Frequently Asked Questions

A: The purpose of the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat is to provide a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation for individuals seeking to break free from the constraints hindering personal growth. Our curriculum emphasizes training not only the body but also the mind, emotions, spirit, and soul. Through intensive practice, you will strengthen your body, tendons, sharpen your reflexes, and discipline your minds, fostering a holistic approach to personal development.

A: Kung Fu is built around the three philosophies that have shaped China: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. We teach about all of these philosophies although more about Taoism and Buddhism than Confucianism. Please understand that these are philosophies, not religions and that our teachings are available to people of all beliefs.

A: We are located in a small town, high in the mountains of Thailand called Pai! It epitomises the Kung Fu dream of training in pure, fresh air with awesome views well away from the distractions of modern life and the pollution of modern cities. Our address is 116 M. 5, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand 58130. Learn more about our location by clicking here.

A: Most students arrive in Bangkok, Thailand first as it is cheaper. After arriving in Bangkok, the fastest way to get to us is to travel to Chiang Mai. This can be done by Flight, overnight train, or bus. After arriving in Chiang Mai you will need to travel to Pai, which can be done by Taxi or Minibus. Read our full advice and recommendations on how to get to us by clicking here.

A: The cost depends on the length of stay or instructor course you would like to book. We are happy to provide you with a quote. Please contact us by emailing info@kungfuretreat.com or get in direct touch with our Instructor, Prisca - click here!.

A: Our retreat runs all year long. We have never closed! You can join us at any point of the year on any date you wish, and book to stay for as long as you’d like. We simply recommend you book to arrive on a Wednesday or a Saturday. For instructor training, please contact us as there are set start dates.

A: All teachers are fluent in English and most are native speakers. English is the common language here and all lessons are conducted in English. Conversation between students is almost always in English. It is also very easy to get by with English in the local area. While it can be helpful to know a bit of the Thai Language in getting around Thailand, you do not need to know Thai. Pai is very popular with western tourists so many speak English. If you need more help, our Thai Staff could assist you. Many of our teachers are also fluent in other languages.

A: You may find our students’ testimonials on Tripadvisor, Google Reviews, and our social media pages like Facebook and Instagram.

A: Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat is suitable for all levels. Any previous experience in martial arts should prove very helpful to you and will allow you to progress more quickly with our training. Should you have no previous experience, then you need not worry about being new to this. Many of our students arrive with no knowledge or experience in Kung Fu, Qigong or meditation, but all leave fitter, more experienced, and better than when they came. We will get you off to a very strong start and it is very likely there will be others here with zero experience.

Our advice: do not hesitate, you will not regret coming.

A: Yes, Thailand is an extremely safe place! Thai culture is one based on politeness and social harmony, and as such, the crime rate is extremely low, if present at all. Females travelling alone should not worry about any danger. We also have female instructors and often have female students with us who have immensely enjoyed their fulfilling and exciting experience here.

A: We wake early, sleep early, exercise very intelligently, eat healthy and maintain a strictly stress-free environment. We also promote contentment and tolerance of each other. Very importantly, we employ special breathing methods around which our exercises are based, and we meditate regularly.

A: We welcome students who belong to all age groups. We have previously held kung fu classes for children, had students who are in their gap year, and have also accepted students who are in their 60’s and 70’s who have all done very well at our Retreat so you should have no problem at all. Master Iain Armstrong himself is in his 60s.

A: Yes, absolutely. We always take students as they are and support them towards their goals.

A: Yes, our Instructor Prisca would be very happy to talk with you. Please use our Whatsapp contact button to get in touch with her.

A: We offer shared rooms (shared between 2 people), private rooms for single occupancy, and private rooms for couples to share. Read more about our accommodation by clicking here.

A: We provide breakfast every day and evening meal 5 days / week. Drinking water is supplied free with meals and is available from the kitchen free of charge at any time for resident students. We can cater for standard, vegan, and vegetarian diets. On request, we might be able to cater for Fruitarian, Raw Vegan, and Celiac Diets. We cannot cater for High Protein (Body Building) or Severe Nut Allergies. Please note that we do not provide lunch, and dinner is not served on rest days. Click here to learn more about the food and meals we serve at the retreat

A: Our facilities include 3 training areas – 2 of which are roofed with mats and a gym to suit specifically Kung Fu students. We also have a Meditation / Prayer Room, Tree House, Dining area where we prepare food and teas, Reception office, Weapons Museum, Gardens, and a smoking area. You can read more about our facilities by clicking here.

A: We never train under the sun when it is hot. Lessons will take place in the roofed training areas. The gym is also roofed. For morning lessons, we will use the open training area in the early mornings before the sun is hot.

A: We have kettles and tea making facilities available to students. We do not have a student kitchen as it raises hygiene and safety issues. We have student fridges that are appropriate for fruit, drinks, and pre-prepared food storage. Most students like to go out for lunch, though – it serves as a little social activity, breaks up the day and gives a chance to try different local restaurants and foods.

A: We have fairly fast wifi and it is very reliable. Many of our students work remotely between lessons times and on off-days. Our wifi can stream video, make video calls, etc., no problem. However, it could cut out maybe once every month or two but it is always easily fixed. In the event of power cuts, which can happen in thunderstorms, wifi will be lost. If you absolutely have to have internet all the time that you are here, no exceptions, then you should consider buying a sim card with 4G which should never be cut out. The phone networks here are super reliable. Ultimately, the internet at the Retreat will be fine over 99% of the time. We are constantly upgrading our connection as better packages become available.

A: Yes, there are three full-sized, self-service washing machines at the Retreat and they cost 30 THB per load (coin-operated). A decent sized bag of washing powder is also very inexpensive. If you wish to take your laundry in town, the prices vary from roughly 30 THB-70 THB per kilo depending on the type of service and the time frame requested.

A: Thailand uses Type A, Type B, and Type C wall plugs. At the retreat, we most commonly use the Type B and Type C plugs. There are 2 double sockets per room. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

A: Most of what you need when in Thailand can be bought here cheaply. You should consider bringing the following:

• Your Kung Fu uniform, if you have one. We supply uniforms for all who want them. The price for a set of kung fu uniform is 2300 Baht / $77.00 USD.
• A Small selection of comfortable clothes that you can train in. Generally, you will need light clothes for warm / hot weather and something which you can train in while your uniform is in the wash. Long sleeves are useful to prevent sunburn. During December and January, nights can be chilly so bring a pullover and some other warm clothing. The absolute lowest temperature we experience is about 7 C.
• Shoes. We train barefoot, so the most you will need is flip flops. You might want tennis shoes for walking around town in or if you plan to go on a run.
• Internet Device/Phone
• Camera
• Washkit, Toiletries, etc. (Please note that we do not provide personal items such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc. We do provide towels and bedding.)
• You might also like bringing your own weapons, but we can supply training weapons.

A: Training takes place on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Every training day has a morning lesson and an afternoon lesson. 3 days a week there is a midday lesson. Have a closer look at our timetable by clicking here.

A: Students attending all lessons can expect about 35.5 hours of training per week.

A: Our classes are taught by a dedicated team of experienced instructors who are deeply committed to both the martial arts and the well-being of our students. Our teachers are not just skilled practitioners of Kung Fu; they are also passionate about imparting their knowledge and fostering growth in others. We have 5 levels of Instructors: Master, Senior, Instructor, Assistant, and Trainee. Learn more about our teachers by clicking here.

A: Our arts cover the following:

• The Tiger Crane Combination, a classic, southern Fukienese Kung Fu System.
• The Shuang Yang pei Ho Rou Rouan Chien, also known as the “Shuang Yang” or “Sun Frost White Crane Soft and Gentle Art. This is similar to Tai Chi, but follows the Buddhist Shaolin tradition.
• The Tong Ling Chi Kung System. This is a soft Qigong system for health and long life.
• Shaolin Weapons and defense against weapons.
• Hard and Martial Qigong for Internal Power such as the Vein Tendon Chi kung.
• Workouts and Stretching.
• Kung Fu Sparring Drills - Pushing Hands / Sticky hands.
• Practical Self Defence using Kung Fu.
• Meditation.

A: We often do Pushing Hands training, which is a form of sparing which does not involve hitting each other. We are a Kung Fu school so our training is very much focused on Kung Fu rather than boxing.

A: While we have a structured timetable, our classes are non-compulsory. If you need to take some more time to rest or have to miss a lesson, no problem. Please just communicate with our Instructors so that they can be prepared for their lessons and know that you are alright.

A: Group sizes vary considerably depending on how many people we have staying at the Retreat. They could be from 3 -30! We have 6 – 12 instructors here so there is usually at least one instructor per 5 – 6 students, although it does vary. There can be up to 4 different classes running at the same time each with different teachers – not everyone is combined into the same group. We do go out of our way to make sure that every student gets the attention that they need.

A: No prerequisites. We are very flexible and do our best to help all of our students get the best out of themselves. It is a good idea to work on your flexibility and fitness before joining us, but we always take our students as they are and do our best to make sure that they all leave in much better shape than they arrive, mentally as well as physically.

A: You should do plenty of stretching and some general fitness work to get started. It would also be a good idea to study Master Iain’s book on Chi Kung. You can get a free download of it by signing up to our newsletter. Also, if you follow us on our social media like Facebook and Instagram, you could keep an eye on very useful tips and information.

A: The cost of private classes depends on which instructor teaches them. The cost ranges from 1,00 to 10,000 Baht / hour, depending on which teacher. Please contact us for more information.

A: We issue certificates for passing gradings (the first can be taken after 4 weeks’ training) for completing our basic certification course (10 weeks training or more) and for passing instructor training courses.

A: Our students have done it before. Our programs can help you, but it takes some discipline.

A: Yes, we offer this for our student based courses. Please contact us for more information to request prices for booking a class.

A: We do not teach Yoga. We teach kung fu, qigong, and meditation.

A: Yes, there is a very great deal to do in the Pai area. For example waterfalls, caves, hill tribe villages, temples, elephant riding, rafting, swimming, hot springs, jungle exploring and just generally getting out and about on a moped and exploring. Pai, the town itself is a nice place and many people like to just spend time here.

A: The area is very safe and however people choose to come home, it will be safe. Not only have none of our students ever been attacked on their way home, but we have never heard of it happening to anyone else. Do please remember that should you decide to drink alcohol while you are out you should plan how to get home safely beforehand. Riding home on a motorcycle after drinking is not safe and should be avoided at all costs.

A: We very much recommend AYA for motorcycle rental. They will also take luggage on a minibus to be collected in Pai for no extra charge. Most people use a 125cc moped. Bigger bikes can be fun but I think that availability can be limited. Most people learn to ride scooters very quickly. They are not difficult, especially if you choose an automatic. Do please be careful, though, as they are the biggest source of injuries in Pai. A scooter/moped is generally a good idea, and you can pick one up for 100-150 THB per day or 2000-3000 THB per month for a 110cc.

A: A 10,000 Baht ‘spending money’ a month should be plenty, provided that people do not want to buy too many things. Maybe 3,500 Baht for 1 week or 6,000 for 2 weeks. Some people spend a very great deal more though.

A: To get to us from Chiang Mai, you have the option of Minibus or Taxi. Once in Pai, you can get to us or around town by taxi (car or motorbike/scooter), by renting your own scooter or bicycle, getting a ride with another student, or walking.

A: November to January is dry and hot in the day, but cool at night. It is the most popular time of the year and perfect if you do not like rain. February to April will be hot and dry. Farmers will often burn their crops during this season, so smog typically starts around the end of February into March. We’re unable to say much more than this on the smog/smoke as we don't participate in burning the fields. Please contact us for updates or information if in doubt. May is an intermediate season between the hot and rainy season. June to October is rainy, but not every day. It can be humid, so not too hot in the day time (warm), but not too hot at night. The views are at the best, the land is at its most green, especially later in the rainy season. Arguably the best time of the year!
Read more about the region by clicking here.

A: The injections are not particularly necessary. We certainly would not recommend rabies or anti-malarials. There is no malaria in Pai. The anti malaria drugs often have severe side effects. Having these vaccinations is definitely up to you. You do not really need any special vaccinations and there is no malaria in Pai. You might consider hepatitis A just as a precaution. The covid vaccination is not required.

A: While we can’t guarantee that accidents won’t happen, the experience at the Kung Fu Retreat is designed to be completely safe. We have never had a serious accident, and everyone who comes here is encouraged to push themselves only to a level they are comfortable with a view to increasing their health, stamina, and flexibility. We do not encourage hard sparring since it often leads to injuries. When people attend one or two classes a week as is common in the West, having to miss a few weeks’ training because of an injury is no big deal. When you have flown all the way to Thailand and invested time and money in attending a Retreat like ours, it would be much more serious. This is why we are purposely very protective of our students. Please do understand that we do not accept liability for any injuries sustained whilst staying with us. If in doubt, please take out travel insurance.

A: Our Chief Instructor, Master Iain, as well as our other instructors have reasonable knowledge of back issues, but they are not qualified to give any treatments. Running is not included in our program and we usually train barefoot. Our roofed training areas have 2 cm jigsaw mats which help make stepping on bare feet more comfortable. The most important thing to remember is not to do anything which could injure your knee, feet, or back, even if other people are doing it. So for example, do not squat lower than is safe. In the mornings much of the exercise is fairly soft and aimed at recovery and improving health so if anything, it should help. If in doubt, please contact us.

A: If you booked with our Refundable Booking Add-On, you can get a refund on any unused portion of your stay. If you did not book with our Refundable Booking Add-On, then you can request to save any unused portion of your stay as credit towards a future stay. Your credit will never expire.

A: Visa regulations are constantly changing. The type of visa you should get depends on how long you’d like to come to Thailand for and your citizenship. Please contact us so that we can help you further. Alternatively, you can read more in our blog by clicking here.

A: Please contact us and let us know that you’re ready to book by emailing us at info@kungfuretreat.com. You can also speak directly with Instructor Prisca on Whatsapp. We will help you book your stay.

A: We recommend arriving on a Wednesday or Saturday as these are our rest days so if you arrive on these days, you will be able to relax and prepare yourself for your early morning training the next day. If that does not work for you then we will be happy to arrange for you to arrive from Monday to Saturday. We do not recommend arriving on Sundays.

A: Check-in opens at 2 PM and closes at 5 PM. While we recommend arriving on Wednesdays or Saturdays, check-in is possible from Monday to Saturday. Arriving after hours is available on request but incurs additional check-in fees. Self-check-in is available on request only if desired to check-in late and avoid the check-in fees.

A: Yes. Apple, our student care officer, is here from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM, Monday to Saturday. You are welcome to call enduring these hours and go to reception where you will find Apple. It would be a good idea to let us know in advance either via our contact form, emailing us at info@kungfuretreat.com or by calling Apple on 0823920556 during her working hours. Please remember that during the period November – April we are sometimes full so booking in advance may be better.

A: You can make payment by debit/credit card. Bank transfer (in USD, GBP, EURO, Thai Baht) is possible. Please contact us at info@kungfuretreat.com to get started. if interested Cash in USD or Thai Baht is available on special request in advance only. We do have a card reader at the Retreat, but it will charge in Thai Baht and incurs an additional 3% surcharge.

A: Refunds are only possible if you have bought our Refundable Booking Add-On. The Refundable Booking Add-On must be purchased at the first time of booking. It cannot be added later. You can read more about this add-on here. Without the Refundable Booking Add-On, a refund is not possible. However, you can save any unused portion of your stay for credit towards a future stay. Your credit will never expire.