Meditation Courses
At the Northern Vipassana Meditation Center — International Department of Wat Chom Tong (Chiang Mai, Thailand) — we offer a variety of meditation courses based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. All courses are individual and begin from the day you arrive.
This method of Vipassana was developed by the late Most Venerable Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo, one of Thailand’s most highly revered meditation masters, who studied with Mahasi Sayadaw and many other great meditation masters of Thailand and Myanmar.
You will learn how to apply Mindfulness on the Body, Feelings, Mind and Mind Objects using meditation exercises: mindful prostration, walking and sitting meditations. All arising phenomena are mentally noted.
The 21-day Basic Meditation Course
Everyone is very welcome. The basic Course in this tradition is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
If this is your first time practicing this particular method of meditation, we recommend 21 days to complete the full program.
12-Night Meditation Retreat
This course is available for Meditators who have completed the 21-day Basic Course.
Introductory Meditation Course
If you would like to try this method of Meditation or have limited time available, we recommend between 5 and 14 days for an Introductory Course.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please contact us at reservationchomtong@yahoo.com or via WhatsApp: +66 93 318 1662
Meditators will receive scheduled, daily interviews with a Vipassana teacher. Teachers are authorized and certified to teach Vipassana, based on the four foundations of Mindfulness by the late Venerable Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo.
Translations are available in English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, Thai, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, and Hebrew. Both male and female teachers are available.
Schedule
On the day you arrive, after checking in to your accommodation, you will receive an introduction to Vipassana, a demonstration of the technique, and a tour of our grounds.
4 am. Wake up
6 am. Breakfast
11 am. Lunch
10 pm. Sleep
Meditation practice continues throughout the day. Guests will be welcomed to join evening chanting and Dhamma talks at the Wat Chom Tong Temple on Buddhist Holy days.
Dress code
By tradition, meditators wear white clothing during their meditation retreat. Clothing should be loose and comfortable and cover the arms and legs.
We provide white clothing for you.
Accommodation
Rooms at the International Meditation Center at Wat Chom Tong are clean and simple, equipped with an electric fan, mattress, lamp, mosquito nets, plug point, and the option for the use of air-conditioning. All rooms are private and have a private bathroom. Housing is separated for male and female guests.
Meditation mats, cushions and bedding are provided.
Food
The Wat Chom Tong Temple kitchen provides meditators with two meals per day. Vegetarian options are available.
Breakfast is at 06.00 am.
Lunch is at 11.00 am.
Drinking water is available from our water filters.
Additionally, The Northern Vipassana Meditation Center has a cafe available on site where anyone with dietary requirements or needs can order food, drinks, and special requests.
How much does it cost?
Our Meditation Center operates on donations only. This is in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (generosity). The Dhamma (the teaching of Buddha) is available to everyone regardless of one’s financial status or capabilities. At the end of your stay, you will have the opportunity to give Dana from your heart.
The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts!
To apply for a place, please contact us.
Contacts
The Northern Vipassana International Insight Meditation Center at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara (International Department)
199/19 Moo 2, Baan Luang, Chomtong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50160
Email: reservationchomtong@yahoo.com
Tel: 093 318 1662
WhatsApp: +66 93 318 1662
Director: Kathryn Chindaporn.
Read reviews on Google Maps.
The International Department (Northern Vipassana Meditation Center) is located just behind the main Temple (Wat Chom Tong). Please look for the CMQ Lanna International Library (Reception).
How can I get there?
- From Chiang Mai Gate (the old city’s Southern Gate), you can take a blue bus or yellow public taxi (songteow) directly to the Temple in Chom Tong (Wat Chom Tong, Thai: จอมทอง). They both depart approximately every 20 minutes and both cost 40 Thai baht. Allow between 1.5 and 2 hours for the journey.
- A private taxi from Chiang Mai costs between 800 and 1000 Thai baht. A reputable English-speaking taxi service can be contacted on +66 89 701 0291. (Confirm price before booking).
- From Bangkok, there is an overnight bus departing at 18.00 from Mo Chit bus station, arriving directly outside the Temple grounds at around 7.00 am. The fare costs approximately 600 Thai baht.
- On arrival in Chom Tong, please follow the map below to the Northern Vipassana International Meditation Center, International Department Reception (CMQ Library).
- If you have any difficulties locating our Reception, please call us on +66 093 318-16-62. If you find someone wishing to help you, please state that you have a reservation with Kathryn Chindaporn at the International Department. They can then direct or show you the way.
- If you need help to arrange transport from the airport or your hotel, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We appreciate your good intention to practice Vipassana Meditation with us and we look forward to welcoming you!