Sathira-Dhammasathan

The place: Set on a seven-acre property in an environment conducive to meditation, this center offers weekend-long retreats.
When: Registration begins 2-4pm on Fri, and the program ends at 4pm on Sun
How: For those who are planning to stay overnight, register and send in the registration documents at least one week before the program starts. The documents are available on their website. After the registration period ends (at 4pm), the program starts off with a yoga meditation session. The next day, you wake up at 4am for your other sessions. If you don’t want to stay overnight, registration is not required, you can just show up at 9am on Sat or Sun.
The ajarn: Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta
24/5 Soi Watcharapol, Ramindra Rd. 02-510-6697, 02-510-4765. www.sdsweb.org.

Wat Mahathat (Section 5)

The place: A meditation center within the temple. English translators available.
When: There are three sessions daily: 7-10am, 1-4pm and 6-8pm
How: For day sessions, just show up. If you’re staying overnight, bring an ID card and a set of white clothes. Sessions start at 6:30am.
The ajarns: Ajarn Phramaha Suphap Khemarangsi (head of Section Five), Ajarn Maha Sawai Nanaviro, Ajarn Phramaha Boonchit Nanasangvaro, with other experienced monks and laypeople assisting them.
Maharaj Rd., Tha Prachan, 02-222-6011

Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan

The place: A royal temple located right in the heart of Bangkok, between Siam Paragon and Central World.
When: 7am-9pm daily
How: Just show up.
The ajarns: The abbot, the Venerable Phra Rajpipatanatorn (Thavorn Chittathavaro), and other senior monks. Phra Rajpipatanatorn, a meditation master and teacher, has given dhamma talks on television, radio and the internet, and has published many dhamma journals and books.
969, Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan (between Paragon and Central World), 02-255-2271. BTS Siam.

Wat Dhamma Mongkol (Samathi Viriyanuparb Center)

The place: Located beside the Dhamma Mongkol Temple, just beyond the craziness of downtown Sukhumvit, this meditation center was built specifically to accommodate practitioners, so car parks and air-conditioned rooms are thoughtfully provided.
When: 9am-4pm every Sun
How: Just show up. A more advanced session, which will require you to stay overnight, is only available for those who have already done the first day-to-day session. The advanced program is available once a month (to be announced by the center). For that program, registration starts from 4-7pm on Friday with morning wake-up calls at 5am. Call for reservation at 02-741-7822.
The ajarns: The abbot, Phra Dhamma Mongkol Yarn (Luang Poh Viriyung), and other experienced monks.
132 Mooban Rungsiya, Soi Punnavitee 20, Sukhumvit 101, Bang Jak, Phra Kanong. 02-311-3903. www.dhammamongkol.com.

Wat Sanam Nai

The place: A very natural peaceful setting in its original environment.
When: Registration happens every day, before 4pm.
How: First-time practitioners must be there before 9am or 1pm to practice for the real meditation program (two practice sessions; 9-10:30am and 1-2:30pm). Make sure you dress properly (white, no sleeveless shirts, no shorts). Once you’ve passed the practice session, you’re ready for the overnight program. Bring ID, a blanket and a small overnight bag. Wake up call at 3:30am.
The ajarns: Various teachers following the path of Luang Poh Teean’s “self-awareness” method.
27, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi. 02-883-7251. www.watsanamnai.org.

Meditation Retreat 101

- All meditation centers are free of charge. Donations are accepted but not solicited.
- All classes are in Thai only, except for Wat Mahathat.
- Proper dress is usually required, just like when you go to the temple: no shorts, no sleeveless shirts. For overnight stays, it’s also advisable to wear white or at least plain colors.
- Manage your expectations. You’re not going to reach nirvana in one session.