Recommended Flights

The most direct and cost effective flights are with EVA Air, which I have flown on many times. Logistically, it makes planning a lot easier if we can all arrive into Bangkok around the same time.

Wed, February 12, 2025

BR 25 from SEA ---> TPE   Departs just after midnight on Feb 12

BR 75 from TPE ---> BKK  Arrives @ 11a on Feb 13

If you are flying out of Seattle, you'll need to check-in around 9p on Tues, Feb 11

Tue, February 25, 2025

BR 68 from BKK ---> TPE   Departs @ 5:10p

BR 24 from TPE ---> SEA Arrives @ 5:40p

Passport

You must have a valid passport from the country in which you reside, and the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Thailand. You do not need a visa if you plan to stay fewer than 30 days in Thailand. If you stay longer than 30 days, you will need to contact a Thai Embassy for a visa. Click the following links to obtain and/or renew your passport in Seattle and the rest of the U.S.

Leaving Thailand

The journey ends upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (BKK) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 around 1:30pm from Ko Samui (USM). The cost of this domestic round-trip flight is included in your travel package. Any international flights back to the US or abroad from BKK should be scheduled for 4:30pm or later on February 25, 2025. Some people choose to extend their time in Thailand or visit other countries. The Bangkok airport is a convenient hub for international travel.

Thai Etiquette Links

* Visiting Thai Temples

* Thailand for Visitors

What Do I Need To Bring?

Please pack the following items:

• your new Thai Massage 3-ring binder. If you live in the Seattle area, you may pick up your binder from my office the week before we leave. Otherwise, I will bring the binders to Thailand and distribute them at our first group dinner in Bangkok.

• pen and journal

• phone, alarm clock, watch and camera (these may all be part of your phone)

• comfortable clothing for practicing Thai Yoga Massage

• a warm layer (light jacket, socks, fleece) for possible cool nights

• hat

• sunglasses

• day pack or shoulder bag

• bathing suit

• sandals or flip flops

• comfortable walking shoes

• toiletries, mosquito repellent, medications and sunscreen

• Thailand power plug adapter (see below under “Electricity”

When visiting buddhist temples, shoulders and knees MUST BE COVERED. So, please bring thin, comfortable long pants and a t-shirt to wear for these portions of the trip. Do not bring anything fancy or valuable. You won't need it. If you forget something, there are plenty of shops in both Bangkok and Ko Samui.

Internet / Mobile Phones

Both our accommodations have free Wi-Fi, and internet cafes are plentiful in Thailand. If you have an unlocked mobile phone, contact your phone company to see about getting an e-SIM card. Otherwise, it is very easy and inexpensive to buy a Thai SIM card and pay-as-you-go minutes at any 7-Eleven store. “AIS One-Two-Call” or “DTAC Happy” are recommended. All SIM cards are 5G-ready and allow you to browse the internet at very reasonable speeds and rates.

Money

The exchange rate is currently 34 baht to 1 US dollar. I recommend exchanging money at the Bangkok airport upon arrival in Thailand. ATM's are conveniently located throughout Bangkok and Ko Samui, but they do charge a fee. Most small shops, local markets and restaurants are cash only. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at higher-end boutiques. Notify your bank and credit card companies of the dates you will be in Thailand to avoid having your credit cards frozen due to "unexpected activity".

Budget

The price of this trip includes all accommodation, ground transportation, round-trip airfare between Bangkok and Ko Samui, course fees (if applicable), temple fees, guide fees and most meals. I suggest you budget about $500-$750 to pay for laundry, gifts, massage treatments, tips and extra meals. Of course, you may bring more money, if you like.

COVID-19

Currently, Thailand welcomes all international tourists in 2024 with no restrictions. For updated information, please visit the link below:

Thai Embassy

Immunization

There are currently no travel health notices for traveling to Thailand. The Centers for Disease Control offers guidelines here.

Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance is not required, but highly recommended. Click here to compare various policies.

Drinking Water

Drink only bottled water when in Thailand. Bottled water is plentiful and available at all our accommodations.

Time Difference

Depending on daylight savings time, Thailand is 14-16 hours ahead of the west coast of the U.S.

Electricity

Electricity in Thailand is 220 volts. You'll need an adapter like this one.

Towels, Soap/Shampoo, Hairdryers + Laundry

Both accommodations provide towels, including one beach towel while at the Ko Samui retreat center. Shampoos and soaps are also provided. Hairdryers are available in Bangkok hotel, but not at the Ko Samui retreat. Laundry service is available at our accommodations with a next day delivery in most of the cases.

Weather

Daytime temperatures in Bangkok can reach 90-95 F / 30-32 C with temperatures dropping to around 80 F / 25 C at night. Ko Samui climate is tropical, and the average temperature ranges between 80-90 F / 25-30 C.