Journey to Thailand, 2025

 

A 13-day Thai Yoga Massage + Cultural Adventure

with Eric Spivack, BCTMB, LMT, EAMP, RTT

February 13 - 25, 2025


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Sawat dee krop / greetings, friends!

I am inviting you to join me on this 13-day Thai Yoga Massage + Cultural Adventure February 13 - 25, 2025.

Over the last 30 years, I have traveled to Thailand 16 times to study, expand my world and explore the unique regions of this truly amazing country. As a result, I have created an experience for you that is authentic, engaging, varied, organized and affordable.

This all-encompassing experience is targeted to those seeking professional development, personal development, and a unique cultural experience. I have carefully designed our itinerary to maximize our time in Thailand and have negotiated group discounts, which I am passing along to you. A minimum of 12 people is required for this journey to occur.

Below is all the information detailing the components of this unforgettable experience. I invite you to take your time reading through it, viewing the pictures, and imagining yourself on this journey. Adult companions are welcome to join at a discount if they’re not participating in the Thai Yoga Massage training.

I look forward to traveling with you and sharing a wonderful life experience together. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have.

Kop kun krop! (thank you)

Eric

P.S. I hope you enjoy the pictures from previous trips !!

“Truly an ‘am I dreaming’ vocational, continuing-ed experience!” ~ 2023 trip participant



Trip Components Include

  • 54 hrs of NCBTMB-approved Thai Yoga Massage CE credit and course manuals

  • 3 night’s accommodation in a modern 4 star Bangkok boutique hotel

  • 9 night’s accommodation in a luxury eco-friendly Ko Samui seaside yoga retreat center

  • Hotel and airport transfer in Bangkok and Ko Samui

  • Round-trip flights between Bangkok and Ko Samui

  • Guided tour of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Maha That (over 600 years old), the remains of the Palace of Wat Na Phra Mane and Wat Lokayasutharam

  • Lunch cruise on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok

  • Guided tours of the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples that also houses a school for Thai Medicine and Thai Yoga Massage

  • Guided tour of the Elephant Nature Park

  • Sunset dinner cruise in Ko Samui

  • Daily delicious and healthy meals

Optional Activities

  • Spa and swimming in a rooftop pool and spa (Bangkok)

  • Spa and swimming in an infinity pool (Ko Samui)

  • Snorkeling and swimming in the warm ocean

  • Night markets, food markets, shopping and Thai Yoga Massage


 
 

Eric Spivack

Eric Spivack is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and NCBTMB-Approved Continuing Education Provider, as well as, an East Asian Medicine Practitioner, Certified Viniyoga Instructor and Ayurveda Health Coach. He has taught over 600 Thai Yoga Massage workshops and has presented courses in Thailand, throughout the United States and at the Washington state and national American Massage Therapy Association conventions. Eric has been to Thailand 16 times to study with a wide variety of teachers and holds certificates from many Thai institutions. He is considered a fun and attentive instructor who has a deep passion for teaching.


Course Information

Prerequisites: None.

The Journey to Thailand / Thai Yoga Massage course is open to everybody, whether you are new to Thai Yoga Massage or have been practicing for awhile. If you have previously attended my Level 1-3 Intensive workshops, this is a wonderful opportunity to relearn/review the material, while having the opportunity to practice integrating it into a larger sequence. Plus, you gain the cultural experience of being in Thailand.

CE hrs: 54 hrs of NCBTMB-approved and Thai Healing Alliance International Continuing Education

Course Description: Thai Yoga Massage is an elegant and interactive form of meditative bodywork that combines assisted yoga stretching, acupressure, gentle rocking and rhythmic compression along energy lines. In all modules, participants will learn to effectively use their hands, forearms, elbows and feet to open and gently release blockages that inhibit the flow of energy. Fundamental techniques applied in the supine, prone, side-lying and seated positions will be taught.

Participants will receive a complementary workbook with photographs and detailed descriptions of all poses taught. By the end of this course, you will have learned enough poses to successfully give a 3-hour full-body Thai Yoga Massage session. The course will have lecture and demonstration with the majority of time being hands-on experience. Class will begin each day with a yoga warm-up routine. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for 54 NCBTMB and Thai Healing Alliance International CE hours.


Module 1

  • History of Thai Yoga Massage

  • Introduction of sen energy theory

  • Essential elements of Thai Yoga Massage

  • The concept of energy

  • Benefits of practicing and giving Thai Yoga Massage

  • Precautions and contraindications

  • 10 Principles of Thai Yoga Massage

  • Techniques and proper body mechanics

  • Pali prayer and yoga warm-up

  • Fundamental Thai Yoga Massage poses in the supine, side-lying, prone and seated positions

  • Poses with focus on the hips, legs, low back, shoulders, neck and arms


Module 2

  • Theory and location of the sen energy pathways

  • Thorough review of Module 1 poses and content

  • Skillful integration of Module 1 and Module 2 material including transitions between poses

  • Intermediate Thai Yoga Massage poses in the supine, side-lying, prone and seated positions

  • Poses with focus on the hips, legs, low back, shoulders, neck and arms

  • Intermediate twists




Module 3

  • Thorough review of Module 1 / Module 2 poses and content

  • Advanced Thai Yoga Massage poses in the supine, side-lying, prone and seated positions

  • Skillful integration of Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3 content including transitions between poses

  • Poses with focus on the legs, hips, low back, upper back, shoulders and arms

  • Advanced twists


Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

  • You will arrive at the Bangkok airport and take the complimentary airport shuttle to your 4-star boutique hotel.

  • Before our group dinner, you may check out the gym or rooftop spa where you can relax, receive a Thai massage or swim in the pool. A delicious buffet breakfast and lunch are included each day we’re in Bangkok.

  • Our hotel has an award-winning restaurant, which proudly serves Thai, Indian and International cuisine.


Day 2: Ayutthaya + River Lunch Cruise

  • After a delicious buffet breakfast, we will be driven to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of Thailand. Our tour guide will show us around the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Maha That (over 600 years old), the remains of the Palace of Wat Na Phra Mane and Wat Lokayasutharam.

  • On our return to Bangkok, we will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet as we float along the Chao Phraya River and observe the beauty of Thai rural life. We will also pass the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, which we will visit the following day.

  • The evening is yours for relaxing by the pool, receiving a Thai massage at the spa or exploring Bangkok’s open-aired night market.



Day 3: Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun

  • After a delicious buffet breakfast, we will have a private group tour guide show us around the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

  • The evening is yours for relaxing by the pool, receiving a Thai massage at the spa or exploring Bangkok’s open-aired night market.


Days 4-13: Ko Samui

  • After a delicious buffet breakfast, we will take an airport shuttle and fly 1-hour from Bangkok to the island of Ko Samui, which is an ideal place for learning Thai Yoga Massage due to its outstanding natural beauty of palm trees, white sand, purple sunsets, turquoise waters, dense jungle and exotic waterfalls.

  • Our accommodations in Ko Samui will be at a stunning eco-friendly oceanside yoga retreat center. Private cabanas offer similar amenities of a modern hotel with a location that is majestic and awe-inspiring.

  • Our classroom is an open-air yoga pavilion with hardwood floors and breathtaking views of the sea. Imagine listening to the sounds of the ocean while learning and practicing Thai Yoga Massage.

  • Optional evening activities include exploring the beach and nearby towns, going to the full service spa and swimming in the infinity pool.


Days 4-7: Thai Yoga Massage Training

  • After settling in and having a delicious lunch, we will begin the Thai Yoga Massage course.

  • We will practice learning Thai Yoga Massage for 3 days, have a free day, resume classes for 3 additional days and finish with a free day.


Day 8: A Day of Elephants + free time

  • We will spend the first half the day touring an ethical Elephant Sanctuary, the first of its kind in Southern Thailand. The tour offers us the opportunity to learn about the importance of these phenomenal, majestic giants, with a unique opportunity to feed, walk with and observe the elephants as they forage, socialize and play in their beautiful purpose-built pool. A delicious vegetarian Thai buffet lunch is included.

  • The rest of the day is yours to explore and wander the island, swim, rest, do yoga or practice Thai Massage.


Days 9-12: Thai Yoga Massage Training

  • We will continue our Thai Yoga Massage training for 3 more days.


Day 12: Free time + Sunset Dinner Cruise

  • The first half of the day is yours to explore and wander the island, swim, rest, do yoga or practice Thai Massage.

  • We will cap off the day by setting sail on a scenic sunset dinner cruise. We’ll have a chance to swim in the Gulf of Thailand before dining on delicious vegetarian Thai food as we take in the diverse views of jagged limestone cliffs and quiet beaches.


Day 13: Back to Bangkok

  • After a delicious buffet breakfast on our last day, we will fly 1-hour back to Bangkok, where you are welcome to continue with your travels or return home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to practice your newly acquired skills!


Accommodations

Bangkok

We will be staying at a 4-star, modern boutique hotel that is centrally located in Bangkok.

Each spacious 350 sq. ft. room has all the amenities to make your stay very comfortable. A cozy atmosphere welcomes all travelers with decor that complements Bangkok’s historic and vibrant surroundings.

  • Non-smoking rooms with queen-sized beds

  • Air conditioning

  • Free WiFi

  • Mini-bar and fridge

  • Hair dryer

  • Hot and cold shower

  • Desk and working area

  • Private bathroom with hot shower

  • In-room electronic safe

  • Bathrobe and slippers

  • LCD TV with satellite channels

  • 24-hour room service


Accommodations

Ko Samui

We will be staying at an upscale eco-friendly oceanside yoga retreat center in Ko Samui, an island that is a 1-hour flight from Bangkok. The modern cabanas have ocean views and are located near the retreat’s private beach. Your private terrace allows you to take in one of Ko Samui’s spectacular sunrises.

  • Non-smoking rooms with twin, queen or king-sized beds

  • Private beach and partial sea views

  • Air conditioning

  • Private bathroom with hot shower

  • Private balcony with bean bag

  • Mini fridge

  • Coffee / tea making facilities

  • In-room electronic safe

  • Free WiFi


Pricing

Prices are per person and include:

  • Thai Yoga Massage trainings and course manuals

  • 3 night’s lodging in Bangkok and 9 night’s lodging in Ko Samui

  • Hotel / airport transfer in Bangkok and Ko Samui

  • Round-trip airfare between Bangkok and Ko Samui

  • Group meals

  • Group tours, tour guide fees and temple entrance fees


The price does not include round-trip airfare to/from Bangkok, optional activities, some meals and personal expenses.

  • Content of this travel package is subject to change.


TRAVELERS TAKING THE MASSAGE COURSE

The costs below are for each person participating in the 54-CE hr workshop on this journey.

When paid in full before December 13, 2024

Cash, Check, Apple Cash or Zelle

  • Double occupancy $3,800

  • Single occupancy $4,200

Additional fee for debit or credit card

Space is limited for each of these accommodations, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.


TRAVEL COMPANIONS NOT TAKING THE THAI MASSAGE COURSE

Adult travel companions are welcome to register for the Thai Massage workshops. If they do, please refer to the prices above. If they are not registering for the course, please refer to the prices below.

When paid in full before December 13, 2024

Cash, Check, Apple Cash or Zelle

  • Double occupancy $2,900

  • Single occupancy $3,300

Additional fee for debit or credit card

Space is limited for each of these accommodations, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.


Deposit

To ensure our sustained commitment to this training/travel adventure, a $750 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.


Payment Plan

Deposit + 3 installments of the balance. Please contact Eric for details.




Non-Discrimination Policy

Eric Spivack does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, age, marital status, creed, religion, sex, physical or mental disability or veteran status.


Soaring Crane Massage + Acupuncture 2119 17th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144

206 726 1785