Pa Pae 3-Day Retreat in Chiang Mai: My Experience

Buddhism is a very important part of Thai culture. You can perceive its influence in the numerous temples and meditation centers across the country, as well as in the kindness and serenity of its people. For this reason, Thailand is an obvious destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in spiritual practices.

I am personally an active seeker of such experiences, and after spending six months in Bali, I felt the grounding of Buddhist philosophy was exactly what I needed. Don’t get me wrong: Bali is amazing, but the excessive focus on image and Instagram culture can leave your feet out of the ground. Also, I usually do a retreat at the end of every year anyway, so it felt like the perfect time to choose something more local rather than touristy.

While researching online, I found many meditation retreats near Chiang Mai that follow Buddhist precepts, but many were a bit too lengthy for my specific situation. I chose the retreat at the Pa Pae Meditation Center because it offered a 3-night, 4-day experience that fit well into my schedule.

If you’re considering this retreat, here’s some information about it, along with my personal take.

Where It Happened

Nestled in the mountains of Chiang Mai, the Pa Pae Meditation Center feels like an idyllic escape. Surrounded by nature, with cute wooden treehouses distributed across the terrain and small, well-designed gardens, the place reminded me of something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. The surround of greenery felt like a hug for the soul and truly helps you enter a space of contemplation.

The Retreat

This retreat spans three days, offering just enough time to immerse yourself in Buddhist meditation practices while still being accessible to those with tight schedules. Each day is guided by experienced monks and teachers who provide wisdom and support. You also have the option to extend your stay, live according to their rhythm, and practice meditation independently, or even volunteer.

Silence is optional but not mandatory. The overall atmosphere leans more toward introspection rather than socializing. Everyone was very respectful of each other’s need for inward time, which I personally appreciated as I was seeking a peaceful reset.

Food & Accommodation

The accommodations are simple yet comfortable, following Buddhist principles of minimalism and mindfulness. Rooms are clean and quiet, designed to support the meditative routine. I shared a room with a roommate whom I had just met, and it worked out perfectly.

Meals are provided twice daily—breakfast and lunch—and participants are encouraged to fast for the rest of the day, as the monks do. At first, I thought this might be difficult, but fasting actually helped me focus and improved my concentration. The meals are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. If needed, you can grab drinks at a treehouse café inside the center, or dine at a restaurant across the street.

What to Bring

Some may not realize that parts of Thailand can get quite cold—this region included! Nestled in the mountains, temperatures can drop below 10°C in the evenings and early mornings, so bring warm jackets, socks, and cozy pajamas to stay comfortable.

The center provides two sets of white clothing (pants and a blouse), which all participants wear to differentiate from the monks’ orange robes. You’ll need to bring your own towel, but blankets are available, and more can be requested if needed. Women are requested to wear a bra underneath the clothes at all times.

The retreat is donation-based, with a suggested contribution of 500 Baht per night to help cover costs. Additionally, there’s a steam room available during breaks for 40 Baht, so you may want to pack a swimsuit if you’d like to use it.

Practices

The retreat includes a variety of practices, such as walking meditation, sitting meditation, and guided mindfulness exercises. Participants also attend teachings on Buddhist philosophy, which help to better understand and integrate these principles into daily life. The monks’ talks were especially helpful in exploring how to incorporate these teachings into our own routines.

My Personal Take

This retreat is an excellent introduction to Buddhism. They explain key concepts, such as the “Middle Way,” which emphasizes a balanced life that avoids extremes of indulgence or self-denial. Another principle they explore is the acceptance of impermanence—the idea that everything will eventually change and end, and that trying to control this is an illusion.

It brought me reflections on how we often live in a state of lack, constantly desiring what we don’t have, only to feel empty again once we achieve it. I realized that happiness is not a destination but a practice that requies discipline of the mind—a lesson I’m now trying to integrate into my daily life.

Although it’s not always easy or comfortable, an experience like this can be life-changing. Sometimes, all we truly need is silence and the space to reconnect with ourselves.