Vipassana Meditation Courses at Northern Vipassana
At Northern Vipassana, the original International Department at Wat Chom Tong in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we offer individual Vipassana meditation courses throughout the year. Courses begin from the day you arrive and are based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in the tradition of the late Venerable Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo.
Our center welcomes beginners and experienced meditators. Daily interviews with authorized teachers are provided, and translations are available in several languages. 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.
Please note: the official website of Northern Vipassana is northernvipassana.org. Reservations for our International Department are made through the contact details listed on this page. To apply for a meditation course at Northern Vipassana, please contact:
Email: reservationchomtong@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +66 93 318 1662
Introductory Meditation Course
If you would like to try this method of Vipassana Meditation or have limited time available, we recommend between 7 and 14 days for an Introductory Course.
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.
If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation at the Northern Vipassana Meditation Center, 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, Thai, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, and Hebrew. Both male and female teachers are available.
The Eight Buddhist Precepts
Meditators will undertake the Eight Buddhist Precepts during their stay. The Precepts are the foundation of our Center and meditation practice, ensuring a safe and suitable home for guests to experience the benefits of insight meditation.
- To refrain from intentionally taking the life of any living being
- To refrain from taking anything that is not given
- To refrain from any kind of sexual or romantic activity
- To refrain from false and harsh speech, gossiping, or slanderous speech
- To refrain from consuming any alcohol and any intoxicating or mind-altering drugs. This includes cannabis in any form.
- To refrain from eating after 12 noon
- To refrain from dancing, singing, music, TV and wearing cosmetics Inc. nail varnish/gel nails, perfumes and jewelry
- To refrain from the use of luxurious beds and seats
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 welcome 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 Northern Vipassana 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 kitchen at Wat Chomtong serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, allowing guests to choose according to their personal preferences. For those following a strict vegan diet, we would like to note that some dishes in the vegetarian section may contain eggs, which is common in this region.
Guests with specific dietary requirements are welcome to supplement their meals by purchasing additional fruits and vegetables from the nearby market. There is also a café on site (seasonal) that can prepare specific meals when available.
As with all aspects of staying at a working temple, we encourage guests to ensure that the facilities and arrangements align with their individual needs before choosing to attend.
Breakfast is at 06.00 am.
Lunch is at 11.00 am.
Drinking water is available from our water filters.
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 over all other gifts!
To apply for a meditation course at Northern Vipassana, please contact:
Email: reservationchomtong@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +66 93 318 1662
Contacts
The Northern Vipassana Meditation Center – International Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara
199/19 Moo 2, Ban Luang, Chom Tong, 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.
Northern Vipassana Meditation Center – The International Department of Wat Chomtong 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 a yellow public taxi (songteow) directly to the Temple in Chom Tong (Wat Chom Tong, Thai: จอมทอง). The yellow public taxi departs approximately every 20 minutes. The blue bus departs every hour, 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 via WhatsApp +66 89 701 0291 or by phone 065 083 8000 (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 at +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!