Shambhala in Your Heart Festival, Thailand

Shambhala in Your Heart Festival, Thailand

Sirikwan Chaiyarukthaworn
Amidst forests nestled within valleys, Chiang Dao is a district in Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand. I stumbled upon a hidden gem, an event called the Shambhala in Your Heart Festival, where travelers around the world come together to celebrate the spirit of music, art, and peace.
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Embrace Your Soul at Shambhala in Your Heart Festival 

What is Shambhala Festival?

For me, the Shambhala Festival is not easily defined in just one word, as it represents a harmonious fusion of nature, art, music, freedom, new friendships, diversity, peace, spirit, and smiles. This is a camp of creativity where you can swap stories, dance your heart out, and sheer joy. Beyond meeting with new friends, the festival encourages a profound journey to rediscover your own soul and Mother Nature. 

What to do at Shambhala Festival? 

Refresh your day by starting with morning Yoga sessions. During the day, you can enjoy nature healing or engage in Arts workshops. Feel the grass beneath you as you relax with your favorite book, or spend a leisurely day beside a peaceful streamlet. Share your friendship with the stranger sitting next to you, and watch the good vibes flow.

 As the sunset, head to the heart of the vibrant campfire. Here, you can immerse yourself in mesmerizing performances, for example, Fire Dancing, Acro Yogis, and music. Don't hesitate to dance, allowing the rhythm of the night to match the rhythm of your soul. The main stage will be active from 06:00 PM to 09:30 PM. However, jamming sessions and conversations around the campfire will continue late into the night.

Wanna spice up your festival adventure and save some money?

Become a merchant or a volunteer!

- Selling Your Art: Are you an artist or a craft enthusiast? Here's your chance! Join the craft market zone to sell your handmade goodies without Marketplace fee. Grab your spot early; it's first-come, first-served!

 - Part-time Volunteers: Buy your ticket, then let the entrance staff know you want to volunteer. You'll get free food on your working day.

- Full-time Volunteers: Clear your schedule for 10 days, in exchange for your help you will enjoy full festival access, tents/dorm space (with blankets while they last), and meals.

Apply early!

Guide for the Shambhala Festival

Hepopa!

I'm sure 'Hepopa!' will be the first word you hear when you step into the Shambhala Festival. Prepare yourself for this heartwarming welcome. This incredible word means hello, thank you, sorry, love, and goodbye. Instead of being surprised when someone yells 'Hepopa' at you, reply with a hearty 'Hepopa!'

Accommodation

- Take your own tent and stay in the Shambhala Camp

- Book a guesthouse nearby

Guesthouse Suggestion!

Ashi Guesthouse Chiangdao บ้านอาชิ
@sirikwan
Ashi Guesthouse – Your Home Away from Home This is a friendly and peaceful place with amazing views. 🧹 Clean rooms 🏞️ Great views of Chiang Dao Mountain 🌟 Big terrace for stargazing 💤 Comfortable beds 🙌 Friendly staff 🍽️ Enjoy tasty food, especially craft beer and Khao Soi (a local Northern Thai dish).
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Anda.Warin
@sirikwan
This lovely private homestay have two cozy houses: Anda House and Warin House. 🏡 Private space with fantastic views of Chiang Dao Mountain 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The owner is incredibly friendly and gives you a warm welcome 🏞️ Wake up to breathtaking views of Chiang Dao Mountain 😌 Experience a cozy and relaxed atmosphere
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Sean Kum Resort
@sirikwan
Sean Kum Resort is owned by a local family, nestled in a peaceful spot next to a gentle stream. 🛏️ Big rooms with comfy beds and pillows ❄️ Fresh aircon and fans 🚿 Great water pressure in the shower 🍳 Delicious local Thai breakfast 🙌 Friendly staff They offer a free pick up from the Chiang Dao bus station! *Just one thing: there's a small slope to walk up to get to your bungalow. Worth it!"
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Food 

It's great to know that the food at the festival is mostly vegetarian. 

Transportation 

🚌 Take the bus at Chang Puak Bus Station 

- A one way ticket for the fan bus (~ 40 baht)

- Buses depart every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

- Chiang Dao is the first stop on this route, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

⛰️Once you arrive at Chiang Dao Bus Station, you have two options for reaching Shambhala Festival 

A. Take a Red Tuk Tuk

You can take a Red Tuk Tuk from Chiang Dao Bus Station to Shambhala Festival. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

B. Rent a Motorbike

Based on my experience, I decided to rent a motorbike. I contacted the motorbike shop owner ahead of time, so they'll meet me at the Chiang Dao Bus Station with the rented motorbike when I arrive.

📞 Need Info?

- For Bus Station details, call Chang Puak Bus Station at (053) 211-586 for the checking times and prices.

- Looking to rent a motorbike?  Chiang Dao Koko Home at (Tel. 061-347-6107) for daily rates ranging from 250-400 baht.

Ticket

Grab Your Ticket!

🎟️ 1-Day Pass:  300 baht

🎉 Special 10-Day Pass: 1500 baht

👦 Kids 15 and Under: FREE

*Tickets available at the entrance only, no pre-purchase 

Shambhala in Your Heart 2024 

Date: 9-18 February 2024

Place: Yang-puto Camping Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Photo Album: Shambhala 2023 

More information

Shambhala in Your Heart Website

Shambhala Official Facebook Page

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sirikwan Chaiyarukthaworn
Hello! I'm JJ 📍Thailand Seven years ago, I was just a 15-year-old dreamer with a passion for traveling the world. Fast forward to today, at 22, I wake up every morning with an insatiable thirst for adventure and a burning determination to turn my childhood dream of traveling the world into a reality. I'm excited to share my journey, travel tips, and budget-saving hacks with all of you. Let's embark on this adventure together! ✈️🌍
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