Your first meditation retreat starts here
A 3-day residential retreat at the Chonburi Meditation Center near Si Racha. Free of charge, no previous experience needed, and taught in Thai with live English interpretation.
Who it's for
- Those who have never practiced Dhamma before
- Those who want to learn the correct method of Dhamma practice
- Those who want to understand the meaning of life
- Those who want to know the path to ending suffering and reaching present-moment happiness
- Those who have practiced before and wish to deepen their inner purity
“To see the root of suffering that drives nature and all things.”
A day at the retreat
A typical practice day. The full timetable for every day is on the course page.
- 04:30Wake-up bell
- 05:00Morning chanting / Meditation practice in accommodation building
- 07:00Breakfast / Rest
- 09:00Enter meditation hall / Dhamma talk / Meditation practice
- 11:00Lunch / Rest
- 13:00Enter meditation hall / Dhamma talk / Meditation practice
- 17:00Permitted beverage / Rest
- 18:30Evening session / Evening chanting / Dhamma talk / Meditation practice
- 20:30Q&A session with monk-teacher about practice
- 21:30Rest
What you'll practise
- To provide a place where Buddhists can genuinely study and practice the Dhamma.
- To train meditation skills based on the Satipatthana foundations of mindfulness.
- To purify the mind through observing the precepts, practicing meditation and wisdom.
- To cultivate right view and take refuge in the Triple Gem.
- To develop quality of life through integrated Dhamma teachings.
How the interpretation works
You join the same course our Thai participants attend, on the same dates and with almost the same daily schedule. The teaching is given in Thai, and an interpreter translates it into English as it is spoken, so you can follow every talk and instruction as it happens.
Retreat rules
So that everyone can practise in peace.
Silence and restraint
- Avoid conversation with fellow practitioners and outsiders. Keep the mind focused inward.
- Maintain silence during all activities in the meditation hall throughout the retreat.
- Do not share meditation experiences or ask Dhamma questions with fellow participants. All questions must be directed to the teacher only.
- Do not leave the retreat grounds without permission. Maintain restraint in body, speech, and mind at all times.
Phones and outside matters
- All mobile phones and communication devices will be collected by the center and returned on departure day.
- Participants must set aside all matters unrelated to practice. No work or outside tasks are permitted on site.
The Eight Precepts and your health
- Participants observe the Eight Precepts: no harming living beings, no stealing, celibacy, mindful speech, sobriety, no food after noon, no cosmetics or jewelry, and sleeping on a simple mattress.
- No intoxicants of any kind. Sedating medications such as sleeping pills and antihistamines are also prohibited.
- Participants should have a sincere intention to practice, good physical health, and sound mental health.
- If any problems or discomforts arise regarding accommodation or daily life, inform a volunteer helper or the course coordinator.
Dress, and staying the whole course
- Men wear white shirts and white or neutral long trousers. Women wear white shirts with white or neutral trousers or a wrap skirt.
- Participants must be present for the full duration of the program as scheduled.
- All practice sessions must take place in the meditation hall only, following the daily schedule strictly.
Cost and accommodation
Fees
Free of charge. There is no course fee. If you wish to support the center, you are welcome to make a donation as you feel moved to. A 500 THB deposit confirms your place and is not refunded if you cancel.
Accommodation
Shared air-conditioned dormitory. Each participant has their own fully enclosed mosquito net for privacy. Sharing a net is not permitted.
Getting here
- By car: use the Google Maps pin below. Turn in at the center's sign and drive about 200 meters; park in front of the "Samret Building" to register.
- By van or bus: from Ekkamai or Mo Chit bus station to the Bo Win stop (about 2–3 hours), then a taxi, Grab or Bolt for the last 15 km.
- From the airport: a taxi or Grab takes about 1–1.5 hours from Suvarnabhumi and about 2 hours from Don Mueang.
- Going home: the center drives participants to the Bo Win transport stop at 8:00 AM on departure day.
- Registration opens at 3:00 PM on arrival day.
462/15 Moo 2, Ban Noen Tong Village, Nong Kham Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province 20230, Thailand
What to bring
- Enough white clothing (shirts, long trousers or a wrap skirt, in white or another plain color) to change into for the whole course
- Personal toiletries: towel, soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight, mosquito repellent, razor, face mask, hand sanitizer
- Personal medications for any existing health conditions
- A plain-colored warm layer (the meditation hall is air-conditioned)
- Cloth bag — no noisy plastic bags
- Personal water bottle
- Socks
- Passport (or Thai national ID card) for registration
Upcoming dates
- OpenApply
November 20–24, 2026
3-Day Retreat · Batch 10
Questions people ask
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no course fee. A 500 THB deposit confirms your place and is not refunded if you cancel. If you wish to support the center, you are welcome to make a donation.
I've never meditated. Can I join?
Yes. No previous experience is needed, and the 3-day course is a good first step.
I don't speak Thai. Will I understand?
Yes. The teaching is given in Thai and an interpreter translates it into English as it is spoken. Each course takes up to 8 English-speaking participants.
Do I really hand in my phone?
Yes. Phones and all communication devices are collected on arrival day and returned on departure day.
What about food?
Participants keep the Eight Precepts, so there is breakfast and lunch and no food after noon. In the late afternoon there is a permitted drink (juice or tea).
Can I bring my medication?
Yes, bring your regular medication. Sedating medicines such as sleeping pills and antihistamines are not allowed; if you're unsure, please ask us before you apply.
Can I leave early?
Participants stay for the whole course, from arrival day to departure day.
Apply
Before you apply, please check you can meet these conditions.
- Aged 18 or over
- Able to take part in every activity for the whole course, from arrival day to departure day
- In good health, able to look after yourself and climb stairs without difficulty
- Each course takes up to 24 Thai participants and up to 8 English-speaking participants
- No previous meditation experience is needed
- Travel to the center on your own
- Hand in your mobile phone and tablet to staff on arrival day; they are returned on departure day
- After registering, add our LINE account @dhammavimutti (or message us on WhatsApp) and transfer the 500 THB deposit to confirm your place
- The deposit is not refunded if you cancel
After you apply
- 1Fill in the registration form and choose your dates
- 2Add LINE @dhammavimutti or message us on WhatsApp
- 3Transfer the 500 THB deposit
- 4We confirm your place
Questions? Message us: WhatsApp · LINE @dhammavimutti