Meditation centres and retreats

Of the hundreds of meditation temples in Thailand, a few cater specifically for foreigners by holding meditation sessions and retreats in English. The meditation taught is mostly Vipassana or "insight", which emphasizes the minute observation of internal physical sensation. Novices and practised meditators alike are welcome. To join a short session in Bangkok, drop in at Wat Mahathat . Longer retreats are for the serious-minded only. Days are dominated by meditation; there's no talking at all; tobacco, alcohol, drugs and sex are forbidden; and conditions are spartan. The most popular foreigner-oriented retreat takes place the first ten days of every month at Wat Suan Mokkh near Surat Thani . Frequent ten-day retreats (Vipassana meditation) led by foreign teachers are also held at Wat Khao Tham, Surat Thani .

Other useful information for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections):