Where Can I Travel to Spend a Month (or 3 Months) in a Buddhist Monastery?

Last Updated: August 18, 2025

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Spending one to three months in a Buddhist monastery in Asia is a life-changing experience. It is a chance to live in a disciplined routine, practice meditation, and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture. Whether you are a student, a professional on holiday, or simply someone looking for inner clarity, there are different places where you can join Buddhist monastery retreats that welcome foreigners.
Many monasteries in Asia allow international visitors to live among monks for a short or extended period. These programs are flexible, ranging from one month to three months. They focus on mindfulness, chanting, meditation, and community living. Each country has its own tradition and approach, so choosing the right destination depends on what kind of spiritual and cultural experience you are looking for.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Visa Requirements: Most Asian countries offer 30-90 day tourist visas. For longer stays, you may need an extension or a meditation visa.
• Eligibility: Beginners and experienced practitioners are both welcome. Some monasteries accept teenagers with parental consent.
• Cost: Some monasteries are donation-based while others charge modest daily fees. You may wonder how much does it cost to live in a monastery. Costs can range from $5 to $30 per day, with discounts for long stays.
• Daily Schedule: Expect early mornings with meditation, chanting, chores, and Dharma teachings. Daily life is simple but transformative.
• Accessibility: Many programs are in English or provide translation, so foreigners can easily participate.

Destinations in Asia for Peace and Compassion

Here are some best destinations in Asia, that you can explore for a peaceful and compassionate journey involving stays in Buddhist monasteries:

1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to stay at a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. Monasteries here follow the Theravada tradition and are welcoming to foreigners.

• Wat Pa Tam Wua (Northern Thailand): Offers meditation retreats for both short and long-term stays.

• Wat Suan Mokkh (Southern Thailand): Famous for 10-day retreats but possible to extend.

• Wat Marp Jan: A traditional forest monastery that also hosts lay practitioners for one to three months.

Thailand also has international monasteries designed for Westerners, making it a good choice if you want an English-speaking environment.

2. Nepal

For those who want to connect with Tibetan Buddhism, you can live in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal.

• Kopan Monastery (Kathmandu): Offers structured 1-month Lam Rim courses as well as longer retreats for serious practitioners.

• Thrangu Tashi Yangtse (Namobuddha): A Tibetan monastery with meditation retreats and daily rituals.

• Volunteers FDIP: Flexible programs that mix retreat and volunteering, suitable for students and professionals.

Nepal is affordable and offers 90-day visas on arrival, making it ideal for a one to three month stay.

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to many forest monasteries in the Theravada tradition. These are authentic and simple, perfect if you are seeking discipline. Many monasteries here are open to foreigners, so finding a Sri Lanka monastery for foreigners is not difficult.

• Nilambe Meditation Centre (Kandy): Long-term retreats in the hills.

• Tapovanaya Forest Hermitage: Silent retreats and intensive meditation practice.

Sri Lanka offers 30-day visas that can be extended up to 6 months. This makes it a suitable option for a three-month retreat.

4. India

India is a hub for Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Dharamshala and Bodhgaya are especially known for monastic retreats.

• Tushita Meditation Centre (Dharamshala): Introductory and long-term courses on Tibetan Buddhism.

• Root Institute (Bodhgaya): Retreats near the site of Buddha's enlightenment.

India is rich in Buddhist heritage, making it a powerful cultural and spiritual choice.

5. Myanmar

Myanmar is best known for intensive Vipassana meditation retreats.

• Panditarama Forest Meditation Center (Yangon & Lumbini): Accepts foreigners for long-term retreats.

• Shwe Oo Min: Known for accessible teaching and long stays.

Myanmar even issues special meditation visas for up to six months. This makes it one of the most serious destinations for practitioners who want depth and discipline.

6. Taiwan & Japan

For those interested in Zen and Mahayana traditions, Taiwan and Japan offer structured stays.

• Fo Guang Shan (Taiwan): A modern monastery open to international visitors.

• Antaiji (Japan): A Zen monastery where you practice meditation and daily labor (samu).

These are stricter environments, suitable if you are looking for authentic Zen training.

How to Join

Many people wonder how to join a Buddhist monastery or even how to join a monastery female. The process is not complicated. Most monasteries require you to apply online or by email, explain your background, and commit to following monastery rules. For women, many monasteries accept female participants, though in some countries options may be fewer compared to men. Always contact the monastery directly to confirm.
You do not need to be ordained or have advanced meditation experience. What matters is your willingness to live simply, follow discipline, and contribute to the community.

Conclusion

If you want to step away from daily stress and immerse yourself in Buddhist life, spending a month or even three months in Asia's monasteries is one of the best ways. Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar all provide accessible, structured, and meaningful Buddhist monastery retreats.
By choosing the right program, you can meditate daily, learn Buddhist teachings, and live in a mindful community. Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, cultural immersion, or just a break from routine, monasteries in Asia offer the space to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in a monastery?

Costs range from donation-based stays to about $300 per month, depending on location and facilities.

How to join a Buddhist monastery?

Most monasteries require an online application, a short introduction about yourself, and commitment to follow rules.

Can females join a monastery?

Yes, but availability varies by country. If you're wondering how to join a monastery female, contact monasteries directly as many do accept women in their retreats.

Which country is best for monastery retreats?

Thailand and Nepal are most foreigner-friendly, while Sri Lanka and Myanmar offer more traditional forest retreats.

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