Hua Thanon · Cultural Sites
Dipabhavan Meditation Center
Hillside Buddhist meditation centre in Maret, above Lamai, running silent Vipassana retreats for Thai and international participants.
- Free
- Hua Thanon
Insider tips
- This is a serious retreat, not a spa: expect silence, 04:30 wake-ups and very simple rooms.
- Book up to 4 months in advance; courses can fill in high season.
- Bring loose modest clothing (no sleeveless shirts or shorts), a torch, mosquito repellent and toiletries.
- No wifi at the centre - plan to be offline.
The story
Dipabhavan ('Development of Light Hermitage') is a Buddhist meditation centre on the slope of a high mountain in the southeast of Koh Samui, with views over the sea, coconut groves and forested hills. It was established in 2005 for both Thais and foreigners, and its spiritual head is the abbot of Wat Suan Mokkh, the famous forest monastery founded by the revered teacher Ajahn Buddhadasa. The centre runs monthly English-language retreats: a 3-day introduction (8th-10th), a 7-day beginner course (11th-18th) and a 7-day course for experienced meditators (20th-27th) - schedules per current listings; confirm before planning.
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Teaching covers concentration, Vipassana (insight) and loving-kindness meditation plus Dhamma talks. Days are simple and strict: wake-up bell around 04:30, sitting and walking meditation, yoga, vegetarian meals, basic private rooms without air conditioning, and shared chores. Following Buddhist tradition there is no course fee; donations at the end are gratefully accepted.
This is not a tourist sight or a spa - casual drop-in sightseeing is not the concept; participants register in advance and commit to silence and the schedule. Minimum age 16 for the 3-day course.
Good to know
- Residential silent retreats on fixed dates; book ahead. Not open for casual sightseeing.
- Free
- Any month; book ahead in high season (December-March).
- Hardly affected by weather
- Family friendly: No
- Rainy-day suitable: Yes
Check before you go · last checked 25 Sept 2026 · 5 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 5 other references and local research.
