TheLoneRider
a nomad in search of Easter Eggs
meditation Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019

Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri)

Location: Nawa Saraan Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Gong Benefits
You sit or lie down and immerse in the therapeutic sound of the gong that vibrates in a specific frequency. FACT goes that healing vibration (sound=vibration) alters the molecular clustering of water to a symmetrical layout...very artistic, restoring water to its original wholeness - you see this under a microscope. THEORY goes that since we are 80% water, the lesson from the water applies to us - the sound of the gong restores and heals our cells back to normalcy. Participants claim to have a quiet and calm mind after - the monkey mind is gone.

Veerayuth PongsiriVee Thailand
Mindfulness Gong Bath in Chiang Mai
I met Vee at a temple where he offers his time to the public to expound the teachings of Buddha. We had a lively discussion on Buddhism. Of course, my claim to Buddhism comes only from my Vipassana Meditation background. Aside from being an engineer, he also has a Masters in Buddhist studies. Being a Buddhist layman (not a monk) he can spread the word of Buddha as a private individual and not be bound by the 227 precepts (dos-and-don'ts) of being a monk. With his engineering background, he used science to anchor his Gong Bath offering. Based on the conclusive findings of Dr. Emoto about water behavior given good intentions and healing sounds, he had a gong fabricated where he tries to emulate the healing properties of gong sound to the human mind and body. To date, he conducts Gong sessions in 2 temples and 2 wellness studios in Chiang Mai. Vee fondly labels himself the Peace Engineer.

Wat Suan Dok
I attended 2 Gong sessions with Vee at Wat Suan Dok. Being behind the gong as he generates an almost deafening vibration, made me feel like going through a tsunamic sound wave. It was permeating throughout the body. I wouldn't be surprised if that experience restructured my cells back to its original setting - healed and restored.

Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri)
Gong Bath at Wat Suan Dok

Nawa Saraan HotelCoffee Talk
It was in my coffee conversation at Nawa Saraan with Vee when we hatched this idea of offering a Gong Bath here at the hotel. We had all the logistics - barca-lounger chairs, a gong hanger and a dedicated space within Old City! For ambiance, we even have a Koi pond and Zen garden in an expansive ground. If successful, we can make it a regular offering. Not only that, we can transition the hotel into a holistic venue offering wellness services to anyone in search of spiritual/emotional/mind healing. We can invite yoga teachers, Reiki healers, Thai massage therapists, ecstatic dance revelers, etc. to conduct their retreats/workshops here. What follows can only lead to creating a community where we can hold a safe and healing space.

Green Light
I discussed the idea with the hotel owner who found merit in the proposal. He gave the green light. And with that, I shifted into high gear to realize that vision. I had the space cleared and cleaned, firmed-up the Gong date, created a Facebook Event and invited essential participants for the pilot program.

Nawa Saraan HotelNawa Saraan
Vee arrived early to set up the Gong at Nawa Saraan. We had ample time to hang-out and talk as arriving participants arrived - Alan, Nick, Mike, Aun, Emma and Crystal. Commencing the session, after introducing Vee to everyone, Vee gave us all a heads-up on what's going on. We then took into our lounge seats, let go and listened to the vibrational sound of the gong as Vee masterfully generated wailing tunes that reverberated within the entirety of the space. What transpired during that time was everyone's individual journey within their mindscape. In closing, Vee blended harmonica playing into the gong as a transition call. Later, participants took turns in trying to generate sound from the gong - it's not easy. Vee only makes it look easy.

Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri)
Gong Bath at Nawa Saraan Hotel

Ending Thoughts
There were a few snags being a pilot program, but not catastrophic - carry-over music from the nearby school, shutter sound of my phone as I took pictures, a/c louvre direction, etc. I would say it's successful enough to herald the viability of using that space for other holistic modalities. Next? Dunno yet but yoga can't be too far away.

Thank you Vee for making this all happen 🙏 and thank you Mike for giving the green light 🙂

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider


Reader Comments:

Nick LianNick USA
(Oct 4, 2019) Had a great time yesterday. It was super relaxing for the rest of the afternoon. Thanks for the invite. Would love to participate in other relaxing activities. Yoga or whatever, thanks m8

Leave a comment?

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Google Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

important places in Chiang Mai IMPORTANT PLACES
Chiang Mai Bus Station Bus Station
Chiang Mai Train Station Train Station
Chiang Mai airport Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

hotels in Chiang Mai HOTEL
Chiang Mai Arun Dara Villa Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Chiang Mai Nawa Sheeva Hotel Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Chiang Mai Nawa Saraan Hotel Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite, Chiang Mai Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

birds nest restaurants in Chiang Mai RESTAURANT
La Pizza Chiang Mai La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Chiang Mai birds nest restaurant Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

Thai massage in Chiang Mai WELLNESS
ITM – International Training Massage School ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school
Float Chiang Mai Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod
Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Lanna Massage Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Chiang Mai birds nest motorcycle Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200



USEFUL INFORMATION

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
  • crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
  • hot season begins March and lasts until June
  • wet season begins July and lasts until September
  • best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
  • you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
  • the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
  • to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
  • get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
  • shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
  • for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
  • FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
  1. North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
  2. Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
  3. Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
Chiang Mai Cost Index
  • B60 Chiang beer
  • B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
  • B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
  • B50 noodle soup with meat
  • B50 coffee
  • B40 pad thai
  • B30/kilo wash-only laundry
  • B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
  • B100-150 dorm bed/night
  • B250 fan room/night
  • B30 internet cafe/hour
  • B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
  • B130-150 Movies weekdays
  • B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
  • B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
  • B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
  • B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
  • B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

    • Transportation
  • B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
  • B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
  • B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
  • B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
  • B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
  • B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
  • B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B50 red taxi fare from point to point
  • B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

    • Tours
  • B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
  • B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
  • B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Bus from Loei to Chiang Mai
  1. From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
  2. As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
  3. The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
  4. Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
  5. Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
    Siddhis
    1. Mahima (infinitely large) Oct 5, 2020
    2. Anima Siddhi (atom-size) Sep 30, 2020

    Happiness Series
    1. In Pursuit of Happiness Aug 2020
    2. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) Aug 31, 2020
    3. Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) Aug 28, 2020
    4. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) Aug 25, 2020
    5. Lucious Annaeus Seneca (4BC–AD65) Aug 10, 2020
    6. Epicurus (341–270 BC) Aug 2020
    7. Socrates (470–399 BC) Aug 7, 2020

    Chakra Series
    1. Visuddhi (throat chakra) Sep 15, 2020
    2. Anahata (Heart Chakra) July 5, 2020
    3. Manas (mind chakra) Sep 1, 2020
    4. Surya (sun chakra) Aug 30, 2020
    5. Manipuraka (Navel Chakra) Aug 5, 2020
    6. Svadhisthana (sacral chakra) May 2020
    7. Muladhara (root chakra) Apr 26, 2020
    Young Farang and the Older Asian Couple
    1. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
    2. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
    3. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020

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  2. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
  3. Movie Review: Tesla (2020) Sep 24, 2020
  4. Movie Review: Mulan (2020) Sep 10, 2020
  5. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
  6. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
  7. Movie Review: Tenet (2020) Sep 2, 2020
  8. Movie Review: Late Night (2019) Aug 20, 2020
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  10. Movie Review: Inception (2010) Aug 13, 2020
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  12. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
  13. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  14. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
  15. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
  16. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  17. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
  18. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  19. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
  20. Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019) July 11, 2020
  21. Movie Review: The Kingmaker (2019) July 8, 2020
  22. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  23. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  24. Movie Review: Underwater (2020) Jan 19, 2020
  25. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  26. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  27. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  28. Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Jan 7, 2020
  29. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  30. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  31. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  32. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  33. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  34. Movie Review: Knives Out (2019) Dec 12, 2019
  35. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  36. Movie Review: Ford vs Ferrari Dec 5, 2019
  37. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  38. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  39. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  40. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
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  42. Movie Review: The Cave (2019) Nov 23, 2019
  43. Movie Review: Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis (2018) Nov 22, 2019
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  48. Movie Review: Midway (2019) Nov 15, 2019
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  50. Movie Review: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) Nov 11, 2019
  51. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
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  55. Movie Review: Judy (2019) Oct 31, 2019
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  60. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  61. Movie Review: Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Oct 24, 2019
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  64. Movie Review: Liam: As It Was (2019) Oct 23, 2019
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  67. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
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  70. Movie Review: Official Secrets (2019) Oct 15, 2019
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Travel Tips for Thailand

How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days

    60-Day Thai Tourist Visa

    NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.

  1. Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
    a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
    b) flight booking to Thailand
    c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
    d) filled-in tourist visa form
    e) 2 passport pictures
    f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
    g) passport with at least 6 months validity
  2. After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
  3. NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.

    30-Day Extension

    NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.

  1. bring the following to the Immigration Office:
    a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
    b) Baht 1900
    c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
    d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
    e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
  2. submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
  3. when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
  4. when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
  5. when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
General Travel Tips
  1. arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
  2. put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
  3. avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
  4. power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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