Ocean Soul – Alivelihood of Southern Thailand

17-23 February 2025

Are you seeking a journey that’s more than just a vacation? One that immerses you in the beauty of nature, deepens your understanding of the world, and offers personal transformation?

Welcome to the **Andaman Sea Yatra**, a soulful exploration of Southern Thailand that will rejuvenate your spirit and reconnect you to the ocean’s wisdom. 

What is a Yatra?

In its essence, a yatra is a spiritual journey. Rooted in ancient traditions, it invites you to slow down, immerse in nature, and cultivate mindful awareness of your surroundings. In this Andaman Sea Yatra, you’ll travel consciously across islands and communities, weaving connections between the ocean and the lives it supports, including your own. This is more than an adventure—it’s a path to awakening your relationship with the earth and sea.

Highlights of the Journey:

– Gratitude to the Ocean: Begin with a heartfelt ceremony to honor the waters and explore pristine coral reefs.

– Sea Gypsy Livelihood: Engage with nomadic sea gypsies and learn about their unique ways of life.

– Ocean and Art of Living: Explore how humans both protect and harm the ocean while enjoying island artistry and local crafts.

– Nature-based Solutions: Discover how communities around the Andaman Sea are tackling climate change through sustainable, nature-based practices.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Gratitude to the Ocean

Arrive at Kuraburi and embark on a speedboat to Mu Ko Surin National Park, where you’ll settle into a serene tented accommodation by the beach. Begin your journey with a welcoming ceremony and sunset walk along the pristine shores. Spend the evening exploring the beach under the stars.  

Day 2: Seeing the Pristine Coral Reefs

Start the day with sunrise meditation and yoga, then dive into crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling adventure among vibrant coral reefs. Connect with fellow travelers during a sharing circle at sunset.  

Day 3: The Sea Gypsy Livelihood

Visit a sea gypsy village and learn about their nomadic way of life and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, journey to Koh Phrathong for a sunset birdwatching experience and an authentic homestay with a local family.  

Day 4: The Protector or The Destroyer

Gain insight into the environmental challenges faced by the Andaman Sea’s inhabitants as you explore efforts to protect their oceanic environment. Later, transition to the bustling beach town of Patong for an evening of reflection and exploration.

Day 5: Ocean and the Art of Living

Discover the intersection of ocean life and local artistry through a hands-on Batik painting workshop. Spend the evening at Koh Klang in a cozy homestay, gathering live seafood with the locals and enjoying village life.  

Day 6: Integration & Setting Forth

Cycle through Koh Klang, visiting community projects that highlight nature-based solutions to climate change. Close the day with a final group process and closing circle, reflecting on your journey.  

Day 7: Farewell

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast before departing from Koh Klang to Krabi Town, where you’ll carry forward the insights and connections from your yatra.

Accommodation

This journey embraces simplicity and sustainability in every detail. You’ll stay in tented beach camps, homestays with local families, and eco-conscious hotels that have minimal impact on the environment. From nights under the stars in Mu Ko Surin National Park to experiencing local hospitality on the island of Koh Klang, each accommodation is chosen to support sustainable practices and immerse you in the natural beauty and local culture of the Andaman coast.

What to Bring:

We recommend packing light, with an emphasis on sustainability. Here are a few essentials:

• Reusable water bottle and eco-friendly sunscreen to reduce plastic and chemical waste
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for both exploring and relaxing
• Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather
• Swimwear (with coverage) for snorkeling and ocean activities
• A headlamp or small flashlight for evenings on the beach and village homestays
• A personal journal for reflection
• A compact beach towel and snorkel set (optional; rentals available)

Meeting Point & Final Destination:

The journey begins at Kuraburi bus station, where we’ll greet you at 7:00 am for a short transfer to the pier. The yatra concludes in Krabi Town, where you can continue your travels or head to the airport.

Detailed travel information will be provided closer to the start date.

Price:

– Early Bird Special: $999 (book by January 15, 2025)

– Full Price: $1,299

Your contribution covers all accommodations, meals, transport, and basic activity fees. However, the facilitation fee operates on gift culture, meaning it’s based on the value you feel the experience brings to your life. We encourage you to contribute what feels right, inspiring a sense of gratitude and reciprocity.

Meet Your Facilitators:

Our experienced facilitators will guide you through this immersive experience. 

Wansiri Rongrongmuang (Topsi)

Topsi is an environmental activist, diving instructor, and spiritual seeker deeply connected to the sea and dedicated to fostering harmony between humanity and nature. She plays a key role at Pilgrimage Asia, an eco-spiritual tourism and learning social enterprise that creates inclusive, supportive spaces for lifelong learning and self-discovery. Topsi’s life reflects her belief that inner peace and sustainability go hand in hand, guiding her involvement in community initiatives for environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices. Her passions include diving, hiking, and meditation, inspiring others to explore and honor the natural world through shared journeys of insight and growth.

Petra Carman

Petra is an experienced facilitator known for her holistic approach to learning that integrates mind, body, and spirit. With a PhD in Social Psychology, Petra is dedicated to transformative experiences that connect people to themselves and nature. Her facilitation style is infused with embodied learning, meditation, and yoga practices, including movement forms like DANCEmandala. Since 2018, Petra has been part of the Awakening Leadership Training in Thailand, where she guides journeys of self-discovery and holistic well-being. Her lifelong exploration of human connection, sustainability, and community makes her a valued guide on this unique journey.

Harsh Wardhan

Harsh is a passionate educator, media creator, and coordinator at Swaraj University, focused on countering the cultural impacts of modern education through meaningful learning experiences. His organization, Vimukt Shiksha, co-organizing this Yatra, reflects his vision of a world where learning is free and purpose-driven. Harsh’s journey spans filmmaking, photography, event management, clowning, and exploring folk cultures, alongside his work with deschooling networks like the Indian Multiversities Alliance and Ecoversities Alliance. His grounded approach invites participants to see the world through new perspectives and foster genuine connections.

This unique yatra is an opportunity to step away from everyday life and reawaken your connection with nature, community, and your own inner journey.

Limited spots are available—join us for a one-in-a lifetime experience along Thailand’s Andaman coast.

REGISTER here: https://forms.gle/WWFrbKed4k4DqzgU8