Anyone who visits Chiang Mai, usually does so knowing that they will be visiting many, many temples. Whether they are doing so as a tourist, or are interested on a deeper level about Buddhism and the beliefs of the Thai people, many will come away with questions. So what can you do with all that curiosity running around inside your head? Well, that’s exactly where a Monk Chat comes in!
Now, don’t for a second think that a Monk Chat is some religious hocus pocus that is going to try and convert you. No. In fact, a Monk Chat is almost exactly the opposite. Especially the Monk Chats that you will find in Chiang Mai.
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When I arrived in Chiang Mai recently, I had no idea about Monk Chat. It was on my very first day there that I heard about it, and my curiosity grew. By the second day, I was actively seeking them out. It didn’t take long before I was sitting face to face with a monk, chatting, and loving it!
So before I go any further, what is a Monk Chat? Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
What is Monk Chat?
Monk Chat is basically just that. A chat with a Monk. What you chat about, and what you take away from it is almost entirely up to you.
The Monk Chat you will find in Chiang Mai is rather a laid back affair. The program was pretty much pioneered there, and they have kept it the way it was originally meant to be. Having said that, each place that offers Monk Chat differs a little from one to the other. So if you are interested, I suggest you move around and have a chat to Monks at a few different places to get a wider range of experience.
At most places, you will find mostly the younger Monks doing Monk Chat. You will find them to be quite shy, but also very curious. Come prepared with some questions you would like to ask them, just to help get the conversation flowing at the start. Chatting is great for the young Monks, as they are encouraged to participate in Monk Chat in order to improve their English. As a result, I have spoken to some that have seen rapid development from the free practice that visitors are providing them, just by talking about every day life.
In a sense, that is what Monk Chat is. The opportunity for both parties involved to learn. What level you wish to learn on, though, is up to you. You can ask about everyday life as a Monk. What are their routines? Why did they become a Monk? Where do they sleep? What do they eat?
These are questions that they are always happy to answer. Just remember that they are curious too, so open up and tell them a little about yourself as well. After all, you talking is helping them learn English!
If you are interested in learning a little more about meditation, Buddhism, or anything else about their beliefs, then also feel free to open up about that. They will be more than happy to chat about it. In fact, a few places that hold Monk Chats also offer Meditation lessons, schools and courses for visitors. So ask about that too, if you are interested.
Where can you find Monk Chat?
Monk Chat can now be found in a few different places around Chiang Mai. As you tour around the major temples, keep an eye open for it, as it has now started in a couple of new locations. The main ones are these:
- Wat Chedi Luang – Usually from 9am to 6pm
- Wat Doi Suthap – Open in afternoons 1pm to 3pm
- Wat Sri Suphan – Open Daily
- Wat Suan Dok – Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 5pm to 7pm
Note that these times can be fluid. If there are events on at the temples, obviously the Monks are busy doing other things. During Covid, the program wasn’t running. So stop by and enquire, just to make sure.
All of these places are great for participating in Monk Chat. Today I will talk about two in particular. Both are different to the other, and I believe the best and easiest to get involved in.
Wat Chedi Luang
Monk Chat at Wat Chedi Luang is easy to find. Having said that, we walked around the temple several times before realizing where it was. But, we had been walking past it without seeing it simply because we were distracted!
You will find the Monk Chat on the north side of the temple, under some trees set off to the side. There are a few round, orange wooden tables, and you will usually find a few young monks sitting there chatting amongst themselves. Don’t be shy. Approach them and ask if you can sit down to chat. It is why they are there, after all.
The Monks that are available to chat at Wat Chedi Luang are usually quite young. They will be interested in learning English, and their English may not be up to par, so take it slow with them. Ask them about their lives, beliefs, and whatever else you may be curious about. Remember, they are young, so chat about yourself too, as they will be curious.
Around the Monk Chat tables here you will see some signs telling you about the program. They will also give you some handy information about how to enquire in relation to meditation programs, and further learnings.
One thing I also found interesting here was a white board behind the tables. It was full of interesting information about Buddhism, that was a really great stimuli for conversation, and easy to use as a Segway during your chats.
Wat Sri Suphan
The other place that I really loved doing Monk Chat in Chiang Mai, was at Wat Sri Suphan. This is the famous Silver Temple that is just outside of the Southern Walls of the Old City.
The Monk at Sri Suphan that opened up this “branch” of Monk Chat is named Dhamma. He is a little older than the young Monks that you will find at most Monk Chats, and has an interesting story.
You see, Dhamma comes from Myanmar, and moved to Chiang Mai for two main reasons. Firstly, he heard about the Monk Chat Program, and secondly, because he has always wanted to improve his English, just so that he can chat to foreigners about his love of Buddhism, Meditation, and life in general.
Basically, the Monk Chat program was perfect for him!
Now, Dhamma has a little office to the side of the famous Silver Temple, and happily chats to visitors all day, nearly every day. His English is amazing now, and some of the things that he will tell you about Buddhism and meditation are very, very insightful. We called in there for a half hour chat, and walked out about 2 hours later wondering where the time went!
Who can do Monk Chat?
Anyone! The program is open to all visitors, no matter what your beliefs, race, or who your favorite football team is. Just turn up and sit down for a chat. Everyone is welcome. And yes, that also means women. Please just have a read of the next section to make it easier, though.
Monk Chat Etiquette
If you are going to attend a Monk Chat, there are several things to remember.
- Women are welcome, but under NO circumstances should touch a Monk. Even accidentally.
- If a woman hands something to a Monk, do not do so directly. Place it down on a table so the Monk can pick it up himself.
- Monk Chats are free, but it is nice if you can donate in some way. At Wat Sri Suphan, you have the chance to buy something the Monk can use in everyday life such as soaps. Remember, they earn no money and only live on donations from the people.
- Remember to dress appropriately. You will be going to a temple, so dress as you would for a temple visit.
- Feel free to take photos, just remember to ask first.
Summary
Monk Chat is an amazing experience. I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in meditation, or even just what life is like as a Monk. No matter your reasons, you are guaranteed to learn, and will come away all the better for it. PLUS, you will have helped out a wonderful young person along the way.
I loved your blog on monk chat. Charoen at Wat Chedi Luang is a friend of mine and I think the monk chat is fantastic
Thank you! We really enjoyed the Monk Chat program when we were in Chiang Mai. I will definitely take time to do it again when we return.