Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

Language(s): English.
Costs and shopping: The 10-days course fee of 4500 Baht covers the cost of
lodging and food. Further donations are welcome. Daily necessities can be bought in
Thong Sala (the ferry port). Before the retreat, buy flashlight, flip-flops, water bottle,
insect repellent, detergent, and toiletries.
Accommodation and food: Rather small dorms. Bath and toilet are set apart from
the quarters. Laundry facilities exist. Men and women are in separate quarters. Bunk
beds with thin straw mattresses. Blankets, mosquito nets, pillows for sleeping and for
meditation and pads for sitting can be borrowed. A sleeping bag can be particularly
useful during the cooler season. Persons with back problems should bring a good
quality sleep pad. Outside retreat times no overnight stays possible.
Excellent Asian cuisine (self-service). Breakfast, lunch with rice and two to three
vegetarian dishes and fruit in the evening. Drinking water available.
Medical care: Very good by Asian standards. This area is not considered
contaminated with malaria, but in other parts of Thailand malaria is endemic.
Rules: All participants commit themselves to stay for the entire retreat, to adhere to
schedule, to keep silence, not to read and write (except notes and meditation diary).
Sexual activities are to be discontinued for the duration of the retreat and the five
silas (moral practice precepts) to be adhered to. Clothes should be comfortable and
decent (no shorts and tank tops). Each participant is expected to assume a task
serving the community (e.g. sweeping, cleaning baths).
Climate and best time to go: January, February, March. During the main season
from December to February and in July / August it is very crowded.
Note: Excellent for beginners. Aside from the crowded living quarters very good
conditions.
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