TheLoneRider
a nomad in search of Easter Eggs
yoga

20 Essential Mudras

of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

Bhujangini Mudra
Bhujangini
Mathangini Mudra
Mathangini
Kaka Mudra
Kaka
Pasini Mudra
Pasini
Aswini Mudra
Aswini
Sambhavi Mudra
Sambhavi
Manduka Mudra
Manduka
Tataka mudra
Tataka
Sakti Calana Mudra
Sakti Calana
Vajroli Mudra
Vajroli
yoni mudra
Yoni
viparita karani mudra
Viparita
Karani
nabho bandha mudra
Khecari
nabho bandha mudra
Mahadeva
Maha Bandha Mudra
Maha Bandha
Mula Bandha Mudra
Mula Bandha
jalandhara bandha mudra
Jalandhara Bandha
uddiyana bandha mudra
Uddiyana Bandha
nabho mudra
Nabho
maha mudra
Maha


20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019

20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya

Filtered from:

  1. Yoga Makaranda: The Nectar of Yoga by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
  2. Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings by AG Mohan

Mudras
Mudras are energy seals in that they retain vital energies - prana (from the breath) and bindu (from the semen). The classical sources for the mudras in yoga are two medieval texts, the Gheranda Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Mudras are essential because they help in the attainment of liberation (Moksha).

Mudras vs. Bandhas
By definition, mudra is an energy seal and a bandha is an energy lock, achieved by contracting two opposing muscles on a joint. What's the difference? Honestly, despite my research, it's not clear and even confusing. In theory, bandhas and mudras redirect energy (prana) inwards instead of flowing out through the vayus, into the sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) to experience the external world. But then, what's the difference between a lock and a seal? When doing a Mula Bandha, you are sealing the energy from leaking to the anus and pushing it up. So, it's more of a energy seal but a physical lock. I'm confused. At any rate, perhaps it's not that important to distinguish the difference between the two as long as you do both properly when required.

It is now apparent that certain bandhas/asanas or gestures are so essential that they are also categorized as mudra. And T. Krishnamacharya has identified these 20 essential mudras as a preparation for the more advanced practice of prayama.

Types of Mudras
When mudra is mentioned, hand and finger positions come to mind. But that is only one of its many forms. The other mudras are not as widely written about or regarded as such, but because they perform other essential functions and give special benefits, they are regarded as mudra as well. They are as follows:

  1. Hasta Mudra - hand and finger positions
  2. Mana Mudra - head
  3. Kaya Mudra - postural. Certain asanas, like Sirsasana, are considered special and play the role of mudra as well - breathing should be very slow and deep - about 2 breaths/minute for 12 minutes (headstand for 12 minutes?).
  4. Bandha Mudra - lock
  5. Adhara Mudra - perineal. Performed on the pelvic floor area (seated) and often relate to activating sexual energy

Why These Mudras are Important

  1. Vayu (wind) - to keep the 10 vayus moving in their respective nadis (energy channels) and have them perform their functions
  2. Disease - to prevent disease from forming in the body
  3. Sushumna (main energy channel) - to arouse the Kundalini Shakti by redirecting prana vayu to the Sushumna nadi, and maintained in the Bhramarandhram (opening in the crown of the head; the ending point of sushumna nadi)
  4. Gaze - to keep the gaze from wavering and to have it fixed in one spot
20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya

20 Mudras

  1. Maha Mudra
  2. Nabho Mudra
  3. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra
  4. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra
  5. Mula Bandha Mudra
  6. Maha Bandha Mudra
  7. Mahadeva Mudra
  8. Khecari Mudra
  9. Viparita Karani Mudra
  10. Yoni Mudra
  11. Vajroli Mudra
  12. Sakti Calana Mudra
  13. Tataka Mudra
  14. Maduka Mudra
  15. Sambavi Mudra
  16. Ashwini Mudra
  17. Pasini Mudra
  18. Kaka Mudra
  19. Mathangi Mudra
  20. Bhujangini Mudra

Freedom from 84,000 Diseases
If the foregoing mudras are practiced according to one's capacity and strength, diseases of respiration, coughing, spleen and bladder will be cured. 84,000 ailments from these disorders will be prevented. Super human strength is achieved and untimely death is avoided. More importantly, prana vayu goes into the sushumna for a one-pointed gaze and thought. It is important to be established in the 20 mudras before pranayama practice (hmmm...makes sense. You need to clear the roads first before allowing passage to important vehicles).

9 Bandhas
A bandha is essentially contracting opposing muscles around a joint. Even though most are familiar with the Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandha, there are 6 more. Altogether, they are as follows:

  1. kulpha bandha - ankle joint complex
  2. janu bandha - knee joint complex
  3. kati bandha - hip joint complex
  4. mula bandha - lumbar spine joint complex
  5. uddiyana bandha - chest and thoracic spine joint complex
  6. jalandhara bandha - cervical spine joint complex
  7. amsa bandha - shoulder joint complex
  8. kurpara bandha - elbow joint complex
  9. mani bandha - wrist joint complex
one-fist handstand for Mani Bandha
one-fist handstand for Mani Bandha

Course of Action
For my practice, I will read-up, perform, and write about these 20 mudras. Once I complete them, I will put my knowledge and experience to the test by holding a workshop on these 20 mudras - at least that's the plan.

Ending Thoughts
(Nov 26, 2019) I started out doing the mudras Oct. 6. It took me nearly 2 months to do them all. Some I couldn't do yet like Pasini Mudra as I cannot wrap both legs behind my neck. But Khecari Mudra I will not do. I simply find it too extreme to cut my frenulum for marginal bliss gain. Some I haven't done yet as I need to be in the river or lake. Some mudras overlap and not really that mutually exclusive - like Maha Bandha Mudra covers Mula Bandha Mudra, Uddiyana Bandha Mudra and Jalandhara Bandha Mudra. But for the most part of the mudras, the overlying theme is to go into Bahya Kumbhaka and engage the 3 main bandhas. But while doing that, whatever is left free can also be activated - like the tongue for Nabho Mudra, the hands for Gyana Mudra, etc.

Overall, I will default to 2 "sits". One is Sankalpa Mudra for manifestation since I am hacking my biology at this point - growing new teeth, reversing the ageing of the eyes and growing black hair. Of course I do this in padmasana, inhaling with focus on the hand mudra and chanting OM on the exhale. The 2nd sit is the Tataka Mudra combined with Surya Pradarshini Mudra to enhance my eyesight.

Altogether, pursuing this the past 2 months has really deepened my practice. Not only that, my daily 20 minutes of mudra practice paved the way for another 20 minutes of Vipassana sit. Maybe something just clicks along the way. Maybe I awaken the Kundalini Shakti and pushes prana vayu into sushumna for that journey into samadhi. But of course, no expectation.

--- 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


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Next stop: Maha Mudra

Chiang Mai Yoga blogs:

  1. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  2. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  3. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  4. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  5. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  6. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  7. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  8. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  9. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  10. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  11. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  12. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  13. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  14. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  15. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  16. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  17. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  18. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  19. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  20. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  21. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  22. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  23. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  24. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  25. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  26. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
  27. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
  28. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  29. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  30. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras May 30, 2019
  31. Abs Yoga May 12, 2019
  32. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  33. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  34. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  35. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  36. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  37. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016

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
  1. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 2020
  2. Anahata (Heart Chakra) July 5, 2020
  3. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  4. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  5. Movie Review: Underwater (2020) Jan 19, 2020
  6. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  7. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  8. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  9. Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Jan 7, 2020
  10. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  11. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  12. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  13. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  14. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  15. Movie Review: Knives Out (2019) Dec 12, 2019
  16. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  17. Movie Review: Ford vs Ferrari Dec 5, 2019
  18. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  19. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  20. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  21. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  22. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  23. Movie Review: The Cave (2019) Nov 23, 2019
  24. Movie Review: Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis (2018) Nov 22, 2019
  25. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  26. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  27. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  28. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  29. Movie Review: Midway (2019) Nov 15, 2019
  30. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  31. Movie Review: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) Nov 11, 2019
  32. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  33. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  34. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  35. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  36. Movie Review: Judy (2019) Oct 31, 2019
  37. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  38. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  39. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  40. Movie Review: Roger Waters - Us + Them (2019) Oct 27, 2019
  41. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  42. Movie Review: Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Oct 24, 2019
  43. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
  44. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  45. Movie Review: Liam: As It Was (2019) Oct 23, 2019
  46. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  47. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  48. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
  49. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
  50. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
  51. Movie Review: Official Secrets (2019) Oct 15, 2019
  52. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  53. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
  54. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  55. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  56. Movie Review: Joker (2019) Oct 8, 2019
  57. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  58. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  59. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
  60. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
  61. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
  62. Movie Review: Hail Satan? (2019) Sep 29, 2019
  63. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
  64. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
  65. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  66. Movie Review: Ad Astra (2019) Sep 25, 2019
  67. Movie Review: Rambo 5 Sep 22, 2019
  68. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
  69. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  70. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  71. Movie Review: Farewell Song (2019) Sep 16, 2019
  72. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
  73. Movie Review: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) Sep 12, 2019
  74. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  75. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
  76. Movie Review: Yesterday (2019) Sep 3, 2019
  77. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  78. Movie Review: Midsommar (2019) Aug 28, 2019
  79. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
  80. Movie Review: Ready or Not (2019) Aug 22, 2019
  81. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
  82. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
  83. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
  84. Movie Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) Aug 14, 2019
  85. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
  86. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
  87. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
  88. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
  89. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
  90. Movie Review: Anna (2019) July 15, 2019
  91. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  92. Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) July 4, 2019
  93. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
  94. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
  95. Movie Review: Rocketman (2019) June 25, 2019
  96. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
  97. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  98. Movie Review: Aladdin (2019) June 13, 2019
  99. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
  100. Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) June 6, 2019
  101. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
  102. Movie Review: John Wick 3 - Parabellum (2019) June 4, 2019
  103. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  104. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
  105. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  106. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
  107. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras May 30, 2019
  108. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  109. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  110. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
  111. Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019) May 14, 2019
  112. Movie Review: Arctic (2018) May 13, 2019
  113. Abs Yoga May 12, 2019
  114. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  115. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  116. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
  117. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
  118. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
  119. Movie Review: Hellboy (2019) Apr 15, 2019
  120. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
  121. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
  122. Movie Review: Shazam! (2019) Apr 4, 2019
  123. Movie Review: Captive State (2019) Mar 27, 2019
  124. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
  125. Movie Review: Captain Marvel (2019) Mar 19, 2019
  126. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
  127. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  128. Movie Review: Vox Lux (2018) Mar 2, 2019
  129. Movie Review: The Favourite (2018) Feb 25, 2019
  130. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  131. Movie Review: Alita Battle Angel Feb 19, 2019
  132. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
  133. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
  134. Movie Review: Spider-Man - Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Feb 3, 2018
  135. Movie Review: Green Book Jan 30, 2019
  136. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
  137. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) Jan 27, 2019
  138. Movie Review: Aquaman Jan 26, 2019
  139. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
  140. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
  141. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
  142. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
  143. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
  144. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
  145. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
  146. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  147. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  148. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  149. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
  150. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
  151. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
  152. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
  153. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
  154. Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

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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