6 Day New Year's Silent Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This six-day silent meditation retreat at Mahasiddha Yoga in Mae On, just east of Chiang Mai, Thailand, welcomes beginners who want to begin the new year with intention and inner stillness. Guided in English, it blends hatha yoga, meditation, and philosophy lectures into a gentle yet structured program designed to open the heart and deepen your understanding of consciousness. The approach draws on classical texts including the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, Tantraloka, and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Rather than a strict Vipassana-style immersion, this retreat emphasizes warmth and heart-centered practice. Silence begins after dinner on the first day and lifts before lunch on the final day, but participants still connect through subtle exercises, shared presence, and a daily written Q&A. Each day follows a clear rhythm. Morning hatha yoga and meditation start at eight, followed by breakfast, a midday lecture, and lunch. Afternoon sessions resume with yoga and meditation at four, an evening lecture, dinner, and a closing evening program before lights out at ten. The schedule balances active practice with reflection and rest. Three experienced teachers guide the retreat. Uriel Yariv brings over two decades of Tantra yoga practice and a background in clinical psychology. Iris Smeets draws on years of conflict resolution work and Esoteric Tantra teaching. Deshna Di contributes training in Tibetan Buddhism, kinesiology, and sound healing, creating a well-rounded instructional team. The retreat center sits at the foot of the Mae Takhrai mountains, surrounded by rice paddies and farmland. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, meditation garden, yoga shala, and air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi. Accommodation ranges from gender-separated shared rooms to private standard and deluxe options, all with ensuite bathrooms except shared rooms. Vegetarian meals made largely from organic produce are included, along with water and tea. Five nights' lodging and round-trip transport between Chiang Mai's Old City and the retreat center are provided. Airport transfers, airfare, and extra activities are not included. Check-in opens at 1 p.m. and check-out is at 3 p.m.