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Note – about 1 year ago the meditation center was sold. There are plans for another meditation center on the island, but nothing is known yet.
Wat Kow Tham International Meditation Center, located on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan in Suratthani, Thailand, is a well-known meditation center that offers Vipassana meditation retreats. It is designed specifically for foreigners and provides instruction in English, making it one of the most accessible meditation retreats for international participants in Thailand.
Wat Kow Tham International Meditation Center offers a well-structured 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat with a focus on mindfulness and insight meditation. The program is designed for international participants, with teachings and guidance provided in English.
With a strong emphasis on noble silence, self-reflection, and intensive meditation practice, Wat Kow Tham is ideal for both beginners and experienced meditators seeking an authentic retreat experience in a tranquil, beautiful environment.
Wat Kow Tham International Meditation Center, Koh Phangan, Suratthani
Meaning of Wat Kow Tham
Wat Kow Tham means ‘mountain cave monastery in Thai language and is also spelled Wat Kow Tahm.
Address
Abbot, Wat Kow Tham, Koh Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280. Website – watkowtahm.org.
Directions
Koh Pha-Ngan, an idyllic island with many beaches, lies just north of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Daily boats connect the islands with each other and direct to ferry terminals in the Surat Thani area. Bangkok Airways has daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui.
Surat Thani has good bus, train, and air connections with Bangkok and other centers. On arrival at the pier in Thong Sala on Koh Pha-Ngan, take a taew or taxi southeast 4 km to the junction for Wat Kow Tham, then turn inland 1 km up a steep road to the wat.
Wat Kow Tham is located on Koh Phangan, a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its natural beauty and serene environment. The center is nestled in the hills, surrounded by lush forests, making it an ideal setting for meditation. Despite the island’s reputation for parties, the meditation center offers a peaceful and secluded retreat from the busier parts of Koh Phangan.
The center is accessible by ferry from Suratthani or Koh Samui, followed by a short drive to the meditation center.
Meditation System
Vipassana is similar to techniques taught by Mahasi Sayadaw. Primary concentration development is on breathing and physical sensations; mental noting helps focus on moment-to-moment awareness. Teachers emphasize compassion as the basis of mental development and meditation practice.
Compassion and loving-kindness have a close connection and receive much attention. Standing meditation is taught as a formal practice along with sitting and walking postures. Wise reflections are encouraged on compassion-loving kindness, sympathetic joy, how fortunate we are, karma, death, dukkha, and impermanence.
The primary practice taught at Wat Kow Tham is Vipassana meditation, an ancient form of Buddhist meditation that focuses on developing mindfulness (sati) and insight (vipassana). Vipassana meditation emphasizes observing the body and mind, helping practitioners gain a deep understanding of the nature of suffering, impermanence, and non-self.
The meditation techniques include:
- Sitting Meditation: Observing the breath (anapanasati) and bodily sensations.
- Walking Meditation: Alternating with sitting meditation to maintain mindfulness in motion.
A significant part of the retreat is observing noble silence, which means participants do not engage in any form of communication, including speaking, writing, or making eye contact. This helps deepen the meditation practice and fosters a calm, introspective environment.
Teaching Method
During 10-day retreats, scheduled most months, teachers present a short Dhamma talk in the morning and a longer one in the evening. Further instructions are given during individual interviews.
The teachers are often available for guidance between retreats too. The retreat talks can be purchased in a book and on audiotapes; people have found this material useful as an introduction before attending a retreat and a review afterward.
Participants are required to observe the Eight Precepts during the retreat, which help create an environment conducive to meditation. These include:
- Refraining from killing any living being.
- Refraining from stealing or taking what is not given.
- Refraining from sexual activity.
- Refraining from false or harmful speech (which is easier while maintaining silence).
- Refraining from intoxicants.
- Refraining from eating after noon.
- Refraining from entertainment or beautification.
- Refraining from sitting or sleeping on luxurious furniture or beds.
These precepts are designed to support the development of mindfulness and concentration, reducing external distractions.
Meditation Teachers
- Phra Chaiwat
- Steve Weissman (American) Not sure if the two westerners are there.
- Rosemary Weissman (Australian)
Language
English and some German material is available. Teachers also speak Thai. Wat Kow Tham specifically caters to foreigners, and the entire retreat is conducted in English. This makes it an ideal location for international visitors who want to learn meditation in a supportive environment without the language barrier.
Description
Beautiful island setting near the south coast. The wat covers 33 rai (13 acres) on a wooded hill; you can gaze out across the water to Koh Samui and other islands.
Size
- monks: 2-5
- novices: usually 0
- nuns: 4-6
- laypeople: Steve and Rosemary Weissman are resident
Daily Routine
- 4:30 am.: Wake-up bell.
- 5:00 am. – 7:00 pm.: Alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, interspersed with breaks and meals.
- Dhamma Talks – These are given once a day, usually in the evening, followed by a final sitting meditation.
- 9:00 pm.: Lights out.
The day begins at 4 am. and is largely devoted to periods of (ON RETREAT) sitting, walking, and standing meditation. A morning exercise session aids in developing mindfulness of the body and improving flexibility. Teachers give morning and evening talks. Everyone is expected to keep noble silence and to follow the schedule.
Guests are required to take part in 3 meditation periods, work time, and meals.
Food
Wholesome Thai vegetarian. The kitchen serves 2 meals in the morning. A light dinner in the afternoon is also available during retreats; hot drinks are served in the afternoon between retreats. Some non-vegetarian food may be served between retreats.
Participants are provided with two vegetarian meals per day (breakfast and lunch), following the traditional Buddhist practice of not eating after noon. The food is simple but nutritious, with a focus on healthy, plant-based Thai cuisine.
Accommodations
Simple dormitories and some shared rooms; Thai-style bathrooms have running water. Buildings have electricity.
Write in Advance?
A good idea to obtain retreat dates and registration information. Also, the wat closes occasionally when monastic retreats take place. Mail can be slow and unreliable, so it’s best to visit in person in advance of your intended stay.
Ordination
Not available
Other Information
Ten-day intensive retreats take place most months. They usually begin about mid-month (dates vary). The 40-person retreat capacity sometimes fills, so it’s a good idea to preregister by mail or in person. A 90 baht (US $3.60) daily fee covers food expenses. Teaching and monastery facilities are offered freely. Visitors are usually welcome to practice meditation here between retreats too.
Note – costs may have increased considerably over the years. We’re trying to find better information.
The retreat operates on a donation basis, meaning there are no fixed fees. Participants are encouraged to make a donation at the end of the retreat to support the center, according to their means and satisfaction with the experience. The practice of Dana (generosity) is an important part of Buddhist tradition, and this system allows everyone to participate, regardless of financial status.
A simplified schedule is followed with more freedom for one to organize one’s own time. Teachers may not be available, however. Note that the wat closes occasionally. Two new programs have been developed for approved old students. An intensive 20-day retreat and a less-intensive 3-month work retreat scholarship. Both are designed to help the student understand more fully how to incorporate their formal practice into their normal life.
Much of the teaching centers on the further development of yoniso manasikara (wise reflection) in developing Right Understanding and Right Intention. Attention is also given to the 10 paramis (perfections) and the 8 worldly conditions so that one can understand more clearly the difference between beneficial conditioning and not.
A Thai nun, Magee, Ah Mohn Pahn, is in charge of the center (nuns rarely have such a position in Thailand). She speaks English but does not teach the foreigners.
Join our Deep Jhana Meditation Retreat in Southern Thailand
We offer Meditation Coaching at very affordable rates of just 1,000 Thai baht per hour ($30 USD). >