Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

US$ 5.
The train is rather expensive for foreigners (around US$ 35). Burmese pay only
US$ 3. Trip duration is comparable to bus. There is a direct flight now from Bangkok
to Mandalay, but it is considerably more expensive than the flight to Yangon.
The flight from Yangon to Mandalay is about US$ 90 and takes 1 ½ h. The airlines
Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways are reliable and can be recommended.
Lodging: Visitors and those interested in individual studies are housed in first class
A/C double rooms with separate living room and fridge, bath and toilet.
Food: Full board at the academy. If you are vegetarian, please notify at arrival. Clean
drinking water is available everywhere for free.
Health: Hygienic conditions at the academy are very good. The potable water is
treated and food is hygienically prepared. No risk of malaria. Insect repellant and a
hat against sun are recommended.
Medical care: Ayudana Hospital opposite the academy, founded by Sayadaw Dr.
Nyanissara. Treatment is free/by donation. It is very clean and doctors are
competent. The medical director speaks English very well.
Costs: All social and educational institutions founded by the Ven. Sayadaw Dr.
Nyanissara are based on the Buddhist principle of dana, i.e. everything is financed
through voluntary donations of the generous Burmese. Foreign visitors and students
can contribute in the same manner. Medication against malaria, typhoid, high blood
pressure, diarrhea and dysentery are appreciated by the doctors of Ayudana
Hospital.
Note: At present (until 2005) very suitable for short and individual studies, as well as
long-term stays for individual studies. Very pleasant atmosphere, lovely setting in
beautiful nature and historic sites. Much metta and helpfulness.
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