5-Day Silent Meditation Retreat Level 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The retreat runs for five days in the San Kamphaeng District of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is the Level 2 follow-on to a New Year silent retreat, so the format is stripped back: fewer talks, longer sits, and silence held throughout the day rather than only on the cushion. The method taught is aimed at seeing the nature of self, often referred to as Atman, and the schedule gives most of the day to practice rather than explanation.

A typical day begins before sunrise with meditation. Sitting sessions are long, and they alternate with walking meditation and periods of mindful work or rest. Meals are taken in silence. In the evening there is a short talk or reflection, then the group returns to silence. Teachers are available for gentle guidance, but the retreat expects you to rely on your own practice.

The centre is in the countryside outside Chiang Mai, among trees and fields. It is far enough from town to be quiet, but still accessible. Accommodation is basic but clean, and the shared spaces are set up for quiet respect rather than conversation. The food is simple vegetarian, three meals a day.

What makes this different from a general meditation holiday is the level. It is designed for people who have already done the first module and want to go deeper into silence and self-inquiry. There are no beginner instructions and no filling of the day with workshops. The emphasis is on sustained practice in a shared container of silence.

The retreat is led by Mahasiddha Yoga, a team that runs several retreats in Chiang Mai, including a six-day New Year silent meditation retreat and a five-day women's retreat on the five elements. The facilitator team for each date is confirmed before the stay, and you can ask who will be guiding your retreat.

What's included

- 5 days of silent meditation practice - 3 vegetarian meals per day (dinner on day 1; breakfast and lunch on day 5) - Basic but clean accommodation - Guidance from the facilitator team - Use of shared spaces

What's not included

- Travel to and from Chiang Mai - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional upgrades