What does it take to turn a patch of semi-jungle into one of Thailand's most welcoming and down to Earth yoga retreats? Meet Will, founder of Suan Sati, who, tired with the transience of backpacking, decided to create the kind of space that he craved. A space where travellers from all over the world could connect, heal and feel grounded. At last, a yoga and meditation centre that was affordable and offered wellness to travellers on low budgets!Will's journey began on April 1st, 2010, when he arrived in Thailand to teach English. He felt an immediate sense of freedom he'd never experienced back home - anything was possible. After two years teaching in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, hosting couchsurfers, and then backpacking through every country in South and Southeast Asia, he found himself at a yoga retreat in Central America, realizing he was ready to give back. Three consecutive 10-day silent Vipassanā meditation retreats later, the seed for Suan Sati was planted.

In 2017, with help from backpacker volunteers whose Workaway ad went viral, he opened "The Garden of Mindfulness" in the rice fields outside Chiang Mai.

Nearly nine years later, Suan Sati employs 17 Thai staff (feeding 40+ dependents), operates on solar power, uses recycled teak and adobe mud bricks, and welcomes guests seeking community, simplicity, and connection.In this episode, we explore:- How Will built Suan Sati from scratch with volunteer backpackers and survived floods, fires, and a 19-month COVID closure- The sustainable building practices used to build Suan Sati, inlcuding adobe mud bricks, recycled teak, and solar power that drastically reduce carbon footprint- Why accessibility and inclusivity are core values - from pricing to the welcoming energy that greets yoga beginners- Cultural lessons learned from Thai staff about keeping a "cool heart" (jai yen) and leading shoulder-to-shoulder in the trenches- Northern Thailand insider travel gems from hidden trekking trails to caves!Whether you're seeking a retreat that welcomes all bodies and budgets or curious about building something meaningful abroad, Will's story offers a masterclass in transforming personal growth into collective impact.Want more inspiring backpacker stories and insider travel tips? Check out South East Asia Backpacker and subscribe to the Southeast Asia Backpacker newsletter for bi-monthly travel updates delivered to your inbox.

What does it take to build a life, businesses, and a family on a Thai island? 🏝️ Maayan from Sweet Life Lanta shares her journey that resulted in her finding a home, starting a business and building a family on Koh Lanta - it's a story of organic growth, cultural immersion, and entrepreneurial resilience.

From a long-distance relationship while working in Myanmar to building several business on the island (Guesthouses, AirBnB properties and her husband, Mon's cooking school, the couple's businesses grew spontaneously and organically. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to online cooking classes, connecting with people worldwide who missed Thailand and their YouTube channel was born.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Koh Lanta offers authentic Thai culture with diverse communities living in harmony
• Starting businesses in Thailand as a mixed couple and navigating ownership laws
• Pandemic adaptation and taking the cooking school online
• First-time visitor tips to Thailand and hidden gems
• The community of Western women with Thai partners

Whether you're dreaming of island life or planning your first Koh Lanta trip, Maayan offers genuine insights into creating a sweet life in Southeast Asia.

Links & Resources

• Sweet Life Lanta YouTube Channel
• Sweet Life Guest House and Wooda House (accommodations in Koh Lanta Old Town)
• Cooking with Mon on Koh Lanta
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide 🏝️

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In his early twenties, Joe Fallon set off on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia that would change his life. 🌏🎒✨ With travel buddy Mark Pope, Joe fell head over heels for the region - and for the freedom, adventure, and community that backpacking brings.

That passion soon evolved into something bigger: the launch of TruTravels, a tour company created to introduce fellow travellers to the incredible destinations they'd discovered along the way.

Fast forward to 2018, and TruTravels caught the eye of global travel giant G Adventures, who acquired the company in a multi-million dollar deal 💰🤝, an unexpected twist that would catapult Joe and Mark into an exciting new chapter of their lives!

Today, we catch up with Joe at Tiki Beach Resort on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand - his latest venture and home base. From co-founding a backpacker tour company to running a beachfront resort and launching the company Digital Nomad Adventures, Joe shares how he's turned his passion for travel into a lifelong entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, we explore:

• Joe’s journey from a 2008 backpacking trip to co-founding TruTravels to managing Tiki Beach Resort and Digital Nomad Adventures

• The unexpected beginnings of TruTravels and the surprising acquisition offer that changed everything

• Why Koh Phangan is more than just a party island - Joe’s favourite spots for nature, spirituality and local delicacies

• His top tips for exploring Koh Phangan beyond the Full Moon Party

• Honest reflections on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and what it means to build a life around passion

As Joe prepares for a new chapter - fatherhood - he insists he’s slowing down on business. But knowing his track record, we wouldn't be surprised if a "dad 'n baby" startup emerges on the shores of Koh Phangan sometime soon!

🌴 Links & Resources

• TruTravels: trutravels.com
• Tiki Beach Resort: tikibeachkohphangan.com
• Digital Nomad Adventures: instagram.com/digitalnomad_adventures
• Check out our Guide to Koh Phangan Island 🏝️

💌 For news, stories, tips and inspiration for your next trip to Southeast Asia, ⁠sign up for the South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter!