Thailand

The World’s First-Ever Vegan Service Retreat

Heal Yourseff. Heal Animals. Heal The Earth.

Join Kris in Chiang Dao for 7 days of animal service, street dog feedings, an ethical elephant sanctuary experience, mindful living, yoga, breathwork, vegan nourishment, outdoor adventure, genuine human connection, and a complete digital detox.

WHY THIS RETREAT EXISTS

Healing is Relational.

Most retreats ask, "How can I feel better?" We ask, "What if feeling better wasn't the end goal?"

What if healing yourself helped you show up differently for animals, for your community, for the planet, and for future generations? This retreat was born from a shared belief.

AOHE is collaborating with Marion and Tin at KIND Animal Sanctuary in Thailand, to create an experience that nurtures both inner wellbeing and compassionate action.

Together, we've woven mindfulness, plant-based living, animal sanctuary service, community, and conscious travel into one immersive journey.

Because we believe healing is relational. With ourselves. With others. With animals. With the earth.

And perhaps, through that reconnection, we remember that healing was never meant to stop at the self.

WHY CHIANG DAO?

Nestled between mountains, temples, and ancient forests, Chiang Dao offers a slower way of life.

Here, mornings begin with birdsong instread of alarms. Community still matters. Nature is close enough to touch.

It's the perfect place to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with what matters.

MEET YOUR HOST KRIS

My intention is to guide an experience that nourishes the body, calms the mind, opens the heart, and inspires you to live with greater purpose and compassion.

Kris

Mindfulness mentor, breathwork facilitator, animal advocate, and founder of AOHE, The Art of Healing Earth

He creates spaces for deep inner work, connection, and meaningful action.

What You Can Experience at KIND Animal Sanctuary

KIND Animal Sanctuary is home to 200+ street dogs and cats rescued from the streets, horses saved from exploitation, water buffalo and pigs rescued from slaughter. Some of the animals have missing limbs. Some carry the emotional scars of neglect. All of them have been given a second chance.

Throughout the retreat, you'll help prepare meals, join daily dog walks, assist with feeding and caring for the sanctuary residents, and spend time getting to know the incredible individuals who call KIND home.

These moments aren't about saving animals. They're about meeting them. They have names. They have souls. They have will to live.

Because when we open our hearts to the suffering of another being, something within us begins to heal too.

Healing is relational. With ourselves. With others. With animals. With the earth.

An Ethical, Hands-Off Elephant Sanctuary

Spend a day at an ethical, hands-off elephant sanctuary where the animals are never ridden, forced to perform, or used for tourist entertainment.

You’ll observe rescued elephants from a respectful distance, learn about their natural behaviour, hear their rescue stories, and support a sanctuary focused on animal welfare, conservation, and low-impact tourism.

The experience is designed around the elephants, not around getting the perfect photo. No bathing, no tricks, no forced interaction, just space, respect, and the chance to witness them living as freely and naturally as possible.

FULL ITINERARY (7 DAYS - 6 NIGHTS)

A Gentle Rhythm, Not a Rigid Schedule.

The itinerary below offers a glimpse into the flow of our week together. While the heart of the experience will remain the same, we intentionally leave space for spontaneity, rest, meaningful conversations, weather changes, and the unexpected magic that often unfolds on retreat.

This isn't about squeezing every moment into a schedule. It's about creating enough structure to feel supported, while allowing enough openness to truly be present.

Come with curiosity. We'll take care of the rest.

Day 1 • Arrival & Coming Home

  • Airport transfer from Chiang Mai

  • Settle into your accommodation

  • Welcome circle & introductions

  • Retreat orientation and phone check-in

  • Gentle breathwork practice

  • Nourishing vegan dinner

  • Gaia documentary & reflection

  • Evening visualization practice

The retreat begins by slowing down. As we put away our phones and step into a new rhythm, we create space to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with the intention that brought us here.

Day 2 • Compassion in Action

  • Morning yoga

  • Conscious living workshop

  • Meeting the animals

  • Daily dog walks

  • Visit a local temple

  • Shared vegan lunch

  • Personal time for rest or journaling

  • Evening Holotropic breathwork w/ Kris

  • Community dinner

  • Gaia documentary & discussion

  • Visualization practice

Compassion is not just a feeling, it's something we practice. Through caring for rescued animals and tending to our own wellbeing, we begin to understand that healing extends beyond the self.

Day 3 • Returning to Nature

  • Morning yoga

  • Workshop session

  • Daily dog walks

  • Nature hike through Chiang Dao

  • Shared vegan lunch

  • Documentary & reflection

  • Personal time

  • Evening dinner

  • Hot springs experience

  • Quiet evening integration

Nature reminds us that there is wisdom in slowing down. In the mountains, forests, and hot springs of Northern Thailand, we rediscover our place within the living world.

Day 4 • Nourishment & Connection

  • Morning yoga

  • Conscious living workshop

  • Time with rescued animals at KIND Sanctuary

  • Shared vegan lunch

  • Personal reflection time

  • Thai vegan cooking experience

  • Community dinner

  • Gaia documentary & discussion

  • Evening visualization practice

Food is more than fuel. It is culture, connection, and compassion. Through preparing and sharing vegan meals together, we honour both our own wellbeing and the lives of the animals spared from our plates.

Day 5 • Presence in Practice

  • Morning yoga

  • Workshop session

  • Daily dog walks

  • Nature experience

  • Shared vegan lunch

  • Documentary & integration

  • Evening Pranayama breathwork w/ Kris

  • Community dinner

  • Gaia documentary & reflection

  • Visualization practice

Presence is a practice. The more we return to this moment, through breath, movement, service, and stillness, the more fully we begin to experience life as it is.

Day 6 • The Ripple Effect

  • Morning yoga

  • Final conscious living workshop

  • Time at KIND Animal Sanctuary

  • Shared vegan lunch

  • Personal reflection and free time

  • Closing circle and gratitude practice

  • Community dinner

  • Hot springs experience

  • Final evening together

As our time together begins to come to a close, we create space to reflect on the lessons, connections, and moments that have shaped the week. Through gratitude, celebration, and meaningful conversation, we honour both the journey we've shared and the one that continues beyond the retreat.

Day 7 • Returning Home

  • Morning yoga

  • Closing circle and farewell reflections

  • Check-out and transfer to Chiang Mai

  • Full day spent at a sauna and cold plunge experience

  • Final shared vegan meal

  • Airport transfers and departures or stay in Thailand ;)

Before returning home, we'll spend our final day slowing down once more. Through heat, cold, laughter, and conversation, we'll integrate the experience together and celebrate the community we've created.

Because while the retreat may be ending, the ripple effect of how we choose to live, consume, and care for ourselves, animals, and the earth is only just beginning.

You don't need to have it all figured out.

November & June Retreats - Chiang Dao, Thailand

You don't need years of meditation experience. You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know anyone else attending.

You only need curiosity. A willingness to slow down. And an open heart.

If that's you, we'd love to meet you.

You came here looking for a retreat. What you may find is a new way of living.

Heal Yourself. Heal Animals. Heal The Earth.

Only 10 spots available.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience with yoga or meditation?

Not at all. This retreat is designed for all experience levels. Whether you're completely new or have an established practice, you'll be supported exactly where you are.

Do I have to be vegan to attend?

No. However, all meals served during the retreat will be fully vegan. This retreat reflects our values of compassion, health, and conscious living, and we invite you to approach the experience with openness and curiosity.

What kind of food will be provided?

You'll enjoy nourishing, delicious vegan meals inspired by local Thai flavours and seasonal ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included.

What is the phone policy?

This is a digital detox retreat. Upon arrival, phones will be placed on airplane mode and stored securely in a locked area for the duration of the retreat. Emergency contact information will be provided to your loved ones, and our team will always be reachable if needed.

Can I come alone?

Absolutely. Many participants attend retreats solo. In fact, coming alone often creates more space for genuine connection, reflection, and personal growth.

What will we do at KIND Animal Sanctuary?

You'll have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with rescued animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and water buffalo. You may help feed street dogs, go on daily dog walks, prepare enrichment activities, and learn the stories of animals rescued from slaughterhouses and life on the streets.

Is this a luxury retreat?

No. While we value comfort and beauty, this is not a luxury resort experience. This retreat is rooted in simplicity, service, authenticity, and connection. Expect meaningful experiences over extravagance.

How physically demanding is the retreat?

The retreat is beginner to moderate in terms of physical activity. Activities may include light hiking, walking dogs, yoga, and spending time outdoors. You do not need to be highly fit to participate.

What's included in the retreat investment?

Your retreat investment includes accommodation, all vegan meals, yoga and meditation sessions, Pranayama breathwork, workshops, sanctuary experiences, hot springs, nature activities, airport transfers, and all retreat programming.

What isn't included?

International flights to and from Thailand, travel insurance, visa fees (if applicable), additional excursions outside the retreat itinerary, and personal expenses.

What is the deposit policy?

A $500 CAD deposit is required to reserve your spot. Deposits are refundable only if we are able to fill your space with another participant.

Can I apply if I'm not sure this retreat is right for me?

Of course. The application process helps ensure the retreat is a good fit for everyone involved. If you're unsure, reach out. We'd be happy to answer your questions and support you in making the decision that's right for you.

How many people will attend?

This retreat is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 10 participants, to foster deeper connection, individualized support, and a more intimate experience.

Plus, they'll be Kris, Prity, Marion, & Tin (Founders of KIND Animal Sanctuary)

A Note From Kris

Thank you for considering this journey with us.

In a world that constantly asks us to consume more, achieve more, and move faster, we wanted to create something different.

A space to slow down. To remember what matters. To nourish the body through vegan food, reconnect with nature, care for rescued animals, and rediscover the parts of ourselves that modern life often asks us to leave behind.

This retreat isn't about becoming someone new. It's about returning to who you've always been beneath the noise.

Alongside the incredible teams at KIND Animal Sanctuary, we are honoured to hold this experience with you.

We believe healing is relational. With ourselves. With others. With animals. With the earth.

If this retreat is calling to you, trust that. We can't wait to welcome you to Thailand.

With love,

Kris

Still have questions?

Choosing a retreat is a real decision. We get that.

If you have questions about the schedule, accommodation, food, phone policy, sanctuary work, or whether this is the right fit for you, reach out anytime.

We’d love to help you feel clear before applying.