Shambhala Festival in Thailand, 9-18 Feb.

Take a break and join the annual 10-day festival of music, art and community in the beautiful countryside of Chiang Dao, about 1.5 hour bus ride from Chiang Mai, north Thailand.  There is a natural hot spring right next to the festival site! 

It is truly one of its kind. Organized by a group of Japanese old hippies  and a large group of international volunteers, it is joined by over 4,000 people from over 50 countries. 

Despite the nightly concerts, the main aim of this festival is for everyone to become friends, exchange ideas, express, co-create art and jam together. "By the end of the festival, we want everyone feel connected and know everyone's names." said the organizer. 

There is no DJs in the festival.

Bring your tent, musical instruments, juggling balls, singing voices, or dancing feet with open mind. There will be yoga of man kinds, fire juggling jam, circus, drum circles, massage, art-making, cultural programmes, meditation, open mic and many more. 

If you'd like to volunteer, see the festival website and apply. 

Check the festival's Facebook page and Instagram for photos and videos from previous years. 

If you'd like to receive a notification when the lineup and other details are set, sign up for "Rhythm Inspirer" at the bottom of the web page.