Wat Pah Nanachat, Forest monastery in Bungwai, Thailand
Wat Pah Nanachat is a forest monastery near Ubon Ratchathani in northeast Thailand, where meditation halls, living quarters, and communal spaces sit within natural surroundings. The grounds provide accommodations for those seeking to engage with Buddhist practice.
The monastery was founded in 1975 as the first international branch of Wat Nong Pah Pong, established by the venerated teacher Ajahn Chah. This founding marked the beginning of his teaching tradition spreading beyond Thailand.
The monastery practices Theravada Buddhism with daily meditation sessions and chanting that visitors can experience directly. The community uses English for teaching, making it possible for people from many countries to participate in the spiritual life here.
The monastery is generally accessible in the morning from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM for drop-in visitors wishing to observe daily life. Those wanting longer stays or participation in organized meditation programs should arrange this in advance.
Men staying longer than three days must shave their heads and faces, a practice that reflects traditional monastic life. This rule makes a longer stay an immediate experience of how monks actually live.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
