. Everything you bring leaves a footprint. Only natural body products are allowed as your shower is the lake!

ARE THERE MOSQUITOES?
Yes, it is the tropics. But they are not so bad in this area.

DO I NEED TO BRING MONEY?
Yes. Pra Pandit’s donation is not included in the fees and is your responsibility to offer what you feel in your heart. If you would like to offer dana to the teachers Pra Pandit), he can accept either US$ or Thai baht.

There are no ATM or credit card facilities at the venue. This is hard for most of us – and nobody ever brings enough cash!!!! We are so used to being near an ATM. SO you will feel more comfortable with more cash on hand than you imagine. Please draw money before you arrive in Surat Thani airport - where we don’t have much time and you may find you have a daily limit on withdrawals.

● There are fresh coconuts (sometimes), natural / lake friendly soap, shampoo, coconut oil insect repellant and snacks for sale.

● Thai massages are available onsite from wonderful massage therapists and are 700B for 1 hour. (Prices to be confirmed)

● The Jungle Yoga clothing - reasonably priced yogawear in a pop-up shop. There are cotton and rayon selections for warm climates and a couple items with long sleeves for cool evenings and early morning. Most of our clothing items are designed for sitting and yoga, so they should be comfortable with movement. Beth has also a range of jewelery with all profits going to the BBB Fund for underprivileged children. The shop will be only be open for a few hours when you arrive.

● There should also be miscellaneous items such as biodegradable soap, shampoo, fabric soap, bug repellent, cold pressed coconut oil and some other delightful goodies to snack on.

● People like to leave a tip for the lovely Jungle Yoga staff – the retreat will cover this, but if you feel inclined to add anything there will be a group envelope and it’s so nice to hand it over on departure and make everyone (givers and receivers) happy.

● Transport arrangements outside of group travel need to be settled in cash

IS IT SAFE?
It is very safe at Praiwan. We suggest to close your windows when you are not in the room so the pesky monkeys do not come in!

HOW ABOUT INTERNET AND LOCAL MOBILE?
You can buy a local sim card at the airport on arrival but there is no wifi in the jungle.

WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCIES?

Jungle Yoga is a remote location inviting you to a digital detox experience in an ancient rainforest. Once you step onto the longtail boat to cross the lake, you will embrace a different kind of timekeeping… we go by the sun, the changing star constellations, bells ringing, cicadas at dawn or dusk, gibbons mid morning as the mist rises…. Jungle Yoga staff are often at the venue with other groups and can’t rely on last minute messages or emails. While we can sometimes send our devices by pigeon mail to intercept messages, it’s not reliable. Please respect our requests for information and let us know of any special arrangements well in advance. Please let your family and partners know that you will be offline. Emergency contacts during the retreat: In case of an emergency where your folks or friends have to get hold of you, you can give them a number for Khun Mee who will arrange to get a message to you at the rafthouse. +66 (0)84-190-5680 THIS IS NOT TRIVIAL - FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY. If Khun Mee arranges a boat to come to the venue to take you out to call home, you will have to pay for the service, go out to a spot where you can find a signal, and perhaps choose to leave the retreat in certain circumstances. May you not need this service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL IN THAILAND

Additional travel information for Thailand Thailand visa You can get visas on arrival with most passports. This depends on bilateral agreements between your country and Thailand. Please check your own nationality to be sure. Lately there is a new restriction of a 30 day visa on arrival, we have heard. Thailand visa letter If you need a letter for a visa application (usually for Mexican, Pakistani or Chinese nationals) write to Shelley jungleregister@gmail with full name, passport number and expiry date. Overnight near Bangkok airport? Depending on when you arrive in Bangkok, you may want to sleep near the Suvarnabhumi airport to make the early flight to Surat Thani. It’s nice to arrive not too wrecked from a long haul flight. Please do your own search online: the following information may not be current: If it fits your budget, enjoy your first night at the Novotel airport hotel or le Meridien Suvarnabhumi. The Meridien is more “splashy” and just a short taxi or shuttle ride from the airport. It has a beautiful pool too. For the budget conscious we recommend a basic overnight airport hotel such as the Cottage Suvarnabhumi hotel. For 800 baht, it is really reasonable with excellent service including a 24 hour free airport shuttle service. Again on the way home, if you have an evening flight and you want somewhere to rest and shower, this is good value. Also we heard that the www.regentsuvarnabhumi.com offers small suites 900 breakfast and pick up and return transfer. For another budget hotels, see http://thongtaresortandspa.com/ and compare with other hotels near the airport online with Agoda etc Fly to Surat the day before? Some people prefer to fly to Surat Thani and overnight there to meet the morning pickup. We recommend the CBD1 hotel (note there is a CBD2 hotel that is not in the central business district :). It's simple with no F&B - but you will be downtown near good local food and walks along the river in this small provincial town, as opposed to being stuck on the highway near the airport We can pick up at the CBD1 hotel in Surat Thani at 10.45 am (to be confirmed). You are also welcome to stay elsewhere and meet us in the lobby of the CBD1 hotel or make your own way to the airport before 10am. The drivers will have signs reading PRAIWAN RAFTHOUSE. Make yourself known to them on arrival. Private travel transfers by land: Minivan rates for non-group transport (rates per van - 7 people max) Prices were current when we last checked. Please ask for a quote at least 3 weeks before, if you need a non-group transfer EAST URT Airport 2,100 baht Surat Train station 2,100 baht Surat Town 2,500 baht Donsak 3,300 baht PHUKET Phuket airport 4,000 baht Phuket Patong 4,500 baht Phuket Rawai/Kata Karon 5,000 baht KRABI Krabi town 3,500 baht Krabi airport 4,000 baht Krabi Ao Nang 3,300 baht Koh Lanta 5,000 baht WEST Khao Sok 2,100 baht Takuapa 3,000 baht Khao Lak 3,300 baht Kuraburi 4,000 baht Ranong 5,000 baht

Travelling in southern Thailand

Southern destinations:

We recommend some holiday destinations in the south of Thailand that you can book with Andaman Discoveries to explore some amazing destinations in the south: http://khaosoklake.com/bestdestinations-southern-thailand/ The Khao Sok park headquarters are about 60km past the lake – Khao Sok Riverside cottages is managed by friends Bodhi and Tu, and it’s a lovely guesthouse on the river near Khao Sok- a great spot for before or after the retreat makes a great stop off to regroup, and to get more information on fun in the area: https://www.khao-sok-riverside-cottages.com/ If you want to be closer to restaurants or the national park Our jungle camp: https://www.khaosokecoresort.com/ A little further down the road, same owner Our Jungle House: https://www.khaosokaccommodation.com/ Want to plan a private trip in the area with a guide? Check out Khaosokprivatetours.com Here’s a lovely spot that a friend of ours, Lori, owns and runs on a fairly remote island north of Kuraburi near Golden Buddha island: http://horizonecoresort.com/ Krabi area Railei (an 1.5 – 2 hour drive from the lake pier). See Railei Beach Club.https://raileibeachclub.com/ You can have your own private space in own of those lovely homes or guesthouses, or the clubhouse. There are other resorts on the peninsula. More remote? see Koh Jum http://www.kohjumonline.com/kohjumresort.html You can fly to Samui directly from Bangkok with Bangkok Air, and go from there via ferry to the mainland the night before the retreat. We can also arrange a special minibus to meet you at the Donsak pier for direct transfer. This is quite pricey but if there are a few people together, well worth the convenience. After the retreat, you can get a ferry/ bus from the airport to Samui or the gulf islands (Koh Phangan and Koh Tao) easily. Again, we can arrange a minivan directly to Donsak pier for the ferry. There are many choices for accommodation on Samui. A lovely spa on Samui Island for pampering massage and natural luxury is Tamarind Springs The best restaurant for healthy, wholesome food is Sweet Sisters Café. Bus service in Southern Thailand Local transport: Check out Phantip Travel, Seatran Ferry and Lompraya Ferries. https://www.phantiptravel.com/destinations/ Transport to and from the pier / Surat Thani airport/ town / train station https://www.phantiptravel.com/tour-category/ratchaprapha-dam/ Lake to Surat Thani airport https://www.phantiptravel.com/transfers/ratchaprapha-dam-to-surat-thani-airport/