Wat Ram Poeng, also known as Tapotaram, sits in a quiet wooded compound about two kilometres south of the old city and is one of the most respected meditation centres in northern Thailand. The temple has offered intensive Vipassana meditation courses to foreigners since the 1980s, and dedicated practitioners come from around the world to study here.
The 10-day and 26-day courses run in silence under the guidance of senior monks. Basic accommodation in kuti (small meditation cottages) is provided for course participants. Visitors who are not enrolled in a course are welcome to walk the grounds and view the temple buildings, which include a large chedi and a bot with Lanna-style decorations. It's a calming place even for a brief visit.