Royal flower garden Wat Suan Dok literally means "flower garden temple". Photo of the day: Wat Suan Dok. The temple is just 2kms from the west gate of the Old City and can easily be walked. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I was so focused on where I was walking that I found it difficult to clear my mind. . Suan Dok temple grounds are open from 6:00 am. So informative in a really relaxed atmosphere. It sounds so incredible, such a beautiful way to immerse yourself in a different way of life for a couple of days. Location: Suthep Road, about 1km east of Suan Dok Gate. That was the situation I found myself in during the retreat. when theyre done with their service. The meditation retreat will teach you the basic meditation techniques and the advantages meditation can bring to improve the quality of daily life. Just do a web search for monkchat.net and you will find the website for the meditation and monkchat sessions through this temple. The retreat groups depart from Wat Suan Dok at about 2pm every Tuesday. In addition, the meditation retreats at the temple are also a popular activity for foreigners, with many classes conducted in English. November 2019, Zion Massage College study abroad Forest Wat Meditation Retreat in Thailand with KK and Wat Suan Dok. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Air pollution levels in Chiang Mai rising, 10 most annoying things about living in Thailand. For inspiring experiences, real-time updates, the latest trends or casual conversation, explore our social networks for all things travel. Open grounds with some impressive structures. This means covering your shoulders and knees. One of these pieces was kept at Wat Suan Dok , and the other was buried at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Phra Dr. Saneh Dhammavaro. There were also times when I found myself feeling restless and eager for the meditations to end. Are there any nearby attractions in the area? Therefore, the publisher does not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Silence was mandatory during meals, and we were instructed not to look at each other. Travel & lifestyle articles, videos & podcasts, [Download MP3 | Add to iTunes | Subscribe to Podcasts]. Although we have spent several years in Thailand, we still found that we learned a lot from the informative presentations and discussions we had with the monks. However, its just as easy to miss these as small and insignificant ones. Sitting meditation, on the other hand, was the most familiar form of meditation for both me and the majority of the group. Copyright 2023 Jagsetter Productions, LLC. The temple is home to Buddhist Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University's Chiang Mai Campus. Pratu Suan Dok. Meditation Retreats in Thailand and Chiang Mai. This is intended to encourage mindful sleeping, although I am unsure of how to determine whether or not I achieved this. Its a beautiful site full of lots of photo opportunities. Ill definitely consider this for my next trip to Thailand. Wat Phra SinghChiang Mais most beautiful temple, Wat Chedi LuangThe temple of the Great Stupa. You can ask anything about Thai culture or Buddhist ways. When I visited Thailand years ago, I was surprised to talk to monks who were only doing it because theyd committed a crime, and being a monk was an alternative to being incarcerated. - Some sites and attractions, and the operating times of your itinerary, may be affected by Covid-19 measures and restrictions, our guide will adjust and amend the schedule of sightseeing visits locally where necessary. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Meditation practice06.00 p.m. Dinner07.00 p.m. Evening chanting and meditation practice09.30 p.m. BedtimeDay 2: Wednesday 05.00 a.m. Wat Suan Dok literally means flower garden temple. It was very hard not to speak for two daysbut the hardest part about it was being forced to think for 48 hours with minimal distractions. However, a red truck (songthaew) will only cost 20 THB per person to get there if you would prefer not to walk. Its great that Thai temples offer these retreats at a low cost, making them accessible to everyone. While it wasnt always easy to sit in silence for two days, I learned so much that I now use in my daily life. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Read our, Sacred & Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings. Walking Meditation during sunrise at Wat Ram Poeng. Mike. I found that I was able to reach a deeper level of relaxation in this position, and was less preoccupied with my thoughts. The temple was built by King Keu Na of Lanna for a revered priest visiting from Sukhothai as a place for the monk to spend the rains retreat. First, see the famous white chedis at the front and move along the exterior of the temple. Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai. Tidak boleh dilewatkan untuk mengunjunginya. Budget Day Tours in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Information for Trekking Areas in Chiang Mai Thailand, Information for Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Important Temples in The North of Thailand. Definitely check it out! Epitomising the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and nature, Aleenta Resort is the quintessential destination for those seeking an unparalleled beachfront experience. It was an interesting experience. , A very beautiful and informative post! The temple derives its name from the location where it was built. weary Wat Suan Dok is open every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Meditation can bring you to the happiest life. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the temple. Wat Suan Dok is famous for its bell-shaped chedi, holding the Buddha's relic, and white mausoleums of the royal family. This is best seen and easiest to understand when viewing the hundreds of temples scattered throughout the area. The walls of the viharn are decorated with murals showing the previous lives of the Buddha (the Vessantara Jataka may be seen on the upper level of the north wall). You will need a photocopy of your passport which you can do just around the corner for 1THB.The whole course is ran by the monks at the temple. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. You can listen to the 'Meditation Podcast' Tina and I made on the retreat by clicking the play button above. Another location for short-term vipassana practice is Wat Umong, a forest temple at the foot of Doi Suthep. Its definitely something Id like to try again though! Towards the back of the hall is a 5-metre tall, golden Buddha statue in a seated pose that dates back to the early 16th century. Meditation Retreat in Phuket 13-16 December 2021. The default sort is by Locality and Author (the organization which created the records). Although it was challenging to maintain a clear and calm mind throughout the retreat, I was able to experience some moments of true zen. Just as the name suggests, this institution of higher learning targets monks who live in the area as well as any foreigners who may be interested. Required fields are marked *. WOW! English-speaking monks offer Buddhism teachings and Vipassana meditation courses. Just imagine sharing a room with a complete stranger, and not being able to speak to them at all. Here we provide . The sacred temple has a meditation center where you can also try a monk chat. However, it is essential to be respectful and not disturb those praying or meditating. There are two large pagodas and the stupas contain the cremated remains of the previous rulers of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Travel Hub will cover everything there is to do and see in Chiang Mai. On payment you will be emailed confirmation. Bebrapa stupa berwarna putih dan stupa utama berwarna emas. Wat Suan Dok () is on the Suthep Road, west of Suan Dok gate at the west side of the moat. The Founder of The International Buddhist. Then sit down with a Buddhist monk to talk about his life, gaining a deeper understanding of Thailand's cultural beliefs. A wall with tall ornamental gates surrounds the compound, and the remains of earthen walls that once surrounded the fortified monastery can still be seen on the opposite side of the road. Also containing a sacred 15th-century chedi, the wat stands near the access road to Doi Inthanon National Park and offers 10-day and three-week retreats. This is one of nice and quiet, not so crowded temple. If you would like to do meditation, just come to MCU Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok. ITINERARY Temple is huge, with an impressive standing Buddha at the far end. The Meditation Retreat program is funded purely through donations, and as a guideline we suggest you leave a donation of somewhere between 200THB and 1000THB per day that you attend the program depending of course on how wealthy/generous you are. A monk named Sumana Thera from Sukhothai discovered a relic which was believed to be the shoulder bone of the Buddha. You can get there easily by red truck, tuk-tuk or rented bicycle. Apparently, a proper retreat should be at least 10 days and some were offered up to 26 days! This is amazing! Bangunan kuilnya besar sekali, kalo masuk ke dalam kuilnya kita harus membayar 20 bath. Experience the popular Wat Suan Dok meditation retreat. Open grounds with some impressive structures. A large number of smaller white chedis contain the ashes of members of several generations of the Chiang Mai Royal Family. Not quite right or still need some more inspiration? $62.02 per adult Check availability View full product details Khun N 7 1 Meditation retreat Review of Wat Suan Dok Reviewed January 20, 2018 Wat suan Dok is one of the places that you should not miss in Thailand Chiang Mai. 2019-08-23. This gilded, bell-shaped structure stands 48 metres high and is said to have contained the legendary Buddha relic. Finally, move outside the temple again to see the large golden pagoda on the rear side of the property. Come by for Monk Chat which is held Monday Friday from 5pm and learn more about Buddhism from a practising monk. This traditional Buddhist building is where ordination ceremonies and similar rituals occur. However, I did manage to sleep soundly during my time there. The King ordered the larger part to be put on the back of a white elephant that was set free to go where it wanted. A Short History Translated, Wat Suan Dok means "flower garden temple", which refers to its location. Wat Suan Dok is a very interactive temple where visitors are encouraged to learn more about the Buddhist religion by chatting with the monks. This lovely temple will give a more serene setting to your practice, and is just a bit off the beaten path. Many of the classes are in English, making these retreats popular with visitors to the area. Wat suan Dok is one of the places that you should not miss in Thailand Chiang Mai. Murals in the ubosotThe ubosot contains an almost five meters tall bronze seated Buddha statue named Phra Chao Kao Tue that was cast in 1504. Legends tell that King Ku Na invited the venerable Sumana Thera, a very pious monk from Sukhothai to bring the Buddhism of Sri Lanka to, Thus when King Ku Na invited Sumana Thera to, West of the main viharn numerous chedi contain the remains of the royal family of, Another location for short-term vipassana practice is. Eisenbach, Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Freiburg Region, Baden-Wrttemberg, Germany : Area with hydrothermal veins containing mainly oxidic Fe and Mn minerals. It would be a wonderful thing to try out though! A visitor to Chiang Mai is undoubtedly spoiled for choice of things to do and sights to see. Thanks for the comment! There are dozens and dozens of small white chedi, about three meters (10 feet) to six meters (20 feet) high. A smaller viharn to the south contains a seated Buddha image the Phra Chao Kao Tue cast by King Muang Kaew in 1504. Several other foreigners were already there and waiting for the workshop to start. 01/29/2017 by Kristin 46 Comments. Actual booking vouchers will be e mailed within 24 hours of your payment being received. I cant believe the price is so reasonable too! There, they offer one to four day retreats. Wat Suan Dok 908 Reviews #20 of 312 things to do in Chiang Mai Sights & Landmarks, Cemeteries, Sacred & Religious Sites On Suthep Road, west of the Old City, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand Save Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Chiang Mai Private Tour 83 Book in advance from C$82.08 per adult Check availability View full product details Large heavily decorated gates provide access to the temple grounds. At the retreat offered at Wat Suan Dok, we sat in meditation for a collective of 15-hours over the course of two days. The retreat is run through this temple, but the retreat center is quite away out of town. Wat Suan Dok is grand for all major official rites when the importance and scale required it. The area is alive with culture and tradition, with a history that extends for centuries, so there is a notable discovery around every corner and an exciting find down every alley. blog: www.pijoel.comfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiJoelBlog/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pi_joel/I take myself to a 2 day silent meditation re. Wat Suan Dok was built in the late 14th century and was originally intended to serve as a retreat for a revered monk from Sukhothai - the capital of Thailand at the time. Although I think Id be a way off this kind of experience just yet! 2 11 views 1 day ago CHIANG MAI Explore Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai, Thailand! You are required to wear white during the retreat, and if you dont have any white clothes, they will provide them for you. I really wanna go there one day. It costs 500THB plus 150THB a piece for white shirt and pants. Day 1: Tuesday01.00 p.m. Meet at Monk Chat Office, Wat Suan Dok01.30 p.m. Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation03.00 p.m. Departure for the Meditation Training Center04.45 p.m. There is a small entrance fee to visit the temple. As this is next door to pur hotel it made it easy to visit several times. Amid this sanctuary, find a quiet corner in which to meditate. A place to appreciate with better understanding of the place. Some popular nearby attractions include Wat Phra Singh, the Chiang Mai Zoo, and the Night Bazaar. You must have on appropriate clothing so cover you knees, shoulders and chest ladies. When I arrived at the Monk Chat office at Wat Suan Dok Temple at 9 in the morning on my last day in Thailand, several young monks and a volunteer worker greeted me. This retreat offers silent meditation sessions that begin on the 1st of every month, and takes place in a peaceful setting. The price is usually around 50 to 100 baht per person. Wat Suan Dok: Meditation retreat - See 907 traveler reviews, 960 candid photos, and great deals for Chiang Mai, Thailand, at Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. While we have made an effort to ensure that all information was correct at the time of publication, details can change over time. Please print a copy of this confirmation mail as this will be needed on commencement of your tour. Our instructor taught us to count our breaths in order to quiet our minds. These monk chats take place on certain days of the week at specified times and are ideal for anyone interested in discovering more about Buddhism, Thai customs and the culture of the people. We hope to have it up in the next couple of weeks or so. Suan Dok Temple (Flower Garden Temple) is in the west of old Chiang Mai. Meditation & Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok - Half Day. When it came time to move the relic to this newly built temple, it had inexplicably split into two pieces. it was tough and yeah haha, a bit eat pray love-ish but not as glamourous! For example, you can attend a two-day meditation course & meditation retreat at Wat Suan Dok temple in Chiang Mai for just $30 USD, which includes lodging and food. Is there an entrance fee to visit Wat Suan Dok? I think I could do a two day one but not the other ones that goes forever!! He travelled to the settlement, where he remained for two rainy seasons throughout construction for the final resting place of the relic, Wat Buppharam Dok Mai, subsequently called Wat Suan Dok. If you have a balance amount to pay this can be made on your arrival in Chiang Mai or on the morning of your trip departure. A place to appreciate with better understanding of the place. You will be picked up at 13:00. Tina and I have just returned from the meditation retreat organised by the Wat Suan Dok Monk Chat program in Chiang Mai. The prayer hall, or wiharn, is one of the first buildings youll encounter when entering Wat Suan Dok. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone interested in learning more about Buddhist meditation, whether youre a beginner or an experienced meditator. We're here to help! Eisenbach is a town in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Wrttemberg in Germany . The ashes were brought here from several places in Chiang Mai as requested by Princess Dara Rasmi early 20th century. If youre looking for a transformative experience, consider attending a meditation retreat in Thailand. Follow the instructions to pay using your credit card. Temple is huge, with an impressive standing Buddha at the far end. The beds in most Buddhist meditation centers are not designed for comfort, as they are typically wooden planks that require one to sleep on their back. You must have on appropriate clothing so cover you knees, shoulders and chest ladies. My friend is looking for a shorter duration retreat though as she has limited time. The main viharn was rebuilt in the early 1930s by Khru Ba Srivichai. monkchat2023@gmail.com. As someone who dislikes awkward silence, this was one of the most challenging aspects of the experience for me. tfc Newbie Advanced Member 167 669 posts Author Posted October 25, 2012 Thanks for the suggestion, I did a retreat there some years ago and it was great. The Wat Suan Dok located just West of the old walled part of Chiang Mai city is a very old temple known for its large number of white chedis or pagodas. Today, site of a Buddhist university and a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunset. For upcoming events: https://bit.ly/3CK8GBP, Your email address will not be published. Not only is this wiharn quite a bit larger than those at other temple compounds, but its also open on all four sides, which is unusual for buildings of this type. Please fill in the appropriate information below regarding any travel plans or enquiries. there are many overseas students who study in Wat Suan Dok. These rules are typical for most meditation retreats in Thailand. The interior of the ubosot is extravagantly decorated with walls covered in murals telling stories of the Buddhas previous lives. Set off from the hotel alongside the guide to practice meditation in Chiang Mai at Wat Suan Dok. It was incredible. Due to the nature of the life of a monk, their schedules can be unpredictable and things can change without prior warning.