Travel Information
By Air:
We recommend flying Eva Airlines’ Evergreen Class from the United States. The Evergreen class is a step above economy and provides delicious meals, comfortable leather chairs and more leg room while still being very affordable. Eva flies out of San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York (Newark), Seattle, and Vancouver. For more information go to www.evaair.com.
Thai Airways is another great choice for air travel. Thai Airways is one of the only carriers with weekly non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok. For more information go to www.thaiair.com.
Private Taxi or Rental Car: (from Bangkok to Kailash Akhara)
Taxis and rental cars may be booked at the airport or through your hotel. Make sure to get a comfortable car, it is a 6 to 8 hour ride depending on traffic. The cost for a taxi from Bangkok should be approximately 8,000 baht ($240 USD).
The nearest town is Phu Ruea and the nearest city is Loei. Print out driving directions in English or Thai.
Private Vehicle:
These SUVs or vans are both reliable and comfortable. Vans can hold up to 8-11 people depending on amount of luggage. You can arrange for pickup from the airport or your hotel in Bangkok and they will deliver you directly to the center. The cost should be 6,000 – 8,000 baht ($180-$240 USD). You must call and book private vans in advance.
One private van company we have used regularly can be reached by calling +66 (0) 89-777-5935. The driver’s name is Khun Yong. Please say you are with Adi-Yoga in Phu Reua and he will know how to get here.
Two other options can be found through the following websites:
Richly Bangkok richlybangkok.com (Richly Bangkok lists Loei/Phu Ruea as a destination)
Oriental Escape www.orientalescape.com (Choose Northeast Region/other destination under To: list)
Print out driving directions in English or Thai.
BUS
Buses to our area depart from the Northern Bus Terminal – MoChit Station in Bangkok. The bus terminal is easily accessible by taxi and BTS (Bangkok Sky Train) or MRT (underground subway) station. From the BTS or MRT MoChit subway station you will need to take a short taxi ride to the actual MoChit bus terminal. A taxi will cost 50-70 baht. It is also very easy to get to the MoChit bus terminal from the airport. Get a taxi from the airport and ask to go to the MoChit Bus Station. The cost for the taxi from the airport should be around 250 to 500 baht depending on the traffic.
MoChit Bus terminal telephone: +66 (0) 25378055.
We recommend Phet Prasert Tour: Bangkok to Phu Ruea. Cost 390 baht for air-conditioned buses. Go to the lower floor of MoChit bus terminal, ticket booth number 42 (purchasing a day in advance guarantees you will not need to wait). Buses leave daily 8:15am, 12pm, 9pm and 10pm from Gate 130. Be sure to get off at the Phu Ruea bus stop or you can ask the bus driver to drop you off at Highway 203 and Pla Ba Road, which is about 4 kilometers from the center.
Another option is the VIP buses (24 seats, non-stop, air conditioned) from Bangkok to Loei. Cost is 540 baht. These buses leave at 8:30pm and 10pm from Bangkok and arrive in Loei at 4am. Once in Loei you will need to transfer to a local bus to get from Loei to Phu Ruea (there is a 1-2 hour lay-over time). It is a 2 hour bus drive from Loei to Phu Ruea.
The bus station in Phu Ruea is about 14 kilometers away from Kailash Akhara. The locals are very helpful and familiar with Adi-Yoga/Kailash Akhara and some taxis may even be available. If you are unable to find a ride please call Kailash Akhara at 0857572668 upon arriving. If you know your estimated time of arrival and would like to arrange for a pick up from the Phu Ruea bus station, please call Kailash Akhara before departure. Pickups from the Phu Ruea bus station are made during the day between the hours of 8am and 8pm only so please plan your travel accordingly.
Helpful phrases:
“Phom” denotes male and “Chan” denotes female.
Thank you (male) = “Khap khun khrap”.
Thank you (female) = “Khap khun kha”.
Today = Wan nee
Tomorrow = Phrung nee
Ticket = Tua
One = Nueng
Two = Sawng
I would like to book a ticket to Phu Ruea tomorrow =
“Chan (Phom) dawng kaan jawng tua pai Phu Ruea phrung nee.”
1 ticket to Phu Reua please =“Tua nueng Phu Ruea Kha (Khap)”
Where to stay: Below are a few of our favorites…
Luxury:
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 254 1234 Fax: +66 2 254 6308
Email: bangkok.grand@hyatt.com
494 Rajdamri Road,
Bangkok, Thailand 10330
Banyon Tree Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 26791200
21/100 South Sathorn Road
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Moderate:
The Bedrooms (Sukhumvit area)
Tel: +66(0)2740 3691 to 5 Fax: +66(0) 2740 3696
Email : info@TheBedrooms.com
www.thebedrooms.com
204/24 Sukhumvit 77 (Soi On nut),
Phrakhanong Nua,Wattana, Bangkok 10260, Thailand
Budget:
Suk 11 Hostel (Sukhumvit Soi 11 area)
Tel: +66 (0) 2253-5927, + 66 (0) 2253-5928
Fax: + 66 (0) 22535923
Email: suk11@truemail.co.th
1/33 Sukhmvit 11
Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok10110 Thailand
Lamphu House (Khao San Road area)
Tel: +66 (0) 262958612
Fax: 02626295864
75 Soi Rambutri
Kwang Chanasongkram
Pranakorn, Banglamphu
Bangkok 10200