Inner Journey: 10 Days of Meditation
Silence and deep meditation in a forest monastery in southern Thailand, to reconnect with oneself far from the world.
10 days, 9 nights
Surat Thani
In the heart of the southern Thai rainforest, this 10-day retreat at Suan Mokkh offers total immersion in silence, meditation, and simplicity. Without phones, in a raw and natural setting, participants practice mindfulness, meditative walking, and inner observation, nourished by a vegetarian diet and a structured rhythm.
Wellness Retreat
Armand
An expert in retreats and restorative travel in Southeast Asia, he designs experiences where nature, mindfulness and letting go replace the superfluous.
Surat Thani
Nestled in the heart of a peaceful rainforest, the temple offers a natural setting conducive to silence and meditation. Lotus ponds, coconut palms, and wooden buildings create a simple, authentic, and soothing haven.
Ten days of mindfulness in a Thai forest temple
In absolute silence, this 10-day retreat at the Suan Mokkh forest monastery immerses you in a simple and austere monastic life, far removed from all modern conveniences. No phone, no distractions, no superfluous comforts: you sleep on a wooden bed, shower in cold water, rise at 4 a.m., and share two vegetarian meals a day. Each day is structured around seated meditation, walking meditation, Buddhist teachings, group prayers, and breathwork (Anapanasati), the heart of this retreat.
Here, you relinquish the rhythm of the world to reconnect with yourself, surrounded by raw tropical nature, among palm trees, lotuses, and birdsong. It is a demanding, sometimes overwhelming experience, which is not suitable for families or those seeking comfort: it is for those ready to let go of their habits, to welcome discomfort, and to live like a monk for 10 days to bring about a real inner transformation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in a retreat shorter or longer than 10 days?
No. Only 10-day retreats are offered. The program was designed to take place over this specific duration, as it takes approximately ten days to observe real changes, understand the teachings, and settle into the practice. It is not possible to arrive late, leave early, or follow a flexible version. Commitment to the entire retreat is required for all participants.
Can I request a special diet? Can I bring my own food?
No. No special diets are offered, whether for personal, medical, or religious reasons. All participants eat the same vegetarian meal, served twice a day. Bringing outside food or drinks is also prohibited. This rule aims to preserve the spirit of equality, simplicity, and material detachment inherent in the retreat.
I can't sit cross-legged, is that a problem?
Not at all. While seated meditation is central, no one is required to remain cross-legged for extended periods. Several seating options are offered from the outset: on a cushion, kneeling with a bench, or even on a chair for those with knee, hip, or back pain. The important thing is to be stable, aligned, and to adopt a posture that can be sustained over time.
I don't speak English well, can I still participate? Are there any retreats in English?
Teaching, instruction, and discussions are conducted exclusively in English (and sometimes in Thai for locals). A sufficient level of English to understand the explanations is essential. Currently, there are no retreats in English at Suan Mokkh.
Is it possible to stay in the same place before or after retirement?
No, it is not possible to extend your stay at the retreat center itself. However, it is possible to stay for free for a few days at the main monastery of Suan Mokkh (a few minutes from the center), provided you arrive before nightfall. Accommodation is basic, meals can be purchased on-site or at nearby shops, and there is no structured program or teachings. You must be self-reliant in your practice and contribute to communal tasks (sweeping, cleaning, etc.). This place is best suited for former participants or experienced meditators.
What should I expect in terms of comfort?
The retreat setting is intentionally very simple, in keeping with monastic life. Each participant sleeps in a private room, furnished with a wooden bed covered with a natural fiber rug, a basic pillow, and a mosquito net. Bathrooms are shared, with cold-water showers in the Thai style, using basins and buckets. There is no electricity in the rooms at night: a flashlight is essential, as is a padlock if you wish to secure your belongings, since no keys are provided. The entire environment is designed with total simplicity in mind: no air conditioning, no fans, no mirrors, and no internet access. A simple basin of water is provided for refreshment. Here, the experience aims to eliminate the superfluous and return to the essential. This seday is not suitable for families or those seeking comfort or modern well-being: it is a demanding immersion, close to the life of a monk, where silence, discipline and simplicity open the way to a profound transformation.
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