Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center
Tucked away on the third floor of a Sukhumvit 23 address, Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center is a Tibetan Buddhist-inspired practice space offering a calm retreat from the energy of the surrounding city. The center draws both residents and visitors looking to explore or deepen a meditation practice, with a community atmosphere that feels genuinely inclusive and unhurried. Drop-in meditation sessions are held on Sundays and Wednesdays, and are offered on a donation basis, making them accessible to travelers on any budget. Beginners are well catered for — the center has provided customized introductory lessons for visitors new to meditation, and instructors are noted by visitors for their warmth and approachability. Throughout the year, more structured courses and workshops are also available for those wanting a deeper engagement with the practice. Good to know: the Sunday 2pm session is a popular starting point for first-time visitors and has been singled out by travelers as a welcoming introduction to the space and its community. As opening hours and session schedules can vary, it is worth reaching out to the center in advance to confirm times before making the trip, particularly if visiting mid-week or outside the regular Sunday slot. The location on Sukhumvit 23 is easily reachable from the BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit stations.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
My wife and I were in Bangkok and started going to the Sunday 2pm meditations at the Shambhala Center. We were really impressed by the space and the people at the center. The space was conducive to meditation, the practice was welcoming but not watered down; the instructors compassionate and kind. We enjoyed it so much that we did the meditation retreat they offered in late 2024 (I did all 5 days, my wife 3 days). There we had a fantastic experience. It wasn’t easy doing extended hours of meditation but the way they structured it with breaks between the seated meditation for walking meditation and yoga practice made it all much more doable. It was my first meditation retreat and by the end the moments of struggle were well worth it for the additional benefits it’s offered my daily meditation practice and general peace of mind. It also really connected us to a community of like-minded individuals living in and passing through Bangkok - a great community! Thanks to Jamie, Martina, Chin and George for everything! We look forward to coming back when we’re in Bangkok again!
First of all I wanna thank you my friend Eva for the invitation to go there. I had a wonderful time and met some mindfulness people . James the meditation instructor from US is great and we had a awesome group discussion. The one and only Thai lady at the meditation center is very kind and polite. I enjoy a lot thank you 🥰🥰🥰
I spent a month in Bangkok and had the priviledge to attend the Sunday and Wednesday meditation sessions that were freely offered (donation based) by the center. The sessions are beginner friendly, welcoming and inspiring. Thanks again all, looking forward to being back!
Location Info
118, 3rd Floor, 79 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center
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Tips for Visiting Wellness & Spas
Learn Wat Pho First
Wat Pho in Bangkok is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage education. Their on-site massage pavilion offers excellent treatments from students and graduates at reasonable prices — and you know the technique is authentic.
Communicate Pressure Preferences
Thai massage can be intense. Say 'bao bao' for lighter pressure or 'nак nак' for harder. A good therapist will check in, but don't hesitate to speak up — suffering in silence defeats the purpose.
Book Longer Sessions
A 60-minute massage is fine, but 90 or 120 minutes allows the therapist to work thoroughly. The price difference is often only 200–400 THB for an extra hour — worth it for a deeper, more relaxing experience.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.