Wat Nong Pa Pong

The main wat established by Ajahn Chah in 1954.The head abbot is Ajhan Liem, who generally doesn't stay permanently at this temple, but at Wat Pa Nong Wai, in the adjacent province of Si Saget.

Foreigners are welcome to come stay here. I stayed here for 3 weeks. You must register at the office beforehand. Directions to the office: From the main entrance gate, turn right at the circular road, then right again at the next road to get to the office. My impression initially is that they prefer foreigners not staying here, but want them to go to Wat Ba Nanachat. The office monks will ask you why you didn't go to Wat Pa Nanchat, but Wat Pa Nanchat is not the same style. Wat Pa Nanchat has a training program ongoing for foreigners and the schedule is more packed with activities, chores. Wat Nong Pa Pong offers more free time to schedule for your own practice and activity. You can try staying at Wat Ba Nanachat for a few days, see how it is, and then come to Wat Nong Pa Pong.

If you are not confident in your dhamma practice, I dont recommend staying here. There are some English speaking monks around, one who gave me instructions on how to meditate in the style of Ajahn Chah, i.e. Anapanasati with a deep inhale and a relaxed exhale.

The temple schedule posted in English at the men's dormitory. The drum call rings before 3 A.M. Chanting at 3:15 or can do chores. One meal served around 9:00AM, after a short offering ceremony.