Elmie

Hi guys

I've traveled a around the world for studies and work before, but so far I've only been in Asia a few times for short vacations. I'm going to Asia this year though, to stay for an extended period of time. The reason I'm going is to get better at guitar and yoga. Odd mix, I know, but bear with me.
Originally I had landed on Thailand, because I found several guitar teachers, and yoga classes/retreats seemed to be everywhere. But I'm not keen on ending up in a tourist trap, because I won't be able to afford the high prices, and maybe won't get to experience really getting to know the place. And there are *so*many beautiful countries in Asia; Thailand is so popular, so maybe go somewhere else? But I have no knowledge about any of the places. Maybe Cambodia? Bali? Myanmar? Vietnam? Singapore?

All I really need is a guitar teacher (I'm thinking 1 - 2 lessons a week, depending on the price), somewhere I can learn yoga, a beach, and prices I can afford when staying so long (minimum of 3 months).

I don't even know where to start looking. If anyone has any tips or advice, I'd would be very grateful. Thanks!

Elmie

thursdaysd

If you want yoga classes, why would you not go to India?

If you want guitar classes, why would you go to Asia, where it is not a native instrument?

Kathie

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia. Unless you have lots of money don't even think about an extended stay there.

If you plan to stay three months, you can cross Myanmar off your list - the visa is for 28 days.

thursdays is right, India is the place for yoga, even though you can learn it elsewhere. Finding the guitar teacher will be harder.

I'm not sure why you think of Thailand as a tourist trap. Certainly you can go to places where the tourists outnumber the locals, but you have to make an effort to find such places and go at the highest season. Of course, since you must have a beach, prices will be higher and you will encounter more tourists. You will have to get a visa in advance in order to stay 90 days.

Bali is certainly a possibility. I'm not sure what it takes to get a three month visa to Indonesia.

hawaiiantraveler

Actually the guitar is from India and is the descendant of the sitar

Aloha!

hawaiiantraveler

I think George Harrison did this very thing forty years ago......Ravi Shankar

Elmie

Hey!

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I don't think you have to go to a country where the guitar is a native instrument to find good guitarists, though
Mahalo for your reply, hawaiiantraveler I spent a lot of time on the Big Island working with horses a few years ago

Well, I don't think Thailand as a whole is a tourist trap. I just though I should expand my horizon. In any case, I can travel to other Asian countries even if I should decide on Thailand. I just want to do my homework first. I am aware of having to apply for visas, I was not aware Myanmar had a limit of 28 days though - thank you!

Elmie

http://www.mesingapore.org.sg/visa.html

Seems it can be extended, but only by 14 days.

Kathie

Maybe. I've never known anyone to be successful at extending the Myanmar visa despite the fact that the rule has been on the books for years. Someone here is going to try for February.

You will need to check visa regulations carefully. For instance, you get a month of visa-free entry when you fly into Thailand. If you leave and return, you'll get another month is you re-enter by air but only 14 days if you re-enter overland.

Elmie

Ok, thanks, Kathie! I'll check with the Embassy here, there might be different rules for different countries (I'm not from the US). My friend told me he applied for an extended stay, but I'll see what I can figure out. Thanks for all your help!!