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Wat Ram Poeng Meditation Retreat, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Ram Poeng, officially known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ram Poeng, is a highly respected meditation retreat center located just a short distance from Chiang Mai.
It’s one of the most popular meditation centers in Northern Thailand, attracting both Thai and international meditators who want to practice the Mahasi Sayadaw Vipassana (insight) meditation method.
Wat Ram Poeng is an ideal retreat center for anyone serious about Vipassana meditation, especially those who are willing to commit to an extended 26-day retreat. Its well-structured program, disciplined environment, and personalized guidance from experienced teachers make it a great place for both beginners and advanced meditators.
If you’re looking for an intensive meditation experience in a peaceful, natural setting with strong support for international participants, Wat Ram Poeng is one of the best choices in Northern Thailand.
Meaning of Name
“Monastery in memory of” (King Yod Chiengrai established the monastery in 1492 in memory of his father.) This temple is also known as ‘Wat Tapotaram’ (“Monastery of ascetic practice”) and lastly, ‘Northern Insight Meditation Center’
Address
Tambon Suthep, Amper Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Telephone: (053) 278-620
Directions
Located just 5 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai, Wat Ram Poeng is easily accessible, making it convenient for both locals and foreigners. It’s close enough to the city for practical travel yet distant enough to provide a peaceful retreat atmosphere. Transportation to and from the temple can be arranged, and taxis or rideshare services are readily available from Chiang Mai.
This temple is found 4 km southwest of Chiang Mai. The easiest way is by tuk-tuk or bicycle. Or, take city bus #1 or songtaew west 2 km on Suthep Rd. to Phayom Market (also called Suthep), then go south 2 km to the wat (can take tuk-tuk or songtaew). Wat Umong is only 1 km to the northwest.
Meditation System
Wat Ram Poeng follows the Mahasi Sayadaw Vipassana meditation technique, which is one of the most widely practiced meditation systems in Southeast Asia. This method emphasizes mindfulness of movement, sensations, thoughts, and emotions, with the goal of developing deep insight into the nature of impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
The practice consists of alternating sitting and walking meditation, with an emphasis on mindfulness and noting of each experience as it arises.
- Sitting meditation focuses on mindfulness of breathing and other bodily sensations.
- Walking meditation is a key component of the Mahasi method, and practitioners spend long periods of time developing awareness through slow, deliberate movement.
Wat Ram Poeng caters to both beginners and experienced meditators, offering structured guidance for newcomers while allowing advanced practitioners to deepen their practice. The center is known for its disciplined environment, making it a great place for people who are serious about meditation and personal growth.
Teaching Method
Instruction and advice are given during daily interviews. Dhamma talks in Thai are presented on the night before Wan Phra.
During the retreat, participants are expected to observe noble silence—this means no talking, no reading, no writing, and minimal eye contact. The goal is to help meditators focus entirely on their internal experience without external distractions. This silence helps to deepen concentration and mindfulness.
Meditation Teachers
Phrakru Dhammathon Suphan Acinnasilo Hrak (short: Ajahn Suphan), abbot.
Language
Some monks speak English, and many other laypersons speak English and other languages.
Although Wat Ram Poeng is primarily a Thai temple, it is very welcoming to international meditators. The center offers instructions and dhamma talks in both English and Thai, with experienced English-speaking meditation teachers available to guide foreign participants. This makes it one of the most accessible meditation centers in Thailand for non-Thai speakers.
The staff and community at Wat Ram Poeng are used to accommodating international visitors, and the retreat center has a solid reputation for being foreigner-friendly.
Description
Wat Ram Poeng has a minimum commitment of 26 days for their meditation retreats, making it one of the more intensive meditation centers. This extended retreat period is designed to give meditators enough time to develop a deeper practice and experience the benefits of Vipassana.
Shorter retreats are not permitted, as the center believes that meaningful progress in meditation requires a sustained, focused effort.
For those with more time, the center also allows for longer retreats, extending to several months or even a year for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the practice.
Buildings are closely spaced on the 15-rai (6-acre) grounds, with some trees and grass. The central stupa dates back to the founding of the wat in 1492. The glittering new building serves as the Tripitika Library; it contains collections of the “Three Baskets” of the Theravadan scriptures in Thai, English, Sanskrit, Sri Lankan, Burmese, Mon, Korean, and Chinese languages.
Wat Ram Poeng has a long history dating back over 500 years and holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Northern Thailand. The temple houses a sacred relic of the Buddha, and its main chedi (stupa) is a focal point of worship.
While meditation is the primary activity for those on retreat, the temple’s rich history adds an extra dimension of spiritual meaning for many visitors.
Size
- monks: 60-70
- novices: about 20
- nuns: 60-70
- laypeople: 40-60 (roughly half are foreigners)
Daily Routine
Meditators are encouraged to try to practice 20 hours a day, lying down to sleep only at night. Meditation generally follows a cycle of bowing (kraahp), walking, and sitting. Individual interviews take place daily except on Wan Phra holiday in the early afternoon. Practice typically begins at 4 am. wake up. Meditators have the freedom to choose the schedule that works best.
The daily schedule at Wat Ram Poeng is rigorous and follows a disciplined routine. A typical day includes alternating periods of walking and sitting meditation, with meals and short breaks in between. Noble silence is maintained throughout the retreat, helping meditators focus inward and avoid distractions.
- Morning chanting is optional but encouraged.
- Dhamma talks are provided regularly to offer teachings on Buddhist philosophy and meditation.
- Personal interviews with meditation teachers are held every few days, where practitioners can ask questions, discuss their experiences, and receive personalized guidance.
Food
Adequate! Vegetarian meals can be requested and is generally available. Rice porridge and a vegetable are served at 6 am., then the main meal at 10:30 am. Monks and novices go on pindabat.
The meals are vegetarian, and like most Buddhist centers, they are served before noon. Practitioners usually take two meals per day, with breakfast and lunch provided. Afternoon tea or light refreshments may be offered to foreign meditators who may not be used to the monastic practice of fasting after noon.
Accommodations
Individual rooms with electricity and Thai-style bathrooms (bathing from jars; Asian – and a few western-style toilets) with running water.
Wat Ram Poeng provides simple accommodations to support a meditative lifestyle. Men and women are housed in separate quarters, and the living conditions are basic but comfortable, offering individual rooms with beds and mosquito nets. The simplicity of the accommodations is meant to reduce distractions and foster a mindful environment.
Wat Ram Poeng is set in a tranquil and secluded area on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, providing a peaceful environment conducive to meditation. The temple grounds are surrounded by nature, and the layout of the retreat center is designed to minimize distractions and enhance mindfulness. The natural surroundings offer a calm and serene backdrop, helping participants to focus on their inner practice.
Write in Advance?
Recommended, because the center is often full. If all rooms are full, you can sign up on a waiting list. Alternate accommodations may be available too. Writing, or better visiting in advance, enable you to reserve a space. Busiest times are the tourist season (Oct. through March) 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
Can be requested by committed meditators wishing to be monks or nuns.
Other Information
The course takes 26 days to complete, but you should stay for one month. Because practice is individual, you can arrive and begin at any time. Meditators may be accepted for shorter periods if space is available. The 8 precepts are observed. Traditional white clothing is worn. Teachers allow some socializing, though care should be taken not to talk about or disturb others’ meditation.
A small foreign library has books in English and a few other languages, Dhamma talks on tapes, and books and tapes for learning Thai. The library is available to meditators who have finished the 26-day course and to outside visitors. This temple is popular with both Westerners and Thais.
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[Top image from official website showing dhamma talk at the temple.]