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A Quick Introduction
Wat Mahathat is one of the most well-known city temples for meditation in Thailand. It’s right in the heart of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang. The temple is home to the Vipassana Meditation Centre (also called Wat Mahathat International Meditation Center or WIMC), where you can practice mindfulness meditation.
Why Meditate Here?
Wat Mahathat has been a key center for Buddhist learning, especially in the Theravāda tradition. It offers meditation courses that focus on Vipassana (insight meditation), which helps develop mindfulness, clarity, and wisdom. The practice involves focusing on breathing, body sensations, and mental states.
Basically, it’s convenient if you are in Bangkok already and are not traveling to any other area where you might find a FOREST MEDITATION CENTER.
How the Meditation Retreat Works
• You don’t have to commit to a long stay – you can meditate for a few hours, days, or even weeks.
• There are both English-speaking and Thai-speaking instructors.
• The schedule usually includes guided meditation, Buddhist teachings (Dhamma talks), and periods of silence.
• You’re encouraged to wear simple, modest clothing (usually white) and stay silent at times to deepen your focus.
If you’re looking for an authentic but flexible meditation experience, this is a great place to start.
Easily Accessible & Peaceful
Since it’s located in central Bangkok, it’s easy to visit if you’re in the city. Many travelers find it a peaceful escape from the chaos of Bangkok, offering a chance to slow down and experience Thai meditation culture firsthand.
Temple Details
What Does “Wat Mahathat” Mean?
The name means “Temple of the Great Element,” referring to its famous copper pagoda. It’s sometimes written as “Wat Mahadhatu.”
Address & Contact Info
• Location – Tha-Phrachan, Bangkok 10200
• Phone Numbers – (02) 222-6011 (Section 5), (02) 222-4981 (Section 5 Secretary), (02) 222-2835 (Dhamma Vicaya Hall)
How to Get There
• It’s west of Sanam Luang and south of the National Museum and Thammasat University.
• The main entrance is on Maharaj Road.
• Many city buses stop nearby.
What Type of Meditation Is Practiced?
Wat Mahathat follows Vipassana meditation, similar to the method taught by Mahasi Sayadaw. It’s based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, focusing on observing the rise and fall of the abdomen and being aware of physical and mental sensations.
How Is It Taught?
• One-on-one daily check-ins with instructors.
• Weekly Dhamma talks in Thai language (usually on Sundays).
• Most of the meditation takes place in Section 5 of the temple.
Important Notes Before You Go
• Some visitors have reported that multi-day stays are no longer allowed. If you’re planning to stay longer, it’s best to double-check before going. Let us know your experience!
• Meditation sessions are still open for a few hours, and you can join sitting and walking meditation practices.
Meet the Meditation Teachers
• Ajahn Maha Sawai Nanaviro (Thai, age 35)
• Ajahn Phramaha Boonchit Nanasangvaro (Thai, age 34)
• Ajahn Phramaha Suphap Khemarangsi (Thai, age 45, head of Section 5)
• Other experienced monks and lay instructors are also available depending on time of year.
Languages Spoken
• Some teachers and assistants in Section 5 speak basic English.
• If no one speaks English when you visit, ask at the Dhamma Vicaya Hall for assistance.
What to Expect at the Temple
Temple Atmosphere
• Wat Mahathat is a large, busy temple covering about 20 acres (50 rai).
• Many monks here study at Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University.
• You’ll find various shrines, Buddha statues, and pagodas throughout the temple grounds.
• If you have questions, monks in the Dhamma Vicaya Hall sometimes speak English and are happy to help.
Size of the Community
• Monks – 300-400 (during the Rains Retreat), with 30-50 monks in Section 5.
• Novices – 50-70 (about 10 in Section 5).
• Nuns – 10-12 (about 8 in Section 5).
• Laypeople (visitors) – Around 500 daily, with 30-40 joining meditation in Section 5.
Daily Meditation Schedule
• 6:30 AM – Breakfast
• 7:00-11:00 AM – Morning chanting (30 min.), sitting & walking meditation
• 11:30 AM – Lunch
• 1:00-4:00 PM – Afternoon sitting & walking meditation
• 4:00 PM – Tea & drinks
• 6:00-8:00 PM – Evening chanting (1 hour), sitting & walking meditation
Food & Accommodation
Meals
• Simple but good quality food is provided.
• Breakfast in the early morning and a large meal before noon.
• Afternoon drinks available.
• If you have dietary restrictions, you may be able to arrange for food to be delivered.
Staying at the Temple
• Lay visitors stay in dormitories (separate for men and women). Conditions are basic and often crowded.
• Monks, novices, and some laymen have individual rooms.
• Electricity and running water are available.
• Bathing is from large water jars or showers.
• Toilets are Asian-style (squat toilets).
Do You Need to Write in Advance?
No, you don’t need to book ahead – just show up and join in.
Ordination & Becoming a Monk
• You can ordain as a monk, novice, or nun (Magee).
• First, talk to the chief of Section 5, who will inform the abbot.
• You’ll then have an interview with the abbot.
• Longer ordinations (1-2 years or more) are preferred.
Bottom Line?
If you’re from an English-speaking country, you probably want a FOREST MEDITATION RETREAT or experience, not something in the middle of Bangkok. Go back to our list of Thailand meditation retreats and find forest options. We think you’ll be much happier to attend one of them.
If you’re in Bangkok and want to experience meditation in an authentic Buddhist temple setting, Wat Mahathat provides a city option that is in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world. It’s relatively easy to access, offers some meditation sessions, usually in English, and provides an opportunity to learn from experienced teachers if you are there when a teacher speaks English.
If you’ve visited recently, let us know your experience in the comments!
More Info
Laypeople follow 8 precepts and normally wear white clothing. Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University Bookstore, facing the street on the north side of the wat, has some English books on Buddhism; other Buddhist bookstores are on the same street.
Join us for one of our Meditation Retreats held in Krabi, Thailand a few times per year.
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