Buddhist Wisdom Journeys · Hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya & the Vietnamese Temple · Senior monks from Thailand, Sri Lanka & Vietnam · October–November 2027
8 Days / 7 Nights · Bodh Gaya, Bihar
USD 1,650 per person (twin sharing, excluding international airfare)
Bodh Gaya, Bihar — hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple
Three senior monks: from Thailand (Theravada), Sri Lanka (Theravada) and Vietnam (Mahayana/Zen)
Small group of 15–20 international participants
Near the host temples in Bodh Gaya, twin sharing
Daily vegetarian meals, timed to respect temple rules and monastic practice
English, with Thai and Vietnamese interpretation
October – November 2027 (exact dates shared on booking)
Quick Answers
It is an 8-day, 7-night small-group retreat in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Between 15 and 20 international participants learn meditation, mindfulness, Buddhist ethics and wisdom from three senior monks — one each from Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple.
The retreat costs USD 1,650 per person, sharing a twin room. This includes accommodation, vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching sessions and interpretation. International airfare is not included.
The first edition runs in October to November 2027. Exact dates are shared when you book. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to reserve your place.
No. The sessions suit beginners and experienced practitioners. You should be comfortable with an early, structured daily schedule, quiet periods and vegetarian meals.
Bodh Gaya is where the Buddha attained Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. On this monk-led retreat, you do not just visit this sacred place — you stay and practise here for eight days. Each day begins in meditation and moves through teaching, guided practice, reflection and quiet time.
What makes Buddhist Wisdom Journeys different is its teachers. Three senior monks — one from Thailand, one from Sri Lanka and one from Vietnam — each teach from their own tradition: Thai Theravada mindfulness of breathing, Sri Lankan Pali teachings and insight meditation, and the Vietnamese Zen practice of mindful walking and compassion. The programme honours what the traditions share while respecting how they differ.
The retreat is hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple in Bodh Gaya, which guide the programme and temple etiquette. Prime Value Tours, based in Varanasi since 1999, takes care of your arrival, accommodation, meals, interpretation and on-ground support, so you can give your full attention to practice.
This is a learning retreat, not an ordination programme or a sightseeing tour. The first edition is limited to 15–20 participants.
Day
You arrive in the town where the Buddha awakened. Today is about settling in: meeting your fellow participants, the host temples and your three teachers, and learning how the retreat will run.
* ARRIVAL TIP: Gaya Airport (GAY) has flights from Delhi and Kolkata, and seasonal flights from Bangkok and Colombo. Share your arrival details early so we can arrange your transfer.
Day
Your first full day connects the teachings to the place. You visit the Mahabodhi Temple area, where the Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree, and hear the foundations of his teaching.
* TEMPLE TIP: Wear modest, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Shoes are removed inside the temple area, so slip-on footwear is easiest.
Day
Today the Thai tradition leads. Anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing, is one of the oldest meditation methods, and one you can continue every day at home.
* PRACTICE TIP: Bring a light shawl. Early mornings in Bodh Gaya can be cool, especially in November.
Day
The Sri Lankan tradition brings the Pali teachings at the heart of Theravada Buddhism. The day moves from ethical foundations to the three marks of existence and a first experience of insight meditation.
* REFLECTION TIP: Keep a small notebook. Many participants find it helpful to write a few lines after each teaching session.
Day
The Vietnamese Zen tradition brings mindfulness into everyday actions — breathing, walking, eating and drinking tea. Today’s practice is gentle, slow and grounded in compassion.
* MINDFUL MEAL TIP: Mindful meals are eaten in silence. Tell us about any allergies in advance so your meals are prepared correctly.
Day
Today the three teachers come together. Each speaks on wisdom, compassion and ethical conduct from his own tradition, and a moderated discussion explores what the traditions share and where they differ.
* DISCUSSION TIP: Ask your questions in English, Thai or Vietnamese. Our interpreters make sure every participant can join the conversation.
Day
The final full day is quieter. Extended silent practice helps you absorb the week, and the closing teaching focuses on carrying a personal practice home.
* QUIET DAY TIP: Keep your phone switched off during silent periods. Our team remains available for anything urgent.
Day
You leave Bodh Gaya with a week of practice behind you and simple methods to continue at home.
* DEPARTURE TIP: Book onward flights from late morning onwards, so you have time for the optional final meditation and the transfer to Gaya Airport.
Each day follows a steady rhythm of practice, teaching and rest. Exact session times are agreed with the host temples and the senior monks.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 – 06:15 | Morning meditation |
| 06:15 – 07:00 | Walking meditation / quiet practice |
| 07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast |
| 08:30 – 10:00 | Main teaching session |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Guided spiritual practice |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Lunch and rest |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Personal reflection / quiet time |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Meditation session |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Break |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Discussion / questions |
| 17:30 – 18:15 | Evening meditation or approved chanting |
| 18:30 onwards | Dinner (if permitted), followed by quiet time |
* This timetable is a planning framework. The host temples’ schedules, monastic discipline, meal rules and the senior monks’ guidance take precedence.
All prices in US Dollars (USD), twin sharing. International airfare is not included. The price covers accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching sessions and interpretation. Applicable Indian taxes (GST) are added as per Government of India rates.
| Room Type | Price / Person (USD) | Group Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin sharing | $1,650 | 15–20 participants | All teachings, meals and accommodation included |
| Single room | On request | 15–20 participants | Subject to availability |
* Payment schedule: 30% deposit to confirm your place, 40% at 90 days before departure and 30% at 45 days before departure. Minimum group size is 15 participants. If the minimum is not reached by the cut-off date, you will be offered a date change or a refund.
| WHAT'S INCLUDED | WHAT'S EXCLUDED |
|---|---|
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FAQ
Quick answers about our 8-day monk-led meditation retreat in Bodh Gaya: teachers, price, dates, the daily schedule and who it suits.
Three senior monks: one from Thailand (Theravada), one from Sri Lanka (Theravada) and one from Vietnam (Mahayana/Zen). Each is nominated by his own monastery. The retreat is hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple in Bodh Gaya.
USD 1,650 per person, twin sharing, excluding international airfare. Single rooms are available on request.
7 nights accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching and meditation sessions, Thai and Vietnamese interpretation, programme materials and on-ground support. See the full list above.
The first edition is limited to 15–20 international participants. A minimum of 15 participants is needed for the retreat to run.
No. The sessions suit beginners and experienced practitioners. You should be comfortable with an early, structured daily schedule, quiet periods and vegetarian meals.
English is the working language, with Thai and Vietnamese interpretation for every session.
The day starts with meditation at 5:30 am and includes a main teaching session, guided practice, a meditation session, discussion and quiet time. It ends with evening meditation or chanting.
No. It is a learning retreat. You receive a certificate of participation, which is not a religious certification.
The first edition runs in October – November 2027. Exact dates are shared when you book.
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to reserve your place. A 30% deposit confirms your booking.
You will be offered a date change or a refund, according to the booking terms.
Still have a question? WhatsApp us at +91-9794122849 or chat with us on LINE.
The first edition of Buddhist Wisdom Journeys is limited to 15–20 participants. Message us on WhatsApp at +91-9794122849 or on LINE to reserve your place — a 30% deposit confirms your booking. Prime Value Tours has supported Buddhist pilgrims in India since 1999.