Eighteenth-century Wat Mahathat provides a welcome respite from the surrounding tourist hype, and a chance to engage with the monks studying at Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University. As the nation’s centre for the Mahanikai monastic sect, and housing one of the two Buddhist universities in Bangkok, the wat buzzes with purpose.
It’s this activity, and the chance of interaction and participation, rather than any special architectural features, that make a visit so rewarding. The many university-attending monks at the wat are friendly and keen to practise their English.
Thailand Vipassana Centre Section Five, Wat Mahathat • Practice daily 1–4pm & 6–8pm •
Vipassana meditation is a technique, originally taught by the Buddha, whereby practitioners learn to become more aware of physical sensations and mental processes.
At the wat’s Vipassana Meditation Centre, where the monk teachers speak some English, sitting and walking meditation practice, with chanting and dhamma talks, is available to drop-in visitors. There’s now a competing “Meditation Study and Retreat Center”, nearby in Section One of the wat, but this is less geared towards foreign meditators.
Wat Pah Nanachat
The famous monk, Ajahn Chah, established this forest monastery, 17km west of Ubon Ratchathani, in 1975 specifically to provide monastic training for non-Thais, with English the primary language.
Visitors who want to practise with the resident community are welcome, but the atmosphere is serious and intense and not for beginners or curious sightseers. Accommodation for students is limited, so you should write to the monastery before visiting, allowing several weeks to receive a written response.
Meditation in Chiang Mai
The peace and quiet of the northern capital make it ideally suited to meditation sessions, short courses and longer retreats, many of which are conducted in English.
- Wat Phra Si Chom Thong Insight Meditation Centre