Wat Pah Nanachat

Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery) is a Theravada forest monastery that Ajahn Chah set up in 1975 as a branch of Wat Nong Pah Pong, with his American disciple Ajahn Sumedho as its first abbot. It was founded so that men from other countries who do not know Thai language and culture could train as forest monks; English is its main language, and the community of monks, novices and postulants comes from many countries. It is in a small forest at Bahn Bung Wai, Warin Chamrap district, about 15 km from Ubon Ratchathani, some 500 m from the road behind rice fields, inside a white wall. Ubon can be reached from Bangkok by train, plane or bus, and taxis and tuk-tuks go to the monastery. Day visitors are welcome from 6 am to 6 pm. There are no retreats, courses or private meditation teaching: overnight guests, who need prior meditation experience, follow the monastic routine on the eight precepts, eat one meal a day and wear white (women a white blouse with a long black skirt). Guests write to the guest monk at least two weeks ahead, are accepted first for three days and can usually extend to a month. Women are welcome, though as of 2026 no nuns or women teachers live there. Food and lodging are given free of charge.

How to apply

Write to the monastery's guest monk well in advance (Wat Pah Nanachat asks for at least two weeks) and expect to follow its full routine on eight precepts. Wat Pah Nanachat also expects earlier retreat experience.

What is taught here

The forest lineage of Ajahn Mun and Ajahn Chah: breath meditation with Buddho, walking paths, and guest stays at monasteries in Thailand and the West. Read about Thai Forest.