hi there

I try to get away for about a week every couple of months and do a solitary retreat. I usually try and find a bungalow somewhere in a national park or near water, but i've never really found anywhere as remote as i prefer. Many years ago i sought monastic environments, but they were not suitable. Just wondering if anyone here knows a place that is within 2-3 hours drive of BKK and offers bungalow style accomodation that at least gives the feeling of being isolated.

regards

Do

Whilst it isn't actually 2-3 hours from Bangkok Doi Suthep Monastery Chang Mai use to offer solitary retreat style facilities. I stayed in a hut on the side of the hill for an extended retreat just me and the wildlife for company. You were required to attend silent morning meditation and lunch but except for that you were alone for the whole period. Best retreat I ever did!

Whilst it isn't actually 2-3 hours from Bangkok Doi Suthep Monastery Chang Mai use to offer solitary retreat style facilities. I stayed in a hut on the side of the hill for an extended retreat just me and the wildlife for company. You were required to attend silent morning meditation and lunch but except for that you were alone for the whole period. Best retreat I ever did!

I've heard the same also.. FabianFred would probably know more about Doi Suthep, as he's living up there somewhere. I'm sure he will pipe in shortly..

Here is the web page for the international meditation centre at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep:

http://www.fivethousandyears.org/center/

I visited recently and it's still going strong.

A similar program for individual retreat is available at Wat U Mong, also in Chiang Mai.

Closer to Bangkok, Wat Sanghatan has facilities for individual meditators.

http://www.vimokkha.com/watsanghathaneng.2.htm