3 November – 17 November 2019 (OPEN for registration)
(next retreat: 1 – 15 November 2020)
Koh Chang (Elephant Island) – only a couple of hours south-east from Bangkok – is a gorgeous island full of coves and bays of pristine beaches and crystal clear seas with lush green mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
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Traditional Thai Yoga Massage is a preventive and therapeutic full body massage given on a mat on the floor.
The massage therapy is based on manipulation of the joints, acupressure along the muscles and stretching of the muscles, with enormous health benefits. Thai yoga massage is different than other forms of massage, because both masseur and client are constantly moving.
This is why not only the client but also the masseur becomes more flexible and is in meditation during the treatment.
In Thailand this is used for centuries in hospitals to shorten the waiting lists. Moreover this massage is part of the daily routine in Thailand with enormous health results.
Nowadays Traditional Thai Therapy Massage is becoming more well-known as a treatment in regular western medicine.
Sociologists predict that use of smart phones and other internet devices will increase and therefore massage therapists will be more and more demanded in the future!
The first time we visited Koh Chang, we fell in love! The island consists of several amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and marine life, such as tropical fishes, rays, marine turtles and dolphins.
In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.
The high peaks and steep mountains of fertile rainforests in the central region of Koh Chang create some of the most spectacular waterfalls.
We will stay in the southern part of Koh Chang, at Bang Bao. The charm of Bang Bao traditional fishing village are the wooden houses which are built on wooden stilts embedded in the sea. Houses are connected by bridges.
The Bang Bao Bay has been a sanctuary for fishing boats seeking shelter from the monsoon for over a century.
Thatched-roofed bungalows are set on a cliff in terraces that descend to the shore. Clear waters and rocks here are enchanting and you can enjoy fresh seafood with a fascinating sea view.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, cayaking and lazing around.
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite: ITM Level 1
Prerequisite: ITM Level 2
Prerequisite: ITM Level 2
After completion students will have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and are able to determine the indications and contra-indications for the massage protocols.
During our lessons we not only teach you the best massage techniques, but you will also become healthier yourself. Our teaching methodology is called VAK, visual, auditory and kinaesthetic, meaning that you first look at the teacher when explaining the massage techniques. After that you give the massage on a fellow student and then you receive the massage. So you learn in 3 ways. But in this way you also work on your own health. It’s great to see that many of our students benefit immensely from the massage they receive during the lessons. For example, many of our students got rid of their burnout complaints, others experienced that their headache, backache and stress disappeared. Only because they are following a massage training and therefore, they themselves experience the benefits of Thai Yoga Massage.
Upon successful completion of the course (there will be a practical exam), you will receive a certificate approved and authorised by ITM (International Training Massage School of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand), honored as the best Thai massage school of Thailand, acknowledged by the Department of Health and Education of Thailand. Our school is registered at the Central Register of Short Professional Education, CRKBO (Centraal Register Kort Beroepsonderwijs) and the World Massage Federation. If you like you can work national or international as a Thai yoga massage therapist with our internationally recognized certifications.
‘I enjoyed so much! Learned a lot! Seen so much! Everything, and I mean everything was special. I had an extraordinary time. This trip is a start, there is so much more to learn. I actually liked it so much that I joined the retreat two years in a row. Super!!
‘Retreat to Koh Chang: perfect for my taste and for my needs. I went to learn to massage more for fun (no earlier experience) but during the retreat very fast I understood I need to go further with my massage studies after the retreat. Learned during the 2 weeks so much knowing also the devotion, professionalism and enthusiasm of the whole group will stay very very long time with me. I even join again this year.’
‘The trip and course in Thailand were fascinating!’
‘I highly recommend the retreats in Koh Chang. I learned new techniques and enjoyed my stay very much. I am working as a professional Thai massage therapist for many years now. Thanks to these wonderful teachers I can make a living with my massages. The retreat was a great opportunity to learn the Thai Massage in an inspiring environment’
ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam will assist students in buying their flights to Bangkok international airport. We will manage the connection to the accommodation and will give you the details on how you can reserve and book.
We understand that for some of you, the investment fee is a big amount. Keeping in mind that you are able to earn the investment fee back after completing the retreat within some months if you like to give professional Thai yoga massage treatments, it might be difficult to pay the full fee directly. If this is difficult for you, you can pay in parts.
Our school is registered at the Central Register of Short Professional Education, CRKBO and the World Massage Federation and our school is internationally recognized as we are a franchise of ITM Chiang Mai and have a school in Berlin as well. Check with your local tax advisor, but in most jurisdictions, our professional courses can be deducted as a business expense resulting in a considerably lower course cost due to tax credits/refunds received. If you need an official tax invoice, just ask. We’re happy to help!
if you have followed one of the Thai yoga massage levels with ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam and you like to repeat the same level.
if you have followed both levels with ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam and you like to repeat the same levels
If you like to apply for discount, please contact us!
Arrival Day Sunday: Depart at 12.00 PM from Bangkok international airport Suvarnabhumi together to Koh Chang
Week 1 Monday to Friday: Course Traditional Thai yoga Massage Nuad Bo Rarn
Saturday & Sunday: Free time to explore the island
Week 2 Monday to Friday: Course Traditional Thai yoga Massage Nuad Bo Rarn
Saturday: Departure to Bangkok, 1 night in hotel in Bangkok
Sunday: End of the retreat
Of course you can come earlier or stay longer in Thailand at your own cost if you have the time.
To make sure that you can join, click on the reservation button
You may still have certain questions. In the course of time we have collected the most frequently asked questions about the Thai Yoga Massage Retreat. Please see our FAQ list below.
Is it shared acommodation?
2 weeks accommodation is included. Every participant has his/her own accommodation. If you like to share a room that is possible, please let us know, but if you come alone you have your own accommodation.
Which courses to choose? Level 1 & 2 OR 3 & 4?
If you have no experience choose Level 1 & 2. If you have done level 1 & 2, you can choose to take the same levels to repeat and refresh your knowledge (you will receive discount). Or if you have done level 1 & 2, you can choose to do level 3 & 4. If you have done level 3 & 4 you are of course welcome to join again (with discount).
What do I need to bring?
After your registration you will receive an information package. But you just have to think about bringing light (cotton) clothes. Moreover just bring everything else you usually bring on a holiday. Close to our accommodation there is a pharmacy and ATM.
I am very busy, is this something for me?
This retreat is for everyone who likes to learn massage in a relaxing environment. Most of our students join the retreat to learn, but at the same time to charge their battery, to come back totally relaxed and full of energy. Participants practice on each other during the retreat, so you will feel the health benefits of Thai yoga massage daily.
I don’t have any massage experience, can I still join?
We will teach you everything from the beginning. You will learn what it takes to be a massage therapist.
We focus mainly on practicing massage during the training. We believe practice makes perfect. The exams are also purely practice exams. We believe that our curriculum provides you with all the necessary information and tools to become a really good Thai Yoga Massage Therapist.
I am not looking for a new career, but would just like to learn massage. Is this something for me?
Even if you are not looking for a career switch, but do want to make yourself and others healthier, then you are very welcome at our retreat on how to massage your friends and family.
I have no massage or yoga experience. Is that a problem?
No worries, you do not need any experience. Some of our students have a medical background or already work as a masseur. However, this is not essential for the retreat. We teach you everything from the start and step-by-step. We practice the Thai yoga massage treatments on a mat, fully clothed and with the help of acupressure and stretches.
I would like to feel fittere and improve my health first. Is a massage retreat right for me at the moment or is it better to wait until I am completely fit?
Our unique teaching method ensures that you also experience the health benefits of massage during the classes. Many of our students heal their burnout, back pain, headaches and stress simply by taking the massage classes and experiencing the benefits of Thai yoga massage themselves. Participants of the retreat all say to us that they feel much fitter after the retreat and that the retreat has immensely de-stressed them. When you join, you will feel how this two-week massage retreat makes you totally relax. You will receive daily massage, do yoga, being in a beautiful surrounding eating delicious fresh food. What else can make you more relaxed?
How do I know if I am ready?
You do not need any experience. We will teach you everything you need to know to become a Thai Yoga Masseur right from the beginning. If you feel you need a break and like to learn massage, maybe this is your time to join the retreat.
How does this type of massage differ from others?
Thai yoga massage is based on acupressure, reflexology and yoga-like stretching. It is a full body massage that is given over the clothes, on a mat and usually lasts about 1.5 hours. Both the client as well as the masseur benefit from the massage. They both improve their flexibility through yoga-like stretches, reduce stress due to the meditative status during the massage and improve their blood circulation as they are doing exercise. Due to the light acupressure and soft stretches – which you can deepen according to the client’s needs – this massage is accessible for everyone.
My English is not very good. Is this a problem?
All classes are taught in English, including the didactic material. But if you have a problem with the language, we also speak Dutch and Spanish. Our students come from different countries. Some have English as their mother tongue, but most have English as a second or third language. Our students have never had a problem with the language, even if their English is very basic. Thai massage is traditionally taught and learned by feeling and looking – so English is not essential, but only makes it easier to learn.
Besides classes, do we have time to relax and enjoy the island?
Thai yoga massage classes are from Monday to Friday during the day. In the afternoon and weekend there is enough time to explore Koh Chang. The island is well-known for its pristine beaches, snorkling, undisturbed rain forrest, waterfalls and more…
Do I need a Visa for Thailand?
If you stay less than 30 days in Thailand you don’t need a visa if you have a Dutch passport. If you hold a passport from another country, you most likely don’t need to have a visa if staying less than 30 days in Thailand. However, there are exceptions, please check the Thai embassy in your own country for the latest visa rules. If you like to stay more than 30 days, you can get a visa at the Thai embassy in your country.
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