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Wat Chom Tong Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Chom Tong, or Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, is a renowned temple and meditation retreat center located about 58 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai in Thailand. This temple is particularly famous for its meditation programs, which are based on the Mahasi Sayadaw Vipassana meditation technique. It’s a highly respected destination for both local and international meditators.
Wat Chom Tong is an excellent option for anyone looking for a well-supported, structured Vipassana meditation retreat in Thailand. Its international orientation, flexible retreat lengths, and serene environment make it ideal for meditators of all levels. If you’re interested in serious meditation practice and learning the Mahasi Sayadaw method, Wat Chom Tong offers an immersive, focused experience in a sacred, peaceful setting.
Meaning of Name
Wat Chom Tong means ‘Golden Hill Temple.’ This Buddhist temple is also known by its full name – Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara.
Address
Tambon Ban Luang, Amper Chom Tong, Chiang Mai 50160
Directions
From Chiang Mai, go to Chiang Mai Gate and take either the blue bus (#12 or #23) or a yellow Song-taew (Truck Taxi) to Chom Tong. (Make sure to ask if it goes to Chom Tong and that it will stop at “Waat Sii Jawm Tawng”). En route to Doi Inthanon. Tel (English): (053) 342 095 Tel (Thai): (053) 826 869.
Wat Chom Tong is easily accessible from Chiang Mai, making it a convenient option for both short-term and long-term meditators. The retreat center is located about an hour’s drive from the city, and it is possible to arrange transportation to and from the temple.
Meditation System
Intensive vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Mahasi Sayadaw techniques are used.
Wat Chom Tong’s meditation retreats follow the Vipassana (insight) meditation technique, with a particular focus on the Mahasi Sayadaw method. This style involves noting and being mindful of physical and mental processes, such as breathing, sensations, thoughts, and emotions, to develop deep insight into the nature of reality—impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
The Mahasi method also emphasizes slow, deliberate walking meditation, in addition to sitting meditation, to cultivate mindfulness throughout the body.
Whether you’re a beginner in meditation or an experienced practitioner, Wat Chom Tong offers something for everyone. The Mahasi Sayadaw method is structured and systematic, making it easier for newcomers to follow. At the same time, experienced meditators will appreciate the depth of the practice and the support offered by the skilled teachers.
This style is sometimes referred to as Visuddhimagga meditation as written about by Buddhaghosa.
Teaching Method
Instruction and advice are given during daily interviews. Dhamma talks in Thai are presented on the night before “wan phra” (Buddha Day).
A feature of Wat Chom Tong’s meditation retreats is the regular one-on-one interviews with the teacher. This allows meditators to discuss their progress, ask questions about their practice, and receive personalized guidance. These teacher interviews are a key component of the Mahasi Sayadaw method and are designed to help meditators get through challenges they may encounter during their retreat.
Meditation Teachers
Chao Khun Phrarajaprommajarn (a.k.a. Prasuprommayanna Thera, a.k.a. Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo), abbot (Thai) Khun Thanat and Khun Kate, heads of International Department. One or two English-speaking teachers assist.
Language
International teachers and assistants speak English.
One of the key reasons Wat Chom Tong is popular among international visitors is its strong support for foreign meditators. The International Meditation Centre provides instruction in English, and there is staff available to assist with any questions. The teachers here are experienced in guiding non-Thai speakers, making it a great place for beginners or experienced meditators from overseas.
The meditation center at Wat Chom Tong is open to both Thai and foreign participants, making it a truly international retreat destination. The temple has a dedicated International Meditation Centre (IMC), where English-speaking teachers guide foreign meditators.
The IMC is particularly known for its structured and well-organized retreats, offering clear instructions and guidance, which is especially helpful for newcomers to meditation or those unfamiliar with the Mahasi method.
Description
Wat Phrahatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara is situated on a Holy Buddhist Site. Enshrined within the Main Temple (Vihara) is a highly revered relic of the Lord Buddha is The Most Exalted Phra Dakkhinamoli Relic, an object of faithful devotion and veneration for the Thai people. Inside of the Main Temple, one may also find a number of ancient Buddha images and other historical bits.
Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara is on the Royal Temple Registry and is considered to be a National Historic Treasure. Visitors and students coming to the Main Temple area are kindly requested to be polite at all times.
Unlike some meditation centers that require long-term commitment, Wat Chom Tong is flexible regarding retreat lengths. Meditators can stay for shorter periods (as short as a few days) or for longer retreats (up to several weeks or months). However, most retreats are at least 10 days, which is considered the minimum time needed to practice.
Size
- Monks: about 40 (including 5 foreigners)
- novices: about 30
- nuns: 40-50 (including 1 foreigners.)
- laypeople: about 50 ( including 20+ foreigners for peak season.)
Daily Routine
Meditators are encouraged to try to meditate 10 hours a day and stay mindful during daily life, lying down to sleep only at night. Meditation follows a cycle of mindful prostration, walking, and sitting. Individual interviews take place daily. Practice typically begins at 4 am. wake up. Meditators have the freedom to determine the schedule that works best.
The daily schedule at Wat Chom Tong is intensive and structured, which helps meditators maintain focus. A typical day consists of alternating periods of walking and sitting meditation, each lasting around one hour, with a break for meals and personal reflection.
The center encourages noble silence—silence maintained throughout the retreat to deepen concentration. Dhamma talks and personal interviews with meditation teachers are also part of the program, where participants can ask questions or receive feedback on their practice.
Food
Vegetarian food is always available. Thai-style breakfast is served at 6 a.m., then the main meal at 11 am. Monks and novices go on pindabat (alms rounds to collect food from people in the area in front of their homes and businesses).
Meals are provided, typically vegetarian, in line with traditional Buddhist monastic practices. Like many temples in Thailand, meals are served before noon, and there is no eating after lunch (with some exceptions for foreign meditators).
Accommodations
Individual rooms with electricity and Thai-style bathrooms (cold shower, Asian – and a few western-style toilets) with running water.
Wat Chom Tong itself is an important historical and spiritual site, with a long history dating back over 1,000 years. It houses the sacred Phra That Chom Thong, an important relic of the Buddha, which makes the temple a pilgrimage site for many Buddhists.
The meditation retreat is set within a beautiful and peaceful environment, with views of nearby mountains and natural surroundings. This serene setting enhances the meditative experience, creating an atmosphere of calm and focus.
The retreat facilities at Wat Chom Tong are basic but comfortable, designed to support meditators in their practice. Men and women are housed separately, and the accommodations are simple, with individual rooms or shared dormitory-style housing.
Write in Advance?
Recommended, because the center is often full. If all rooms are full, you can contact the International Receptionist for possible make-shift accommodations. Calling or visiting in advance enables you to reserve a space. The busiest times are the tourist season (Nov. through Feb.) and the Rains Retreat (3-month period beginning mid- or late July). Preference is given to those planning on staying at least 26 days for the whole course and those who have practiced here before.
Ordination
The temple requires foreign male applicants for ordination to complete a basic (26-day) course and two 10-day retreats. Then ordination would be considered after the completion of all practices. If those men are allowed to ordain, they may also be required to sign a contract stating that they will follow the orders given by their preceptor.
The reason for these measures is that foreigners may not understand what being a Buddhist monk means and so it is necessary to be sure that they have good intentions and good understanding before they ordain. Women can ordain as magees. This center appears to be an especially good place for the nun’s life.
Other Information
The course takes 26 days to complete; a stay of one month is a bit better. Because practice is individual, you can arrive and begin at any time. Meditators may be accepted for shorter periods if space is available. Eight precepts are observed. Traditional white clothing is worn. Socializing is not allowed, and care should be taken not to talk about or disturb others’ meditation.
For more information, email to [email protected]. A good website about the teacher Ajarn Tong is www.sirimangalo.org. For people interested this meditation technique, and who would like to receive updated info infrequently, please send an email to [email protected] with no subject needed. To unsubscribe later, email to [email protected].
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