The island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand in southeast Thailand is famed for many things. Though best known for its full moon parties Koh Phangan has much else to offer. It is ringed by beaches and many are easily accessible. Some of the best ones are on the south coast. Backpackers haven Bottle Beach is on the north shore. Apart from beaches Koh Phangan has much potential for boating and fishing, elephant trekking, diving, ATV rides, zip lines, kite boarding and other aqua sports. Apart from fun and frolic Koh Phangan has yoga and fitness centers and is fast gaining a reputation as a retreat for meditation. Koh Phangan boasts of several meditation centers and Wat Khao Tham is now known globally as a good meditation retreat.
With such diverse attractions it is no wonder that tourists are flocking to Koh Phangan in droves and this has caused a proliferation of accommodation options and the words Koh Phangan resort connotes up market accommodation. For an up market, pampered stay to enjoy Koh Phangan attractions Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa is an idyllic getaway.
Wat Khao Tham translates as Mountain Cave Monastery and was established over a hundred years ago as a part of the Wat Kow Tham Buddhist Monastery and is now a part of a network of meditation centers.
Wat Khao Tham conducts meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Participants are trained in the Vipassana, Samatha and Metta meditation forms during regular seven day retreats. The daily schedule is demanding with the participants having to wake up at 4 a.m. Yoga is also a part of the meditation training. Sitting, walking and standing meditation methods are a part of the daily instruction routine. Strict silence has to be observed here.
Resident participants are housed in spartan but clean dormitories with males and females being given separate accommodation. Only cold water is available and showering has to be done Thai style with a bucket. Participants are provided with mats sleeping mats and pillows. In monastic tradition there are no meals after 12 noon. Breakfast and lunch are healthy vegetarian meals.
Wat Koh Tham is set in serene and beautiful surroundings with panoramic views of the surrounding areas and is an ideal setting for meditation.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+
