Thailand Locations: Meditation in Loei

We have now moved our temple teaching programs to Wat Nuen Pananao in Nongkhai province.

T2T is able to offer our volunteers the opportunity to practise meditation in a Thai Buddhist Temple. Volunteers can stay at one of 2 temples in Loei province, receiving lessons in meditation and Buddhism whilst teaching English or computers at a nearby "Monk University". The two Wats are forest temples, meaning that they have no immediate congregation and are set up to be peaceful and tranquil. Both men and women are accepted and stays in the temples cam be combined with other volunteer programs.

Whilst staying in the Wat volunteers are expected to respect the strict rules and conditions of the temple. Whilst these rules are not as strict as those for the monks and nuns and they can come as a shock to unprepared volunteers. Those who would like volunteer in the forest Wats must understand that this is not an easy task for everyone and be prepared to adapt.

If combining a stay in Loei with other volunteer programs in Thailand such Nongkhai or Pai we highly recommend that you stay at the other program first to give you a chance to adapt to Thai culture and lifestyle before moving on to the Wat.

Food
While in the Wat volunteers share food with the monks and nuns and can join the monks collecting alms in the morning. Volunteers are allowed, but not encouraged, to leave the Wat occasionally.

Weather
The cold season is between December and February. Since Loei is in the mountains it's slightly colder than the rest of our Thai locations. The season from March till May is the hot season. June till November is the wet season raining a bit most days. In the wintertime, December-February, it can get quite cold (sometimes under 10 C) at night.

How to get to Loei
We prefer volunteers that are going to Loei to initially come to Nongkhai for their first weekend, where they are given teaching and cultural introductions. We then accompany volunteers to Loei or to the bus in Udon Thai. The volunteers are then met at the bus station when they arrive in Loei.

Accommodation
Female volunteers get their own small bungalow with private western style WC and shower.

Men are given there own room with the monks in the temple. Conditions are the same as those for the monks though and so very basic.

Activities
Meditation, yoga and teaching!

Photo Gallery: Temple teaching photo gallery

More images from Loei