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’s it like to build a life and business on one of Thailand’s most loved islands? Speaking from her home on Koh Lanta, Maayan from Sweet Life Lanta shares her journey of moving to Southeast Asia, meeting her husband, Mon, and how their family’s business and cooking classes have grown into a thriving YouTube channel with fans across the world.

We talk about:

• The unique melting pot of Thai cultures that makes Koh Lanta special

• From technophobe to techie; making their home cooking classes viral

• Why Maayan will always love Koh Lanta over Koh Phangan

• Raising a family and planning for the future on a small island

• Travel tips for first-time visitors, from hidden gems to local cuisine

• The intriguing trend of Western women & Thai partners in Koh Lanta (and getting into those private FaceBook groups)

Links & Resources:Check out @SweetLifeLanta on YouTube for truly joyful, inspiring and thought provoking videos from the family’s life in Koh LantaVisit their website at www.sweetlifelanta.com

To learn more about Koh Lanta’s beaches, diving, and community, just type “Koh Lanta” into our website search bar.For more stories, tips, and inspiration for your next trip, head to southeastasiabackpacker.com

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!