Practical information
- Location
- Chaiya, Surat Thani, Surat Thani · 9.36027, 99.16979
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Founded in 1932 by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Suan Mokkh
Suan Mokkh, the 'Garden of Liberation', is a forest monastery near Chaiya in Surat Thani, founded in 1932 by the influential monk and reformer Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. The site covers almost 50 hectares, largely forest, and feels very different from ornate city temples. Visitors can walk shady paths to a hilltop meditation area, see the 'spiritual theatre' with its painted walls and visit the simple open-air spaces Buddhadasa favoured. The nearby International Dharma Hermitage runs monthly silent meditation retreats in English. Dress simply, stay quiet and respect the practice.
Highlights
- Forest monastery Almost 50 hectares of forest.
- Spiritual theatre A hall with painted teachings.
- Silent retreats Monthly retreats in English nearby.
Tips for Suan Mokkh
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, about 3 km away as the crow flies.
- This is a working monastery: keep your voice down and respect meditating monks.
More photos of Suan Mokkh
Simple building in the forest, Suan Mokkh Photo: Wit Pimkanchanapong from Bangkok, Thailand · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Open clearing in the forest monastery, Suan Mokkh Photo: ::::=UT=:::: · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Suan Mokkh on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Suan Mokkh
Where is Suan Mokkh?
Suan Mokkh is in Chaiya, Surat Thani, Surat Thani province, in southern Thailand.
What is Suan Mokkh known for?
Suan Mokkh, the 'Garden of Liberation', is a forest monastery near Chaiya in Surat Thani, founded in 1932 by the influential monk and reformer Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. Highlights include Forest monastery, Spiritual theatre and Silent retreats.
How old is Suan Mokkh?
Founded in 1932 by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.