Suitable for practitioners of all levels (beginner, primary, intermediate, advanced A and B).
*Beginners and those newer to the practice are strongly encouraged to attend.
Students are welcome to begin their practice on any day of the week. Each week includes 6 days of practice with one rest day on Saturday. If you decide to extend your time in Chiang Mai and continue practicing, you’re welcome to do so—just let us know.
This intensive is open to all levels including beginners or those newer to Ashtanga.
During this intensive you’ll have the chance to dive deeply into your Ashtanga practice not just as a form of physical exercise but as a tool for profound self-discovery and personal growth. In this retreat, we’ll explore the full spectrum of yoga—asana, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy—with the aim of meeting our challenges head-on.
By immersing yourself in the tradition of Ashtanga yoga, drawing upon the essential teachings of the past while finding new, empowering ways of seeing the practice, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to yourself, your practice, and the tools needed to rejuvenate and grow far beyond what you might have thought was possible. In a supportive community and surrounded by the beauty of Thailand, this is your time to reset, renew, and rise to the challenges of life with newfound clarity and courage.
Chiang Mai sits in the lush northern hills of Thailand, about an hour’s flight from Bangkok. Known as the country’s cultural and spiritual capital, this historic city offers a tranquil setting for deep study and renewal. Encircled by mountains and filled with ancient temples, Chiang Mai blends the charm of tradition with the comforts of modern life.
Within the Old City walls, quiet lanes lead to centuries-old wats where monks chant at dawn. Outside the walls, the air is alive with art markets, street food stalls, and riverside cafes. The pace is unhurried, the atmosphere contemplative—ideal for cultivating inner focus and steady practice.
Whether you’re drawn by the temples, the food, or the kindness of its people, Chiang Mai offers a perfect balance of inspiration and peace—an ideal home for sustained yoga study and self-transformation.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The easiest way to reach the intensive is by flying into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). CNX is well-connected with frequent 1-hour flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), plus select international routes. The airport is close to town—about 10–20 minutes by car to the Old City.
TOURIST VISA
Entry requirements for Thailand vary by nationality. Many travelers currently qualify for visa-exempt entry up to 60 days (often extendable by 30 days). Requirements do change, so please check your nearest Thai embassy/consulate or the official e-Visa site before booking. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond entry.
Visa exemption & updates: Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate resources. สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงวอชิงตัน+2สถานกงสุลใหญ่ ณ นครลอสแอนเจลิส+2
New: Thailand now requires the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to be completed online within 72 hours before arrival (replaces the old paper TM6). Submit on the Immigration Bureau’s official site.
Visit the Thai embassy website
FROM AIRPORT TO KARON
CNX is just southwest of the Old City. The most convenient option is the official airport taxi from the arrivals hall; typical fares to most downtown locations are THB 150–200 and the ride takes about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. You can also use ride-hail apps (Grab/Bolt) or the RTC Airport Bus (around THB 20) for a budget option.
Sunday
7:00am-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
9:00-10:00am — Yoga Sutras Talk
Monday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
Tuesday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
3:00-5:00pm — Asana Theory
Wednesday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
Thursday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
8:30am-9:15am — Breath, Bandhas, and Ashtanga Yoga Pranayama Sequence
Friday
7:00-8:30am — Led Primary Series
(No Mysore or extra classes on the moon day - February 1st.)
Mysore Class
Mysore class provides students with a concentrated learning experience that will help them develop practical and technical skills in the discipline of Ashtanga yoga as well as be immersed in the inspirational magic and poetic soul of the practice. Each student will receive valuable one to one guidance from David on developing their personal practice.
Breath, Bandhas, and Pranayama
Participants will gain knowledge of pranayama, the fourth yogic limb, and lay a foundation for establishing a personal breathing practice. The classes will include developing ujjayi (victorious breath), viloma (interrupting the breath), khumbhaka (retaining the breath), and learning the traditional Ashtanga pranayama sequence as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. These sessions will also help the student breathe with more skill and awareness in their asana practice.
Asana Theory
These are clinic style led classes that investigate specific aspects of the practice in varying levels of detail. These important classes feature more verbal instruction; they give students a chance to slow things down, see new ways to orient during practice, get explanations of elusive and often unspoken aspects of the practice, and understand the Ashtanga method in greater, more subtle detail.
Yoga Sutras Study
These classes will focus on studying the meaning of the yoga sutras and lead to a lecture that aims to clarify the meaning of the texts and their context within daily practice. David will also draw from other sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, bhakti poetry, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Led Primary Series
Traditional vinyasa count Led Primary Series class.
TBA
This is a non-residential intensive, meaning accommodation is not included in your yoga tuition. Students are responsible for booking their own lodging. Chiang Mai has a wide range of accommodations—from budget guesthouses to luxury beach resorts.
Join the Whatsapp group where students communicate about travel and lodging. Email asanakitchen@gmail.com to get access.
Airbnb, booking.com pluse these local Thai sites are great references for lodging options.
RentHub (renthub.in.th) - Local Thai portal, often quite affordable listings. Apartments, service apartments in Phuket. Listings from 3,800 - 7,000 THB/month.
DDproperty - Well-known Thai real estate site. Lots of listings (condos, houses) in Phuket.
Thailand-Property.com - Broad Thai property portal. Rent / buy, apartments, houses.
Hipflat - Good for condos/houses; shows metrics like price per sqm. Many condo listings in Phuket.
Lazudi - Thai property portal with filters. Villas, condos, houses in Phuket.
Siam Real Estate - Local expert portal. Villas, condos for rent in Phuket.
PhuketBuyHouse - Phuket-specific agency / portal.
booking.com - most budget friendly, many hostels listed, a few one bedroom apartments
STAY AT THE PHUKET JUNGLE EXPERIENCE
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including simple yet charming bungalows, standard rooms and suites, and private villas with pools (2- and 4-bedroom options). Amenities include: Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, a cocktail bar, and occasional live music.
Rooms are limited—we recommend booking early if you'd like to stay on-site for convenience and immersion.
Please note: Yoga registration is handled separately through David's website. Lodging must be booked directly with the resort.
ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS NEAR SHALA (Low to high budget)
Students are welcome to begin their practice on any day of the week. Each week includes 6 days of practice with one rest day on Saturday. If you decide to extend your time in Chiang Mai and continue practicing, you’re welcome to do so—just let us know.
This intensive is open to all levels, and beginners or those newer to Ashtanga are especially encouraged to attend.
1 week - $350
2 weeks - $550
3 weeks - $700
4 weeks - $850
5 weeks - $950
6 weeks - $1050
Please note there are no refunds or cancellations. If a student cannot attend they will be given credit for a future workshop hosted by David minus 20% admin fees.
For any other questions email asanakitchen@gmail.com. Once you are registered, you will be given access to a Whatsapp group where you can communicate with other registered students.
