Description
🌿 Monk-Guided Meditation Retreat | Pa Pae, Northern Thailand
During my time in northern Thailand, I attended a monk-led meditation retreat in the mountains between Chiang Mai and Pai. The days began at 5am with chanting and guided meditation, followed by alms walks through nearby villages. The routine included two meals before midday, fasting in the afternoons, yoga sessions, and daily teachings and Q&As with the monks.
After weeks of fast-paced travel, constantly moving from place to place, this experience forced me to slow down and sit with my thoughts. It created space to reflect, process, and reset. While meditation and chanting aren’t naturally part of who I am, I appreciated the discipline, the structure, and the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. It was grounding, at times challenging, and ultimately something I’m really grateful to have experienced.
PaPae Retreat:
https://www.bing.com/search?qs=SC&pq=papae+med&sk=CSYN1&sc=15-9&pglt=297&q=pa+pae+meditation+retreat+chiang+mai&cvid=5df7054b3d2e4242af22d24aa8375e33&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIARBFGDsyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg7MgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEDSAQgzOTI4ajBqMagCALACAA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=LCTS
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Hi, I’m Lara - 25, from Cardiff, South Wales
✈️ Last year I booked a one-way ticket to Asia, and spent six months travelling solo through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
🌿 After years of study, structure, pressure, and routine, I knew I needed to step away - to quiet the noise of everyday life, reconnect with myself, and rediscover a sense of freedom, curiosity, and adventure.
🌍 I embraced everything that comes with solo backpacking… authentic homestays, questionable night buses, sunrise viewpoints, incredible street food, new friendships, jungle treks, long conversations with strangers, and all the unforgettable moments in between.
📹 This vlog series is my way of reflecting on that journey - documenting the places I saw, the experiences that shaped me, and the parts of myself I found along the way.
☀️ Whether you’re here for travel inspiration, backpacking tips, or just to come along for the ride, I hope you enjoy this little window into my six-month adventure.
Thanks for watching 🫶🏻
Watch Full Series Here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgRHJi8q-PKmW2QWOFT0NS6d_PoRxa2-1&si=uOdWRs_7SXHWZ2p4
📍 Find me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara__rebecca
The Keep Smiling Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gN1167iA125QP3jahpV9Y
🎵 Music licensed through Epidemic Sound