Wat Pa Tam Wua

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About Wat Pa Tam Wua

The location in question is a meditation retreat nestled in the beautiful hills of North Thailand near Mae Hong Son. It's a place that offers a unique experience, different from other meditation retreats in Thailand. The retreat is run by practicing monks, some old and funny, some young and sweet, and one who is half German and understands what the predominantly German students are thinking. The location is more of a plantation than a forest, with neat rows of papaya and banana trees.

The retreat is open to visitors all year round, and you can arrive any day before noon and stay for any amount of time up to ten days. This flexibility, however, can create a bit of chaos as people constantly come and go, disrupting the peace and quiet that is typically associated with meditation retreats. The dormitories are shared, and the constant movement of people can be a bit disruptive, with some visitors not respecting the rules of silence and solitude.

Despite these challenges, the retreat offers a unique opportunity to learn the basics of meditation. The teachings are geared towards education rather than strict adherence to rules. However, the lack of clarity on the rules and the imprecise penalties can be a bit confusing for newcomers. For instance, they give you a special blessed beanie hat, but there are specific rules on when and where you can wear it.

The retreat is also a place where you can learn about Samantha and Vipassana meditation. There are usually 20-30 other visitors from all over the world with a range of meditation experience levels. However, it's important to come with the right attitude and respect the kindness of the monks and the Abbott.

The food at the retreat is mostly vegetarian, and when there are no rich Thai patrons around, the food can be a bit basic. Sleeping is on the floor, which can be a bit uncomfortable, especially with the presence of fire ants. However, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall experience.

Over the years, the retreat has seen an increase in tourists who come for one or two nights and do not respect the rules. This has led to some disturbances, such as people talking on their phones in the meditation hall or talking loudly during meals. Despite these challenges, the retreat remains a popular destination for those seeking peace, concentration, and wisdom.

The retreat is a great place to practice Vipasana meditation. The vegan food is delicious, and the accommodation is simple but comfortable. It's recommended to plan for a longer stay, a week or more, to give yourself a chance to learn and practice. No booking is necessary, and all transport information is available on their website.

In conclusion, the retreat offers a unique meditation experience. Despite some challenges, it remains a popular destination for those seeking to learn and practice meditation in a peaceful and beautiful setting.