Mindfulness workshops and retreats near Bangkok

By the Editorial team. Reviewed October 2026.

Thailand has a long tradition of meditation, and Bangkok offers everything from temple meditation sessions to secular mindfulness courses run for schools and companies. The formats differ a great deal, so it helps to know what you are signing up for.

Drop-in sessions

Several temples in Bangkok hold meditation sessions that welcome foreigners, some with instruction in English. They are usually free, with donations welcome. Dress modestly and arrive a little early. Yoga studios and wellness centres also run drop-in mindfulness classes, usually for a class fee.

Structured courses

Secular mindfulness courses follow a set curriculum over several weeks, often based on the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction model developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. A course has a fixed group, weekly sessions and home practice. It suits people who want to build a habit rather than try a single session.

Some course providers also run professional development for teachers and short retreats. Ask whether the teacher has completed a recognised mindfulness teacher training programme.

Retreats

Retreats range from a single day to ten days or more. Silent retreats ask participants to stop talking, reading and using phones for the whole period. That is hard for beginners, so start with a day or a weekend if you are new.

What to ask before booking

• What training does the teacher have, and with which organisation?
• Is the course secular or linked to a religious tradition?
• What does a typical day or session look like, hour by hour?
• What is included in the price, such as meals and accommodation for retreats?
• Is the course suitable for someone with a mental health condition, and should they talk to their doctor first?

For schools and workplaces

Some providers run mindfulness sessions for teachers, students and staff teams. Ask for the programme outline in advance and how it fits around the school or working day.