Logistics
Accustomed to having guests from other countries, our Thai neighbors have learned how to provide for Westerners. International banking including ATM and cash withdrawal via credit card, high speed internet facilities, food markets with western products, laundry services, comprehensive pharmacy & medical services are readily available.Two of Phuket's most popular areas, Chalong Bay on the Andaman Sea and Rawai Beach, are within a short distance and there are many other beautiful places in the near vicinity to visit either before or after your retreat. In most cases, no advance bookings are required and there are many travel agents nearby to assist you in your choices.
After your retreat, you can arrange many different types of tours through local travel agencies, or spend some time at the local tourist attractions. In order to maximize the benefit from your meditation experience, we recommend that you refrain from such distractions during your individual or group retreat.
Our water is safe for bathing and brushing teeth. Our food is prepared with filtered water as well as some use of rainwater – which is used primarily for cleaning vegetables. Raw salad and vegetables in local restaurants are uncontaminated and generally safe to consume. Ice and water for drinking are generally filtered. At the center, we provide only filtered water for consumption. There is no absolute guarantee of perfect digestive health, but we do our best.
Visas
The Thai government has the right to change immigration policies at any time. Because of this, please make sure you contact the Thai consulate in your area by phone, or visit the their website, for current information and additional policies that may be in effect for your country of origin.
As of this posting, the best way to arrange a visit of less than a month in duration is to simply get a “tourist-on-arrival” visa valid for 90 days and extendable several times for 15 days each extension. There is a cost of 1800 baht to extend and a day trip in a shuttle van to Ranong to cross the border. People generally prefer not to spend time on these runs, so if there is any possibility that you may stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, consider a pre-arranged visa.
As of this posting, the best way to arrange a visa of more than 30 days is to apply at a local consulate for a 60-day tourist visa. These are free through mid 2010 and can be extended here for an additional 30 days, making 90 days total, for an additional fee of 1800 baht. You do not have to leave to do this.
Suggested Attire
The meditation center is located in a Buddhist neighborhood. We ask that our visitors dress conservatively out of courtesy for the local standard of modesty. Very short skirts or short shorts, tight clothes, low necklines and string-type straps over the shoulders should be avoided except when actually on the beach. Short sleeves and even modest sleeveless tops are fine.
In the meditation hall, the same rules apply, keep it simple and comfortable. Depending on the season, you should be comfortable, but may need a light shawl or sarong in the early morning or evening.
For longer-term stays, we have options – please email us .
Bring
Comfortable clothes that are sufficient for the duration of your stay. You will make sport and you will sweat. Swimmsuit for the pool and steam-sauna. If you forget them, no problem. We can provide you with a pair of shorts or go and buy a swimsuit with you. You can bring your own cushion if you like (the cushions at the center might not be sufficient). Other then that you should bring an alarm clock please.
Leave Behind
No weapons, no drugs, no audio or video equipment, no phones and no books except spiritual books that support your practice of meditation. All together please don't bring too much stuff. Your room needs to be tidy and clean everyday, too many things will disturb your retreat greatly. You have the chance to leave your things in our office until you finish the retreat. You can make photos during excursions if you like though.
Air Travel
The nearest airport is Phuket International, located about 40 minutes from the retreat center. Sometimes people prefer to travel through Bangkok. Domestic air carriers have more restrictive baggage and weight policies than international carriers. Most Thai airlines allow one bag, weighing not more than 15 kilos (33 lbs). If you come into the country thru Bangkok, be aware that you may need to pay an extra-bag and/or overweight charge before your baggage can be accepted by an in-country airline.
Driving
To drive here legally, you are required to have an international driver’s license or permit. If you plan to drive here, even on a motorbike, it’s best to get this license before you arrive, otherwise you risk fines. Google: international driving license - in the US, a one-year international driving permit is available from AAA for $15.00.
Innoculations
Please check the CDC travel website or your local travel-savvy doctor for current information about inoculations you may need before arriving.
Contact Us - Register Online
