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FAQ / STUDENT INFO

The information that follows applies to courses at our Thailand teaching headquarters. It may also apply to some or all of our other teaching locations but we suggest writing directly to those other centers for specifically applicable information, because administrative and other differences do exist based on country, local customs, regional requirements, the number of teaching staff, etc.

  1. What is Yoga?
    Yoga is a system of techniques developed in ancient India and designed to lead the dedicated practitioner to full enlightenment as to the nature of reality and the Supreme.
  2. Why do Yoga?
    The practice of Yoga allows the practitioner to reach his or her highest potential and reveals the greatest mysteries of the Universe. It also has more worldly applications that promote healing, improvement in the quality of life, and the realization of paranormal phenomena.
  3. Why are there so many types of Yoga?
    The many types of Yoga suit the many different types of practitioners. Hatha Yoga (sun-moon Yoga) involves the physical body and leads to the balance of the solar and lunar energies. Most popular forms of Yoga, e.g., Iyengar, Sivananda, Ashtanga (not to be confused with Patanjali’s traditional eight-fold Ashtanga Yoga), Vinyasa, Kundalini (not to be confused with traditional Kundalini Yoga), etc., are styles of Hatha Yoga. There are four classic types of Yoga: Jnana Yoga (the Yoga of direct knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (the Yoga of action), and Raja Yoga (the royal Yoga which includes Hatha, Tantra, Laya, Kundalini, and other forms of Yoga). The Agama courses give teachings on all these forms, with an emphasis on Raja Yoga and its various sub-forms. See Courses for more information.
  4. What is Tantra?
    The word Tantra is often translated as “warp,” as in the base of threads on a loom. This symbolizes the idea that all aspects of the Universe are connected like a web. Tantra is the Yoga that uses the diverse elements of manifestation – such as the body (Hatha Yoga), colors, sounds (mantra), shapes (yantra), dreams, and sexuality – to elevate the consciousness and reach spiritual realization. The word Tantra also refers specifically to the Yoga of sexuality, but technically this is too narrow a use of the term.
  5. What is initiation and why is it important?
    Agama is a Tantric Yoga school dedicated to traditional methods of teaching spirituality via the process of initiation. Knowledge passed on from teacher to pupil during initiation involves the direct transfer of a specific form of energy that imparts a subtle influence. This process can only be achieved in person – it cannot be acquired from books. Initiation greatly accelerates spiritual progress and ensures accurate practice, opening the gates for true personal evolution.

    Through teaching by initiation we provide you with abundant practical tools for better health, the balance of emotions, improvement in mental capacity, greater happiness, and insight into the deeper meanings of existence.
  6. What is Kundalini Shakti?
    Kundalini Shakti (the coiled energy) is the strongest potential force in the human being whose arousal is essential to any spiritual evolution. In the average person, it lies dormant at the base of the spine. Kundalini Yoga is the Yoga of directly awakening Kundalini Shakti and directing it up the spine to the crown center (sahasrara, above the top of the head).
  7. Is Yoga dangerous?
    Some advanced techniques of Yoga can be dangerous if practiced without proper preparation and the guidance of a qualified teacher. Fortunately, such techniques are generally inaccessible to unprepared students. For this reason, it is very important to respect the process of initiation and transmission of Yogic teachings.
  8. Why study with Agama?
    Agama returns to the primary sources of Yoga, restoring the original meaning to the Yoga system: the complete development of the being for the aim of attaining spiritual liberation. Through systematic teachings based on curricula that become more and more advanced, progress is assured to all sincere practitioners. See also About Agama.
  9. What is the Agama First Level Intensive?
    The First Level Intensive Course is our most popular course offering worldwide. At our Thailand headquarters and at our primary branch centers (Rishikesh, Dharamsala and Mexico) this course is taught in an intensive daily format over four weeks, approximately six hours per day. The experience is an excellent and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of Yoga combined with two Hatha Yoga sessions per day, forming a retreat-like atmosphere.

    Our students also very much enjoy the experience of community that we cultivate at Agama. We sponsor nightly rare documentaries and Yoga-related films, bhajans and kirtan, special meditations as announced, evening lectures and Q&A with Swami Vivekananda or occasionally guest presenters, monthly parties, etc. Unlike in the West, where students merely drop in to classes and leave, it is one of our aims to promote a yogi community that resembles the strength of connections found in ashram life.
  10. Do I need to reserve in advance to join the First Level Intensive?
    No. You are welcome to join us whenever you arrive; your first day is free! This course runs in a constant cycle, year-round, such that you can complete the course within the four weeks following the date on which you arrive.
  11. Is it possible to attend the First Level Course on a drop-in basis?
    The First Level Intensive is a certificate course. To receive this certificate, a student needs to attend at least 75% of the course sessions (18 of 24 days in total). However, it is not necessary for you as a student to seek the certificate. Therefore, yes, the course is open on a drop-in basis. You may attend for one class, one day, one week, or the full month.
  12. Do I need experience to join the First Level Intensive?
    No, this course is designed for absolute beginners.
  13. What does the daily program look like?
    The daily program looks like this:

    08:30-10:30 Morning theory, Hatha Yoga practice, and deep relaxation
    16:00-18:00 Afternoon sun salutations, Hatha Yoga practice, meditation, and deep relaxation
    18:00-19:30 Evening lecture on the fundamentals of Yoga
    20:00 Evening events as announced (optional and free)

    In addition, we schedule daily optional meditation sessions. These vary from location to location and according to season. See each center for schedule.
  14. I've been teaching Yoga for years. Do you offer advanced classes?
    Agama Yoga provides a unique Yoga system in the world and we ask that all students begin with our First Level Intensive – regardless of their experience studying or teaching other Yoga varieties. Agama adheres to the traditional Indian Yoga methodology of teaching by initiation and, therefore, we do not believe it is possible to learn Yoga properly through self-study of books. Additionally, since we cannot know the manner, accuracy, depth, or completeness of information, techniques, or methodology taught by any number of thousands worldwide who call themselves Yoga teachers, we need to verify that our students are “on the same page” with us, that they have received the proper foundations, that they understand the fundamental Yoga concepts, and that they are adequately prepared for their introduction and journey through this highly energetic Kundalini Yoga program. Kundalini Yoga must be approached with attention and care, and it would be irresponsible on our part to place students unknown to us at higher levels of the curriculum. For all of these reasons, everyone starts at the beginning.
  15. Is Agama associated with or partnered with any other Yoga schools?
    Agama Yoga is an independent network of Yoga schools and ashrams committed to the study and dissemination of the authentic traditions of Indian Tantric Yoga. Agama has no lateral equivalent anywhere in the world, excepting its own branches and subsidiaries. It is not possible to "transfer into the curriculum" based on previous studies elsewhere within different systems or schools under other names.
  16. What do you offer after the First Level Intensive?
    We offer our Level 2 course (meeting three times weekly, 3-4 hours per class, for four weeks), then our Level 3 course (also meeting three times weekly, 3-4 hours per class, for four weeks), then our Level 4 course, etc. This is a five-year curriculum, with all course levels offered a minimum of twice per year. Levels 2 and 3 are both offered constantly, year-round. See Curriculum Overview for more details.
  17. How do I register for course Levels 2 and up?
    Registration for course Levels 2-24 is held on the fourth Friday of each course cycle, from 11:00-13:00, at Ananda Restaurant. Please come at this time with your course payment in order to sign up for your next level of course study. Late fees apply for those registering during the first week of classes. No students will be admitted to a course once the second week of classes begins. During the Agama Yoga "low season" from mid-August to 1 January, during which we gemerally offer course Levels 1, 2, and 3 only, registration has a more informal schedule. At this time, please follow of the daily registration assistants if you are studying the First Level Intensive and plan to continue your studies or follow the announcements of your teacher.
  18. How much does the First Level Intensive cost?
    Your first day is free. Thereafter, the course daily fees are 300 Baht (click for current conversion). The entire course costs 6,900 Baht (click for current conversion). However, all students who pay at least one teaching week (six days) in advance are entitled to receive a 10% discount. Additionally, a student who has attended and paid for this course once may repeat it at no charge on any future occasion.

    Due to bank fees, discounts are extended for cash payments only and do not apply to PayPal payments made online using electronic transfers.
  19. What is included in the cost of the course?
    Our course fees apply toward courses only. Accommodation, food, and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the student himself or herself. Agama does not own any property of its own (we rent all of our Yoga halls), so we do not have ashram facilities (yet! we continue to hope this dream may become real in the future).
  20. Can you reserve a room for me?
    Agama is a Yoga school; we do not own a resort and therefore do not arrange any accommodation.

    We refer our students to Ananda Wellness Resort, which hosts our beginner Yoga courses (course Levels 1, 2, and 3). Please contact owner and Agama student Vangelis through http://anandaresort.com/contact.htm. He offers a 30-50% (with minimum stays of 4 or 28 days) discount off daily rates for Agama students, or 30% off if you choose one of his detox and cleansing packages during your stay.

    In the event Ananda is full, you are seeking a house, or you need other accommodation options for your budget, please see Accommodation Overview for a complete assessment of housing options in the vicinity of Ananda as well as options near Haad Chao Phao (3 km north of Ananda, where both Bovy Resort and our new Yoga halls are located), where we hold intermediate and advanced classes (course Level 4 and up), retreats, and workshops.
  21. Accommodation Overview
    Accommodation may cost you less than food, depending on your needs and tastes for luxury (or simplicity). An older beach bungalow with attached bath will run 3,500-5,000 Baht per month. Nicer (hot water, tiled floors, kitchen, air conditioning, new) bungalows, or even houses, will go up from there, from 5,000 to 10,000, 15,000, or more per month.

    The Thais are constantly building new accommodation near our two locations, although more and more students are joining us annually. However, the abundance of new construction probably helps to keep rents down and increases your options of finding something suitable.

    A word about seasons: Peak season rates are highest of all, and are in effect in December and perhaps the first half of January. High season remains in place then through April. At that time low season prices take effect through summer and monsoon seasons. Generally, to negotiate prices, it is best to ask the daily rate first, and from there for discounts applicable to a one-month stay, and then if you wish, a three-month stay. If you ask for a monthly rate from the start, you may pay a higher rate.

    The following resort is recommended:

    Ananda Resort offers Agama Yoga students a 30% discount off its official rates, with additional discounts for longer-term stays or for accommodation in conjunction with cleansing programs. (Ananda offers superb intestinal cleanses using the herbal products of Arise and Shine, in three-day, seven-day or 11-day formats.) It is a newer, yogi resort with herbal sauna, natural (unchlorinated) pool, massage therapists on call, Internet and many other services (including free wireless Internet for room guests), quiet hours, and our beginner courses are hosted here: www.anandaresort.com. Contact owner (and Agama student) Vangelis for availability, rates, and reservations: +66 813 976 280 or http://www.anandaresort.com/contact.html.

    Even if you do not wish to stay at Ananda, you may arrive and leave your bags with Reception, and go to look for a place from there. Vangelis and his staff will assist you.
  22. Accommodation in the area of Ananda Resort
    South of Ananda
    1. 150 m south at Hin Kong: No name – houses. Contact Kung Nan at +66 (0)87 387 5570. No email. Price per month 6,000 Baht. 3 bungalows with kitchen and bathroom (no hot water) each). No reservations accepted; call for availability.
    2. 300 m south at Hin Kong: No name – houses. Contact Nyne at +66 (0)87 925 1879. No email. Price per month 6,000-8,000 Baht. Near “Menu” Restaurant (closer to Ananda), 4 bungalows with kitchen and shower (no hot water). No reservations accepted; call for availability.

    North of Ananda
    1. 20 m north (next door): Hin Kong Resort. Contact Mrs. Dwang-Ta at +66 (0)87 502 5777 or +66 (0)77 349 240. No email. Price per unit: 18,000 Baht per month. 6 bungalows, fancy and new, very well equipped with TV/DVD player, etc. Reservations accepted; call.
    2. 300 m north: No name – houses. 8 bungalows sea side and on other side of road. The owner doesn’t speak English so have someone who speaks Thai call him. Bungalows are new, nice, with kitchen, gas, refrigerator, hot water showers. Contact Mr. Amnat at +66 (0)89 594 1706. Price per month 8,000-10,000 Baht. Reservations accepted; call.
    3. 400-500 m north: Mayor’s Office houses. 7 bungalows on both sides of the road, some on the sea. Contact Mr. Kanop (he speaks English) at +66 (0)81 535 3963. No email. Price is 5,000-10,000 Baht monthly. No reservations accepted; call for availability.
    4. 600 m north: Sunset View. 4 newly constructed bungalows, fully equipped with air conditioning. Contact Mr. Ritt at +66 (0)86 996 5056. No email. Price is 15,000-20,000 Baht/month negotiable. Reservations accepted; call.
  23. Accommodation close to Ananda and Chaloklum Road
    1. 800 m, first place from intersection with middle road: K.P. House. 4 bungalows: 2 one-room bungalows (10,000 THB/mo.) and 2 two-room bungalows (16,000 THB/mo.). Contact Mrs. Yu-ren at +66 (0)77 349 073. No email. Reservations accepted; call.
    2. 800 m, second place from intersection with middle road (next to K.P.). No name. 3 bungalows include kitchen, refrigerator, gas, bathroom, and hot water. Call Sak-Chai at +66 (0)86 946 8949. No email. Price per house is 7,000/month. No reservations accepted; call for availability.
  24. Resorts recommended in the vicinity of Bovy include:
    North
    1. Bovy Resort: This is the home of our Blue and Green Yoga halls, where we hold our retreats, advanced classes, and many workshops. The resort has fallen into some disrepair in the last years, as the sea has eroded the property and has actually claimed at least six of the resort bungalows…. However, the owners are making efforts to remodel. Bovy is still a very quiet and secluded gorgeous beach under the beautiful cover of pine and palm trees. Call Owl, a Thai Burmese who oversees the Bovy grounds: +66 (0)77 377 231.
    2. 100m north: Golden Rock: next door to Bovy, simpler and cheaper bungalows often filled with yogis. Call: +66 (0)77 349 262 or +66 (0)89 731 3756.
    3. 100m north: Seaflower: beach bungalows.+66 77 349 090 landline.
    4. 100m north: No name – opposite Haad Chao Phao Resort: 1 new house will be ready in February, 2008. Equipped kitchen, hot shower, 8,000 Baht/month/negotiable. Also 4 one-room units in one block with shower (no hot water), fan, kitchen in balcony outside, fridge in room. 6,000 Baht per month. Mr. John. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    5. 150m north: Sun View Bungalows: +66 870 451 030 mobile / +66 77 349 098 landline.
    6. Great Bay / Jinda Bay Resort. Very nice houses, 6,000 Baht per month. Hot water, no kitchen. +66 77 349 261
    7. 600m north: Green Mountain, one of the more gorgeous views in our area. Houses and bungalows at very reasonable rates. Loom +66 817 430 062 or +66 810 776 200.


    South and east to connecting road
    1. 500m south and east: 4 houses: 2 one-room fully equipped for 10,000 Baht per month, 2 two-room houses, fully equipped for 12,000 per month. (Our researcher said: "These are good houses!") Location is at the 7-11 intersection north of Ananda and going east along a short-cut between coastal road and Chaloklum Road. Contact Mrs. Bee at +66 87 895 5949. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    2. 600m south and east: No name – 3 houses: one-room with fully equipped kitchen, hot water in bathroom. 7,000 Baht per month. Location same as above, at end of short-cut road. More good houses. Call Mr. Sak Chai at +66 85 946 8949. Reservations accepted; call. No email.


    South
    1. 100m south: Laem Son Bungalows: simple, older beach bungalows (27). On the beach 500-600 Baht per night, in the back 250-300 per night. Contact Mr. Gha at +66 77 349 031/+66 77 349 032. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    2. 100m south: Zen Bungalows. 500 Baht per night. Contact Mr. Toon at +66 89 648 0684. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    3. 200m south: No name – houses opposite the lakeside garden behind "Lake Point Villa." 14 bungalows, different. If two rooms, 16,000 Baht per month; if one room, 5,000/6,000/8,000/9,000 per month. All have hot water in the shower, kitchen including fridge and gas. Contact Mr. Orn at +66 81 787 4889. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    4. 200m south: No name - 2 new houses/bungalows on the lake but by the road. 2 bedrooms, hot water, for 18,000-20,000 Baht per month; 1 house with kitchen, bath, hot water for 9,000 Baht per month. Contact Mrs. Ning at +66 86 947 2282. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    5. 250m south: No name – 3 houses located opposite Lake Side Garden, with 3 rooms: luxurious, 29,000 Baht/month. 1 small house with kitchen, bath, hot shower for 8,000 Baht/month. Contact Mr. Sok at +66 77 377 431. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    6. 250m south: The Beach Resort. 350 per night or 9,000 per month. Contact Mr. Set at +66 87 419 2995. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    7. 300m south: Sea View Rainbow: Simple, older beach bungalows. 3,000 Baht per month. Contact Mr. Koa at +66 77 349 084. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    8. 300m south: Rhao Sritanu. 3 houses with one room, kitchen, fridge, gas, bathroom, hot water.
    9. 350m south: Happy Beach – beach bungalows. Daily rates of 300-1,200 Baht. Contact Mrs. Miya at +66 869 410 293. Reservations accepted; call. No email
    10. 500m south: Bamboo Nipa. Contact Mr. Chai at +66 84 844 7969. 5,000 Baht per month. Reservations accepted; call. No email.
    11. 1 km south: Lada's Houses: 2 houses with one room, kitchen, fridge, gas, shower with hot water at 8,000 Baht per month; 2 houses with one bigger room, kitchen fridge, gas, shower with hot water, air conditioning (electricity must be paid by tenant) at 10,000 Baht per month. Contact Mrs. Lada at +66 77 349 021. Reservations accepted; call. No email.


    These are all closer to the vicinity of Bovy, so better options for people who will rent a scooter (approximately 2,000-2,500 Baht per month) or buy/rent a bicycle (about 3,000-5,000 Baht to buy new at such places as Tesco-Lotus, located on Koh Samui, or about 1,000 per month to rent).

    www.travelfish.org offers an overview of some of the bungalow resorts along our side of the island. For some you may do online booking, although this may be a more expensive option than showing up in person:

    Travelfish.org - Koh Phangan, west coast

    It is also possible to find a house by looking in the area in which you wish to live. There is no proven way to find a house; you basically just need to wander from place to place looking for vacancy signs, and seeking out the owners. This takes more time and good fortune – finding a house is often entirely a matter of good timing. At this time, we do not have phone numbers for the many obscure owners scattered around the island, but we do affiliate with a lovely Thai woman, Pi-pat, who speaks English well and can help you find resort accommodation, possibly houses, or she also offers scooter rentals fairly cheap for a long-term basis (1,500-3,000 Baht per month, depending on condition and age of scooter). She is located across the street from Great Bay and her number is +66 (0)7 734 9222.
  25. What workshops and retreats are you offering in 2010?
    Please visit our calendar for a comprehensive list of the workshops we will be offering in 2010.

    Payments for these workshops and retreats may be made online using PayPal.
  26. I have a young child. Do you know how I can arrange childcare?
    Agama does not have the staff levels to arrange childcare, but we have had students (both single mothers and couples) who successfully attended our courses with their child or children in tow, so we know it’s possible. We can refer students with children ages 3-6 to a Swiss couple with two children who have opened a daycare program from 09:00-14:45 (hours may be negotiable). This childcare is located 2 km from Thongsala; the couple can be reached at: +66 (0)84 304 8842.
  27. Can my children attend Yoga courses? If so, what are the fees?
    Children 11 years old and younger may attend Yoga classes free of charge as long as they are accompanied by an adult and they do not disrupt the class. Children 12 years old and older must pay full price.

    For those under the age of 12, permission to attend each course level beyond the First Level Intensive Course must be granted by Swami Vivekananda on an individual basis.

    For those under the age of 18, attendance of workshops and retreats requires either approval in advance by a Level 5 or up teacher on an individual basis or co-attendance by a parent or guardian.

  28. How do I go about getting a visa for Thailand?
    If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, your first and best option is to pre-arrange a two-month or multiple-entry tourist visa through the Thai Consulate or Embassy in your home country (US$35 per entry). If you fail to do this, you normally may still enter Thailand (there are restrictions for certain nationalities who need a visa to enter) on a 30-day entry stamp. Note! As of November, 2008, this 30-day stamp is only extended to visitors arriving by air to Thailand. Entry to Thailand at all land borders (i.e., Malaysia, Myanmar, etc.) will net you a 15-day entry stamp only. If you choose to stay beyond the duration prescribed for this stamp, you will become familiar with a tourist tradition in this land: the visa run. Since March of 2006, the fee per extra day of overstay has been raised to 500 Baht (€11), so it’s wise to observe your visa expiration carefully and plan accordingly. Overstaying your visa is technically illegal (although widely accepted as inevitable and expected by Thai authorities); if you want to avoid any potential problems, do not overstay even one day. If you do overstay through circumstances, you must pay 500 Baht per day and you will have to photocopy your passport signature and visa pages at the border.

    Be sure to verify which visa run is appropriate for you (for example, Israelis may not go to Malaysia, Romanians may not enter Thailand without a prearranged visa, etc.). The closest and easiest options for visa renewal are:

    Myanmar (Burma) – Ranong
    Take the 22.00 night boat from the longest pier in Thongsala. Fee is 300 Baht (€6.50), and you arrive in Surat Thani at 04.00. A woman who meets the night boat at the pier, Chilli (+66 (0)89 9733552), is a specialized travel agent who will arrange all your visa run details: a minivan to the border (Immigration), to the pier, the boat to/from Myanmar, return to the border (Immigration), and then back to Surat Thani, dropping you at the pier, where you will most likely take the Raja ferry (leaves at about 16:00-17:00, to arrive at about 19:00-20:00). Announce yourself as being from the Yoga school to receive these prices:
    700 Baht (€15); you must additionally give US$10 to the Burmese government. If you do not have this US$10 bill, one will be provided to you for 600 Baht (€13), bringing your total to 1,300 Baht (€28.20). (The Burmese Immigration charges 500 Baht for the $10 entry.)

    Malaysia – Penang
    Malaysia provides a two-month single-entry visa but requires a longer trip. You may follow the option above, arranging your trip through Chilli by requesting a joint ticket to Penang. Or alternately you may buy one in advance on Koh Phangan, taking the 17.00 ferry plus a late train to Hat Yai, where you will need to change to a van for Penang. If you are lucky and arrive in Penang early you may be able to submit your passport plus the application (and possibly a small unpublicized “fee” of 200 Baht (€4) to expedite your visa) for pick-up after one day at 11.00 (instead of 15.00). Normally, your application and passport will need to be in by 11.00 to be out by 15.00 the following day.

    Try either of these visa service purveyors, both within a block of each other on Chulia Street, the main tourist thoroughfare: Jim’s: No. 431 Chulia Street; tel. +60 (0)4 264 2960 / blackangel90@hotmail.com
    Parvez Brothers: No. 419 Chulia Street; tel. +60 (0)4 262 2314 / 261 9178

    In either case, it is not easy to get back to Koh Phangan the same day – perhaps buy another joint ticket. You may take a bus back to Hat Yai departing around noon, but finding the transportation going from Hat Yai to Surat Thani is not as easy that late in the day. If you get back by train, taxi, or bus, it will be late but you may be just in time for the night boat from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan (departing from the city pier at 23.00, arriving on the island at 05.00). Expect to pay about 1,500 Baht (€32.50) for travel costs plus one or two overnight hotel stays, in addition to 2,200-2,400 Baht (€47.75-52) for the visa itself (two months, double-entry – i.e., four months in total).

    Koh Samui – Extension Only
    You may also go to the adjacent island of Koh Samui, where you can take a shared truck taxi (50 Baht/ €1) to Immigration and for 1,950 Baht (€42.20) receive a stamp for half of your current visa period. After you have received your extension, return via taxi to the Lomprayah pier (250/300 Baht each way / €5.50-6.50 depending on time of day), or to Nathon for all other boats (large ferries are usually 120 Baht each way / €5.50 return).

    While the whole process may seem like an unnecessary hardship, during your journey try to remain focused in gratitude for the positive aspects of our host country, Thailand. Use this trip to relax and to meditate! Remember you can do Yoga of the mind anywhere….
  29. How do I get to your center?
    To reach us from Bangkok:
    A special air-conditioned tourist bus leaves regularly just outside and downstairs from the new Bangkok Airport arrivals area, and takes you directly to Khao San Road (in Banglamphoo district) for 150 Baht (€3.25). For newcomers to Thailand, this may be the best place to start out, as it is the most “tourist-friendly” neighborhood. Then purchase a joint ticket from any of the hundreds of travel agents in Bangkok. You may choose with this ticket to go by overnight bus (usually 36 seats) for approximately 450-500 Baht (€10.25) or to go by second-class train sleeper (fan) for approximately 850-900 Baht (€19) (ticket is 50 Baht cheaper for the upper bunk). If you choose to take the bus, you will be directed where to meet it usually at about 18.00; if you choose the train it is your own responsibility to get yourself to the Hualamphong Train Station in the later afternoon; any taxi or tuk-tuk can take you.
    This ticket pays for your journey south to Surat Thani, transfer early in the morning (usually about 06.00-07.30) to the pier, and a boat ticket for the remainder of your journey to the island. You will arrive at the pier in Thongsala, the main town on Koh Phangan, usually by noon.

    For a complete schedule of trains between Bangkok and Surat Thani, call +66 (0)22 204334 or visit www.railway.co.th. It is possible to do this trip on your own, but a bit more cumbersome than the joint ticket option.

    If you have a lot of luggage, you may enjoy taking the government bus, +66 (0)2 434 7192 in Bangkok (or +66 (0)77 238762 on Koh Phangan). It leaves daily from the Bangkok Southern Bus Station (“Sai Tai Mai”) at 19:45, and costs 1,034 Baht (€22.50). Get there early to secure a seat – travel agents cannot book this for you. Fare includes snacks and light dinner along the way. The main advantage to this route is that once you put your luggage on the bus, you will not need to move it from taxi to train to shuttle bus to pier to boat to taxi. The bus will take your luggage all the way from the Bangkok bus station to the Koh Phangan taxi stand. You may also take the Lomprayah catamaran via Chumporn pier combined with bus to reach the island quite fast. Buses leave Bangkok from the Khao San Road area (just off Rambuttri, where the Lomprayah office is located) at 21.00 (arriving on Koh Phangan at 10.30) and at 06.00, arriving on the island at 16.00. Tickets cost 850-900 Baht (€10.25). Call +66 (0)77 238412 or visit www.lomprayah.com.

    For those who wish to save time instead of money, you may also fly directly from Bangkok Airport to Koh Samui, the adjacent island, for approximately 3,500 Baht (€76) one-way (2,000 Baht/€43 fares can be found at inconvenient hours). The main carrier is Bangkok Airways; arrange this flight in advance, online, or at the Bangkok Airport. From Samui you would take a shared taxi to the Lomprayah pier near Big Buddha (if you can catch the Lomprayah catamaran at 08.00 or 12.00, 250 Baht / €5.50) or to the main port of Nathon, from where all other boats leave regularly for Koh Phangan (120 Baht / €2.50). Call Bangkok Air at +66 (0)22 655555 or visit www.bangkokair.com. Lomprayah often has representatives at the airport who will book you a taxi and boat ticket on site. Once on Koh Phangan, if you are joining our First Level Intensive Course, simply tell any of the taxi drivers (tsong-tao, or shared truck taxis) that you wish to go to Ao Hin Kong: Ananda Yoga Resort, on the beach road 5 km north of Thongsala. If you are joining our advanced courses or workshops, take a taxi to the area of Haad Chao Phao, Bovy Resort, 8 km north of Thongsala. The taxi will cost about 80 Baht (€1.75).

    Welcome to Agama!
    Our phone number is +66 (0)89 233 0217. Call if you need any further assistance.
  30. Is it safe there?
    Koh Phangan is quite safe. Violent crime is extremely rare, although petty theft is a fairly common occurrence. Police increased their presence on the island in 2007 and 2008 due to the incidence rate of predatory petty thieves (who usually do not live on Koh Phangan but travel here to prey on visitors to the monthly Full Moon Party on the opposite side of the island) as well as drug addicts who also frequent the party and whose compulsive behavior sometimes leads them to crime.

    We would like to warn you about some common scenarios in which trusting foreigners often find themselves vulnerable to a crime, and to provide you some common-sense suggestions.

    • Please lock your backpack and luggage when you are traveling. Unlocked baggage may be subject to search and theft by unscrupulous people working or traveling on buses, trains, boats, etc. While you are separated from your luggage, i.e., when it is in a bus hold, or while you are sleeping, etc., use zipper locks. The same goes for purses and daypacks when you are sleeping and traveling.
    • Do not ride a scooter with your valuables sitting in the scooter basket. Some talented thieves are known to ride alongside a motorist and steal these things.
    • Do not leave your bungalow door (or windows, if they provide access to your bungalow) open or unlocked while you sleep at night. Some thieves prowl late at night especially along beaches for unsuspecting people who enjoy fresh air…. Similarly lock your windows and door while you are away from home.
  31. What is the quality of the food like on Koh Phangan?
    Food is generally fresh, healthy, and plenty of restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, and – increasingly – some organic options. Many types of international cuisine can be found (one may find on our side of the island Thai, Israeli, French, Indian, some Japanese, etc.). A lot of students eat out for almost all of their meals; others buy a rice cooker (about 600 Baht in Thongsala) or gas cylinder (about 1,000 Baht to set up) and prepare their own meals in their kitchen (if they have one) or on their porch. Both Ananda and Bovy are located almost equidistantly from a large green market selling fruits, vegetables, tofu, eggs, etc. A new 7-11, again almost equidistant from both Ananda and Bovy, sells fresh milk, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, phone cards, eggs, and … ice cream, 24 hours a day!

    Generally, you should prepare to spend at least 150 Baht per day – perhaps 100 Baht if you eat entirely at home and prepare your own meals – or more if you: eat out for all of your meals, have a big appetite, eat at more expensive restaurants, etc. At the current rate of exchange, 100 Baht equals about US$3.00, €2.15, or £1.55. A word about purity of diet: Although we do not wish to control what you eat, we would recommend to you that if you eat an unrestricted diet normally, you try to maintain a vegetarian diet for the duration of the course. Also, we would like for you to refrain from smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and certainly using any drugs during your participation in the course. Yoga purifies the body on many levels, from the nadis (like the meridians of acupuncture), to the bloodstream, to the mental and emotional bodies, and more. We additionally teach kriyas to accelerate this purification. Therefore, it is for your health and also safety on more subtle levels when practicing Kundalini Yoga that you try to adhere to these recommendations in order to harmonize with your studies and assist your own progress.
  32. Restaurants
    There are numerous vegetarian restaurants in our area of the island. We recommend:

    • Ananda Wellness Resort for its great vegetarian menu, excellent soups, homemade yogurt, wheatgrass juice, etc.
    • Big Mountain: garden salads, feta salads, vegetarian sushi, spring rolls, tofu burgers, dahl and chapatis, hummus and falafel, etc.
    • Jungle Hut: excellent and inexpensive Thai food, plus Western favorites
    • Tantawan: excellent pizzas, soups, crepes, salads, French and Thai cuisine
    • Ben’s Village Green: baguette sandwiches, hummus, salads, etc.
    • Cabana: Tom Yum and quality Thai food with nightly movies
    • Golden Rock: Delicious Thai vegetarian food, plus sauna on the beach.
  33. Is there Internet access?
    Yes! Internet access is everywhere, including at Ananda Wellness Resort. Most often access costs 1 Baht per minute with a 20-minute minimum. You may do Internet in Thongsala for up to half this price, and – if you have a Bluetooth phone, Bluetooth transmitter, and laptop – you may do wireless Internet in your bungalow for much cheaper than this: approximately 250 Baht for 60 hours, 375 Baht for 100 hours, etc. Such options are paid through AIS (1-2-Call) or DTAC phone service and recharge (“top-up”) cards.
  34. How much does your Teacher Training Course cost?
    Agama's 12-week TTC costs €2100. If you have previously attended our First Level Intensive Course, we offer a €100 discount.
  35. Can I attend your Teacher Training Course in India?
    No. At this time, our TTC is only offered in Thailand, at our Koh Phangan headquarters under the direct supervision of Swami Vivekananda Saraswati.
  36. Can you tell me more about the TTC teachings?
    Please read all about our TTC in our online TTC section which presents a syllabus outline, application, deposit, tuition payment and refund policies, terms of agreement for participants, testimonials, etc. All of this information is available at: http://www.agamayoga.com/ttc/ttc.htm
  37. How do I contact Agama Yoga around the world?
    Use the following contact email addresses and phone numbers for all of our locations internationally: