Jungle Thai Yoga - Massage Training
Details Page
Thank you for your interest in Jungle Thai Yoga Massage Training with David Roma. We put this page together to help answer some of the more frequently asked questions as you prepare for this life-changing adventure with us!
Monday, January 20 - Tuesday January 28th
at the Praiwan Raft House, Jungle Yoga Retreat Center, Thailand
Note: NOW is the time to make sure your PASSPORT is up-to-date.
Your Guides
DAVID ROMA
David is a world class master massage teacher who has traveled the world and studied with some of the world's greatest Thai Masters. His Thai Massage students adore his unique, zen teaching style, warm heart, and ability to meet each student where they're at and inspire their intuitive brilliance. He emphasizes connection and intuition as a way of life. David the author of the book, The Healing Touch of Thai Massage Volume 1. Learn more about David's background on his website.
DR JESSIE TIERNEY
Jessie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in Frequency Medicine & Functional Medicine, is a Certified HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Practitioner, and has over 15 years of therapeutic yoga teaching experience. She lived at an ashram for two years (where she met David while he was on retreat!) where she taught daily yoga, pranayama and meditation. You can learn more about Jessie on her website.
Getting to the Jungle
FLY TO BANGKOK (BKK)
We recommend that you arrive to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and stay overnight prior to our flight to Surat Thani which will occur on Monday, January 20th in the morning. This typically means departing the USA on Saturday January 18th due to the international date line in order to arrive in time.
Alternatively, you can make your way to Surat Thani airport directly from within Thailand (if you're traveling ahead) so that you are there no later than 10am on January 20, 2024.
Note that Bangkok has two airports. BKK is the International airport you will likely fly into from the US. Flights are typically from 21-30 hours (usually 1-3 layovers). URT is the airport we will meet from to depart via Shuttle.
FLY TO SURAT THANI
From Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), there will be a flight to Surat Thani (URT). We will update this page with the flight number and arrival time once we have confirmed it. You will need to arrive at Surat Thani by ~10am (we will confirm this) in order to make our shuttle.
SHUTTLE FROM SURAT THANI TO THE BOAT LAUNCH PIER
We will provide a chartered van that will pick up everyone at Surat Thani and take you to the launch point at the Rachaprapa Pier. This is included in the pricing of your retreat. This is usually the last point for good cell reception.
GAS STATION STOPOVER
We will stop at the PTT gas station for restroom breaks and last-minute snacks (van ride is about 60 mins total). Some of you may wish to meet us here (no later than 12 noon). Some of you may still have cell reception at the gas station.
FERRY BOAT TO THE FLOATING RAFT RETREAT
There is no cell reception after this point. Included in the retreat cost is the ferry boat from the doc to your Floating Raft Retreat Center! The ferry boat ride through the national park is about 40 minutes total.
FLYING HOME
Book your flight home out of Bangkok in the afternoon of Tuesday, January 28th or later.
Some Travel Tips
DIGITAL DETOX
Part of the potency of this experience is the digital detox: no wifi or cell reception while on retreat. Once on the water, you will lose cell reception. There is no WiFi on the floating retreat center. Where else on the planet can you go where you can truly unplug? This is one of the best parts of our retreat and is something that our participants report being most grateful for.
TRAVEL LIGHT!
Bring all of your belongings in your carry-on bag. This will help your transfers through the airports go much more smoothly and you won't have to wait for (or worry about) your checked bags. Thailand is typically between 70-90 degrees F and you won't need much. What you do need, you can purchase in Bangkok often for a fraction of what it would cost back home. On retreat, we are usually barefoot. The Jungle Yoga retreat center sells travel size biodegradable shampoo and conditioner, soaps, lotions, essential oils, cotton clothing, and the basics.
PURCHASE FLIGHTS SOON
Round trip tickets as of July 2024 are around $1000-$1500 and will increase as the dates get closer. Purchase your flight by September 2024 in order to keep it most affordable.
Packing List
ESSENTIALS
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Passport
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Phone & Charger so you can take photos (normal 3-prong plug in the dining room)
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At least $200 dollars - to - Bhat exchanged (at the currency exchange at the airport once in Thailand)
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Notebook
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1 book to read
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Headlamp and / or flashlight (for cave tour)
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Swimsuit
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Sun hat
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Natural Sunblock
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Natural bug repellent (you won't need much)
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One long sleeve shirt
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One pair of flip flops / sandals / hiking shoes
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Water bottle (there is spring water available to refill your water bottle onsite)
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Cotton yoga / thai massage pants (polyester is too hot for the jungle)
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Cotton Tank tops / shirts
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Your travel size toiletries
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Eye cover / Airplane Pillow (optional)
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Wet Ones / Wipes (optional)
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Binoculars (optional)
Food & Lodging
FOOD
The food at the Jungle Yoga Praiwan Raft Retreat center is fresh, local and organic. Our hosts are wonderful at accommodating your dietary requests. Delicious organic coffee and tea are provided each morning. There is fresh local fruit, fish from the lake, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
ACOMMODATIONS PRICING
These price points include the entire retreat
$1795 - Deluxe Ensuite option offers an included bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
$1695 - Jungalow option offers shared bathroom with multiple showers, sinks and toilets
Linens and towels are provided. Toxic chemical hair and body products are prohibited given the nature of the retreat center disposal system.
You'll have your own personal hammock outside your jungalow, and there are kayaks for all.
THE YOGA SHALA / PRACTICE SPACE
Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and props as well as Thai mats, bolsters, and cushions are all provided onsite so you don't even have to bring a mat.
Itinerary
The itinerary is subject to change, and there is a typical day in the jungle:
MORNINGS
Morning meditation | Pranayama | Yoga
Break
Breakfast
Thai Massage Practice
LUNCH
Break - kayak, hammock, rest, explore, swim, optional massage by the Praiwan staff
Thai Massage Practice
DINNER
Break
Optional massage
Lights out 10pm
EXCURSIONS
We will enjoy a guided jungle hike, bamboo raft tour of the lake, and cave excursion.
Optional Restorative Yoga classes will be offered throughout the week by request.
During daily breaks you are welcome to kayak and explore, look for the monkeys, birds, elephants, wild boar.
Want the deep-dive travel details? Watch this replay of a Trip Planning zoom call with David & Jessie!