Thai Plum Village
Asia's largest Plum Village monastery, in the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, on the edge of Khao Yai: week-long mindfulness retreats in English, Thai and Vietnamese, booked online, about ฿7,000 for seven nights.
Tours that include Thai Plum Village
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Thai Plum Village.
Why go, and how to do it well
Thai Plum Village is the Asian home of the Plum Village tradition founded by the Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, a monastery of up to 160 monks and nuns on the edge of Khao Yai National Park at Pak Chong, about 240 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. It is a different kind of retreat from Thailand's Theravada forest monasteries: mindfulness rather than vipassana, walking meditation at 5:30 in the morning, silent meals, working meditation in the afternoon, Dharma talks and, on the retreats, sessions in Vietnamese, English and Thai. Families come, and children from about five are welcome on the retreats with a parent.
The way in is a scheduled retreat rather than a walk-in stay. The monastery posts its program a season ahead, including week-long Weeks of Mindfulness in the cool season, a holiday retreat over New Year and occasional themed weeks such as one for healthcare professionals, and registration opens online on a set date and closes when the retreat is full. The 2026 October week asked ฿7,000 per adult for seven nights covering food and accommodation, with a lower rate for children. Arrivals are in a fixed afternoon window on the first day; the gate does not open after sunset.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Thai Plum Village, round out your day in Korat with contrasting stops nearby.
Amphoe Pak Chong, Tambon Pong Ta Long, Unnamed Road
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Major temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are dramatically less crowded before 9 AM. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Thai Plum Village: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Plum Village worth visiting?
Thai Plum Village holds a 4.8★ rating from 133 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Korat.
When is the best time to visit Thai Plum Village?
The best months to visit Korat are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Thai long weekends & Phimai Festival (November) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April (peak heat).
Where is Thai Plum Village located?
Thai Plum Village is at Amphoe Pak Chong, Tambon Pong Ta Long, Unnamed Road, in Korat. Getting around Korat: Songthaews on fixed city routes; Grab and Bolt (both work well in the city).
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