8 Day Yoga Retreat & Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This 8-day program at Mala Dhara Eco Resort outside Chiang Mai pairs a genuinely broad yoga schedule — Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Vipassana and Zen all feature — with adventure excursions rarely bundled into a retreat: a day at Elephant Nature Park, guided hikes to waterfalls and caves, and an optional Sak Yant sacred tattoo session for $250 extra.

Instructors Carrie and Zach lead daily or twice-daily sessions themed around yoga philosophy, alongside dedicated workshops on breathwork and Ayurveda that go beyond a standard asana-only schedule. Accommodation is in Mala Dhara’s earth-built villas or dorms, with access to multiple yoga shalas, a saltwater pool and the resort’s own farm. Both private and shared rooms are available; solo travellers taking a shared room are matched with a roommate.

Beyond the mat, the package includes a vegan Thai cooking class, a group herbal steam and sauna session, and transport plus admission to local temples and markets. All meals are vegan and locally sourced, with organic and Ayurvedic options and unlimited coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day. WiFi is available across the property, though the retreat frames it as a chance to disconnect from screens rather than stay plugged in.

Watch out: Transport between Chiang Mai and Mala Dhara isn’t included in the $2,199 price, and neither are airport transfers — the operator will help arrange both, but budget for that leg separately. A handful of meals eaten out during excursions aren’t covered either.

The mix of hiking and cultural excursions means a basic fitness level helps, though the yoga styles span gentle Restorative work through to more demanding Vinyasa, so the retreat works for both first-timers and established practitioners. It’s a weaker fit for anyone wanting a purely still, indoor retreat, given how much of the week happens off the mat. Optional extras include massage at $11 a session, bike rental at $2 a day, and the $250 Sak Yant tattoo, so travellers who want to add any of these should budget beyond the base $2,199.

Cancellation is free up to 30 days before arrival, useful given how much of the itinerary — the elephant sanctuary day, the waterfall hikes, the temple visits — depends on group scheduling that’s hard to shift once booked. Chiang Mai’s cool season, November to February, brings the most comfortable conditions for the outdoor sessions, though the retreat runs year-round and the hiking days adjust for weather regardless of month.