Guide to Ajahn Chah Memorial Event | Attending Wat Nong Pah Pong Ngan | by Ty Hoa Jones

Ty is one of Dhammagiri's long term Vietnamese supporters. In January 2026, she attended for the first time the big annual Ajahn Chah commemoration event at Wat Nong Pah Pong, Luang Por Chah's original monastery.

Although Ty doesn't speak any Thai, she ablsolutely loved the experience, gaining much inspiration for her Dhamma practice, and uplifting her mind with Dhamma joy for a long time afterwards. Below are her recommendations, meant mostly to encourage everyone to join at least once, in particular those who don't speak Thai, or have never even been to Thailand.

The content of what follows is Ty's and Ty's alone;

however, both me and Ajahn Moneyyo share her general sentiment that the yearly Ācariya Pūja of Ajahn Chah on January 16th is a profoundly inspiring event that is well worth the journey to Thailand; and we hope that many readers will feel encouraged to attend themselves one day.

Ajahn Dhammasiha

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Ajahn Chah's Relic Stupa at Wat Nong Pah Pong

Step by Step Guide to Attending Luang Por Chah’s Annual Memorial Ceremony at Wat Nong Pah Pong

by Ty Hoa Jones

I attended Luang Por Chah’s Memorial Ceremony at Wat Nong Pah Pong in Ubon Ratchathani in January 2026. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, creating wonderful memories and, most importantly, giving a profound boost to my Dhamma practice.

I would wholeheartedly encourage all of you to experience this at least once in your lifetime — you will not regret it.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to organise your trip to Wat Nong Pah Pong. This plan is designed for those who may not have a lot of spare time, yet still wish to attend the full memorial ceremony and visit other Luang Por Chah monasteries nearby. I also created a Travel Check List for your convenience attached.

Recommended Travel Dates

• 9–17 January You may stay longer in Thailand or Ubon Ratchathani if you wish.

Flights (International & Domestic)

1. International Flight: Brisbane → Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK)

• Book your flight around April or May for the best fares for January travel with your favourite airlines.

• Travel to Bangkok on 9 January and return to Brisbane on 17 January.

Arrival Options in Bangkok:

• After 5:00 PM: Stay overnight at an Airport Hotel near the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Check online from Booking.com or similar platforms.

• Around midday (12:00 PM): You can catch an afternoon domestic flight to Ubon Ratchathani on the same day (around 4:00 PM), arriving at approximately 5:15 PM.

2. Domestic Flight: Bangkok → Ubon Ratchathani

• Return fares typically cost AU$150–AU$200.

Important: Please note with budget domestic airlines in Thailand, you need to depart from Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which is inconvenient when arriving internationally at Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Ensure that they include checked baggage when you purchase your flight tickets.

• Upon arrival at Upon Rachathani airport Catch a local Grab (please refer to Local Transport below) to a hotel near Wat Nong Pah Pong. It costs around AU$10 to AU$15.

Accommodation (via Booking.com or similar platforms)

• Bangkok (if staying overnight):

  • Look for an Airport Hotel near the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Approx. AU$50 per night)

  • Some hotels have shuttle bus services from the airport; please check with the hotel you stay. Highly recommend their shuttle service rather than catching taxi at the airport.

• Ubon Ratchathani:

  • Look for a hotel approximately 10 minutes’ drive to Wat Pa Nanachat (available via Booking.com or similar platforms)

  • Approx. AU$40–50 per night

While it is possible to stay free at the monastery in a tent, please note that shower facilities there only provide cold water. January in Ubon can be quite cool and cold showers may increase the risk of illness if you are not accustomed to them. Staying at a hotel with hot water can greatly improve comfort and well-being after long days at the monastery.

Sangha Circumambulating Ajahn Chah's Chedi at Wat Nong Pah Pong Ngan

Local Transport

• Download the Grab app on your phone. The app is in English and easy to use. Turn on your phone’s location so the driver can find you, then enter your destination when booking a trip. Grab works like Uber, which isn’t available in Ubon Ratchathani.

• Grab is very reliable in Ubon Ratchathani.

• Cost is approximately AU$5 per trip between the hotel and monastery.

• Taxi is often more expensive.

SIM Card / Internet

• Purchase an eSIM for Thailand country

• Select Thailand and choose the AU$50 plan (20–30 days)

• Activate the eSIM one day before departure

• Excellent network coverage

• No need to buy a local Thai SIM

• Ensure your phone can use eSIM

This allows easy communication with family and friends via WhatsApp or LINE.

(LINE is the dominant app used by Thais for the majority of all their communication. Having this app greatly facilitates communication in Thailand)

Currency Exchange

• Exchange AUD to Thai Baht online with Travelex for the best rates

• Collect at Travelex stores such as Indooroopilly, Mount Ommaney, or Brisbane CBD

Travel Insurance

• Please ensure you have travel insurance before departure

• Check with your bank credit cards, some banks may already have travel insurance coverage (activation required)

Digital Arrival Card

• You must complete the Digital Arrival Card online within three (3) days prior to arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Support at Wat Nong Pah Pong

• Ample support is available at the monastery

• Help desk staff at the front gate speak English and are happy to assist

Meeting Ajahn Vajiro, Ajahn Kevali & Ajahn Ahiṃsako

Dress Code

• White tops

• White or brown trousers/pants

Staying at the Monastery (Free)

• Tents can be arranged by the monastery (advance notice required)

• Alternatively, tents can be purchased affordably from nearby shops

• Bring a sleeping bag if staying overnight

Note: If you stay at the monastery, you’ll have cold shower as I explained above.

Places to Visit

• Luang Por Chah Museum

• Luang Por Chah’s Chedi

• A wonderful place for seated meditation and walking meditation, especially in the late afternoon

• Luang Por Chah’s Village (2.5 km from Wat Nong Pah Pong)

  • Ideal for morning alms round

  • Luang Por Liem often attends during this period

  • Grab return trip: approx. AU$10

Nearby Monasteries

• Wat Pa Nanachat (International Forest Monastery) Founded in 1975 by Ajahn Chah for his overseas disciples. Ajahn Sumedho was the first abbot. www.watpahnanachat.org Approx. AU$10–15 return trip from Wat Nong Pah Pong

Offering Rice to Luang Por Liem on Piṇḍapāta

Morning Alms Round (Outside the Monastery Gate)

• Begins around 6:00 AM

• Arrive at Wat Nong Pah Pong by 5:30 AM

• Food can be purchased outside the monastery gate

• Prepare offerings for 80–100 monks

• You may place one item into each monk’s bowl

Offering requisites to nuns at Wat Pah Pong

Offering Requisites

• Suggested items:

• Vitamins C, D, magnesium, B1

• Manuka honey

• Hands-free LED headlamps with USB charging

Cash donations can be made at the wooden donation box at the registration desk (please confirm with staff).

I hope we can form a Dhammagiri group to attend Luang Por Chah’s memorial ceremony each year. You will meet many kalyāṇamitta (Dhamma friends) and enjoy deep, meaningful practice.

Whether you travel alone or with friends, you will be well supported. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Thai — I don’t speak it myself and I still had a truly wonderful experience and practising Dhamma. I am confident you will too. Give yourself the gift of connecting with this special place of Luang Por Cha and experiencing its peaceful, transformative energy.

Paying Respects to Luang Por Anan

It’s also a good place to meet and pay your respect to senior Luang Por Chah disciples such as Luang Por (LP) Liem, LP Kayano, LP Anan, LP Lai, etc.

If you travel with a group of friends, I can help you stay connected with the Melbourne group from Wat Buddha Bodhivana Monastery. They make this trip every year and it’s a beautiful opportunity to share the experience and grow together in practice. I also have good friends at Wat Nong Pah Pong who can assist you during your stay.

Please also have a look at the travel checklist that I have prepared below to help make your visit smooth and worry-free.

If you have any questions or where to stay in Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani, please feel free to contact me at

With mettā,

Ty

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Ty at Memorial Pillar of Ajahn Chah, Located in his Home Village

Luang Por Chah Annual Memorial Ceremony

Travel Checklist

From Brisbane to Wat Nong Pah Pong – Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Travel Dates

• Recommended travel period: 9–17 January

• Optional: extend stay in Thailand or Ubon Ratchathani

Flights

• International: Brisbane  Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport)

• Best booking time: April–May

• Domestic: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)  Ubon Ratchathani.

• Estimated return fare: AU$150–200

• If arriving in Bangkok after 5:00 PM, stay overnight near the airport

Accommodation

• Bangkok (if required): Book a hotel near the Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (~AU$50/night)

• Ubon Ratchathani: Wat Nong Pa Pong U (~AU$40–50/night)

• Optional monastery stay in a tent (advance notice required)

• Bring a sleeping bag if staying overnight at the monastery

• Note: monastery showers have cold water only

Local Transport

• Download and use the Grab app

• Hotel to monastery: approximately AU$5 per trip

• Do not use taxi

SIM / Internet

• Purchase eSIM for Thailand

• Plan: AU$50 for 20–30 days

• Activate one day before travel

• Ensure your phone supports eSIM

Money & Insurance

• Exchange AUD to THB

• Buy travel insurance or activate eligible credit card coverage

Before Arrival in Thailand

• Complete the Digital Arrival Card online

• Must be completed maximum three (3) days prior to arrival

Circumambulation of Ajahn Chah's Chedi

At the Monastery

• Dress code: white tops with white or brown pants

• Visit Luang Por Chah Museum and Luang Por Chah’s Chedi

• Nearby monastery: Wat Pa Nanachat (International Monastery)

Morning Alms Round

• Begins around 6:00 AM

• Arrive by 5:30 AM

• Prepare offerings for approximately 80–100 monks

Suggested Offerings

• Vitamins: C, D, Magnesium, B1

• Manuka honey

• Hands-free LED headlamps (USB rechargeable)

• Cash donation at the monastery donation box

Support & Contact

• English-speaking help desk available at the monastery

• Thai language not required

Paying Respects to Luang Por Liem at his Kuti