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 as well as professional Thai and Swedish massage ($10/hour) are available within a few minutes of KMC.One of the world's most beautiful beaches, Kamala Bay on the Andaman Sea, is also within a short distance and there are many 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 centers in town 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.
The meditation center is not located within a tsunami zone and is only a short taxi ride to two of the best beaches in Phuket.
Karuna is located within the Nakatani Village residential development. As we expand our offerings in meditation and yoga retreats, more and more of the residents are joining our programs. We are striving to build an active community of mindful practicioners of both yoga and meditation throughout Nakatani. Our area appeals to residents who are seeking a quiet and peaceful life in Phuket, and the Karuna mission dovetails nicely with this aspiration. We have the opportunity to occupy more and more of the area, as long-term retreatants are joining us and making use of properties within Nakatani, living an peaceful and introspective life.
Karuna is conveniently located near a road providing easy access. You may hear the regular sounds of vehicles on the road, especially in the morning or afternoon travel times. Some people may find this to be a distraction and we encourage you to work with this arising as part of your mindfulness practice as it occurs.
There is a Buddhist temple (“Wat” in Thai) located in Kamala by the beach, for those who are interested in a visit. Although there is a substantial Muslim minority, Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country, and most local practitioners follow the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism.
Our water is naturally stored rainwater, and 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. The space is air-conditioned, you should be quite comfortable, but may need a light shawl or sarong.
For longer-term stays, we have options – please email us .
Bring
Meditation Cushion – KMC provides an assortment of flat and riser cushions - everything you need. If you have a personal cushion or bench you use for sitting, bring it. You may or may not wish to buy one before you come. Camera. Bring your own toiletries and if staying over a month your own towel - sheets, pillows and blankets are provided. Flashlight. Bring an umbrella or purchase one here. KMC has showers from time to time and an umbrella is handy to have for sun protection as well. Bathing Suit & Sunscreen – there is a pool on-site and beaches are nearby. Insect repellent: our mosquito activity is not severe and there is very little malaria or Dengue fever here – this matter is your personal preference.
List: Cushion, camera, toiletries, comfortable clothes, towel, flashlight, umbrella, swimsuit, sunscreen, repellent.
Leave Behind
There are no hard and fast rules ‘prohibiting’ certain things. In the interest of a deeper meditation experience for everyone, we suggest leaving the following items at home: Loud (swishy nylon) clothes - sometimes you'll do walking meditation and it can be a distraction.
Scents and scented products – perfume, sprays, potpourri, candles as they may disturb others.
Music - music is a distraction. See if you can park your MP3 player for your time here.
Books - books are a distraction - even Dharma or meditation books. Maybe only something that will inspire you to greater dedication to your meditation practice.
Cell phones - cell phones are a distraction. While you are here, please turn it off.
Your stay here is a rare opportunity to leave the mundane world behind and devote yourself entirely to spiritual practice. Take advantage of this opportunity and become familiar with your being as it is.
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.
Register Online
