7 Benefits of Going to a Yoga Retreat in Southeast Asia • Yoga Basics

For serious and passionate yoga practitioners, visiting a yoga retreat center can be like visiting Disneyland. Retreats immerse you in the yoga poses on and off the mat. Working with an experienced teacher over a long period of time can greatly deepen and broaden your practice. While you can book a retreat almost anywhere in the world, there are a number of benefits that you can experience when you take part in a yoga retreat in Southeast Asia.

Benefits of Yoga in Southeast Asia

People explore Southeast Asia for a variety of reasons. But one of the best things about a yoga vacation in this area is its low cost. This area includes Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Going on a yoga holiday in these countries not only deepens your understanding and knowledge of yoga, but also immerses you in different cultures.

Budget friendly

Southeast Asia offers a variety of options for the budget conscious yogi, whether you are traveling as an individual or with a friend or partner. In most of the countries on this continent, you can plan to spend as little as $ 35 to $ 40 a day on general travel and meals. If you're particularly frugal and knowledgeable, you can get by on just $ 15 a day in some areas. Expect $ 40 to $ 120 a night for an inclusive yoga retreat center in this part of the world. The cheapest prices among these counties are in Bali and Thailand.

For example, the Bali Yoga Retreat at the Blooming Lotus Yoga Institute offers a 4-day all-inclusive retreat that includes two daily yoga classes, two workshops, two vegan meals per day, and a cultural event for $ 400.

To cut your costs even further, you may be able to volunteer or do a job exchange. The lack of spending makes it easier to fully understand and experience the culture and society around you.

Healthy and tasty food

Food in Southeast Asia is one of the main reasons people might be interested in visiting the continent. You can explore local food markets, try street vendors, and immerse yourself in the delicious cuisine. There are a number of delicious foods in these countries such as Malaysia curry, Thai Som Tam and Khao Soi. The local food is vibrant, tasty, and often vegetarian or otherwise health conscious, which can only enhance your yoga experience.

Most yoga retreats include 2-3 meals a day in their prices, but drinks and snacks are usually extra.

Connect with nature

Southeast Asia is made up of beautiful coastlines, dense jungles, and many other natural attractions that can appeal to any yogi. Most yoga retreat centers in this part of the world are located on a beach or surrounded by tropical jungle. You can do morning yoga on the beaches in Indonesia and the Philippines, where you can spot an array of marine life. These beautiful surroundings can help you feel more connected to the world around you, whether you're laying on the beach under the stars or going to see elephants on a wildlife expedition.

Rich culture, deep history

The continent is home to a variety of different cultures, beliefs, customs, languages, lifestyles and traditions that you can learn about on a yoga retreat. You can learn firsthand about the countries' primary religions. Most of the residents of Southeast Asia have deep knowledge and beliefs in Buddhism or Hinduism, which is closely related to yogic philosophy and practice. Studying and practicing yoga and meditation in a society that accepts and values ​​these practices is a tremendous cultural change and a powerful experience for Westerners.

Easy trip

Southeast Asia has a strong infrastructure that makes traveling and exploring the surrounding countries a breeze. There are numerous trains, buses, and other systems to choose from to get you around without spending a lot of money. Usually a yoga retreat does not offer travel accommodation, so you will always need to include local travel expenses in the total cost of your retreat.

Excellent weather

Southeast Asia is close to the equator and has a primarily tropical climate, meaning the weather is mostly hot, dry, and wet. This can feel amazing and allow you to stay in shorts, go for a swim, and otherwise feel comfortable and relaxed.

Warm tropical weather is especially favorable for immersing yourself deeply in your yoga stretches. The ideal season to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April as the temperatures are milder. Temperatures can vary dramatically – the beaches can be warm while the mountains can be cool.

Note that the monsoon rainy season is usually between June and October. You should therefore avoid traveling during these months.

Find healing

By booking a yoga retreat, you want to promote the health of your emotional and physical well-being. Perhaps you have recently injured yourself and could use gentle relaxation as your body heals itself. You may need to think about changes in your life ahead and prepare for the experience. Whatever your need, a yoga retreat can provide the time, exercises, and treatments necessary to benefit your health.

Spa treatments, massages, and alternative healing modalities are abundant and affordable in Southeast Asia. So take advantage and pamper yourself to deepen your healing experience.

Finally

There are many types of yoga retreats in Southeast Asia that you can choose from. Most offer unique accommodations, meditation, yoga classes, meals, spa treatments, and more. With so many choices, you're sure to find a wonderful yoga retreat that fits your budget. For the best experience, take some time to fully plan your yoga vacation and find the best yoga travel gear to pack.

When you leave a yoga retreat you will have a slew of new experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere. When you delve into the deep history of the region and experience the beautiful solitude of the natural surroundings, you will understand this part of the world and its people better.