Background: For those who didn't know, I'm half Thai and half Cambodian. Our New Year (in addition…read moreto other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, etc.) is traditionally celebrated on April 13/14 and lasts for three whole days before the rainy season begins. I've gone to Wat Lao a few times over the years and I'm glad that I have a slice of my culture only 45 minutes away from home! The temple is located approximately 15 minutes past Manassas and there's plentiful parking around it. They have huge festivals for the Southeast Asian New Year and July 4th. Even if you're not Buddhist or Southeast Asian, you can still attend the festivals held at the temple. A small donation is suggested before you enter. In addition to tons of food vendors (pretty much any Southeast Asian food you can think of), they also have music, traditional dancers, and other entertainment throughout the grounds.

40th Annual Lao New Year Celebration reminded me how there is so much to explore in life. It was…read moreone of the best festivals I have attended. I met so many incredibly welcoming Lao people that do not stay shy to talk with you or explain some things. There is so much to see at the Buddhist compound and it is very peaceful, as if all the Buddhist reincarnations have taken a place already in order to create very friendly and calm people. There are markets with various products and clothes. Very popular booth was the one with Thai doughnuts made by friendly elderly Laotian couple. The whole atmosphere felt more festive and less commercialized then I am used to at other festivals. There is a stage with music/dance and there was a lot of food. It is very children friendly. My son loved letting fish in the pond for good luck (blessing) and he skipped other rites - food offering or water spilling. Interesting food item was sticky rice in a bamboo stick. You get it for $2 and they cut it with the machete and you enjoy food after you split the bamboo sides. There were all standard grilled items and pho's and fried vegetables. The food was cheaper than normal - great Pad Thai was $5 instead of usual $7. I felt so good at the festival and the access is the highway all the way, except for the last 4 scenic miles. I used to think of November as my favorite month because all the great local Scandinavian bazaars, but April is now so interesting with all the local South Asian New Year celebrations. Happy Lao New Year! P.S. They have two festivals a year - one in mid-April and another one on July 4th.

This is a very entertaining and interesting food festival!! They have all sorts of flavorful sweet…read moreand savory dishes and desserts! We ordered Thai tea, fresh shrimp rolls, and chicken buns and all sorts of amazing desserts! The Thai dancers attired with their beautiful and colorful Thai dresses performed intricate and amazing dances! It was such a beautiful Fall day for enjoying eating and entertainment with family and friends!! Highly recommend this annual event if you are in the area!! It's a great way to explore new and exciting culture and events!! However, make sure you have cash, Venmo, or Zelle on hand as they do not accept anything else..

This Thai Buddhist Temple has a space next to it where they have vendors that sells authentic Thai…read moreand sometimes Vietnamese food for purchase. Normally events are around their religious holidays. They also post days that the market is open on Facebook! I love going here to support the local community. Some of the ladies will make to order so you can tone the spice level down of needed. Payment: Venmo, Zelle and cash.

Meditation night is amazing. I want to thank the leaders of this event. Admittedly am not a…read morereligious person, but they welcome all. If you can it is kind to bring some cash for a donation, but it is not required. I've met some of the members of this temple, and it's a diverse group of very polite people. The book shelf has some interesting topics to learn about. Living in the DC burbs can be stressful. Meditation nights have helped me to improve focus and relax. I'm very thankful to the leaders and others who attend these sessions. The gardens are truly special. Also a friend of mine through meditation, has been able to reduce her blood medication from techniques learned here. If you have a stressful profession, or need to find a way to unwind, these friendly folks will do everything they can to welcome you into a new skill. Full recommend!

Ekoji is very welcoming and a come as you are temple. Service Is very relaxed and there is always…read moresomeone to answer your questions. Have a walk around the lovely garden.

A great little Vietnamese Buddhist monastery. It's cozy and peaceful. The garden is nicely…read moredecorated for lunar new year 2025.

Vietnamese Buddhist temple further away from DC. It's very spacious and peaceful if you want to…read morestop by, light some incense, and say some quick prayers. I've had better experiences here than the other temple in Centreville. The monks are friendlier. If you have kids, they have Vietnamese language classes as well- a nice service for the community.

What this is: a community dedicated to the serious and respectful practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The…read morecenter was established in 1994 under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche as part of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international non-profit organization founded in 1975 by Lama Thubten Yeshe, a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Dr. Lorne Ladner, Ph.D., has served as director of The Guhyasamaja Center for over 12 years and I recommend checking out his book "The Lost Art of Compassion: Discovering The Practice Of Happiness In The Meeting Of Buddhism And Psychology." See their YouTube page to get a sense of their activities https://www.youtube.com/user/GuhyasamajaCenter What this is not: corporate consultant McMindfullness or nouveau riche types trying to look spiritual in their expensive yoga pants.

The new center is very beautiful and has a comfy atmosphere. A great place for teachings and…read moremeditation.

This is a sanctuary that offers zen, peace, and reflection…read more The indoor temple itself is not very large, but its perimeter is vast, with separate areas designated for sitting, meditation, and other purposes. Beautiful, various Buddha statues are offered here for different desires and prayers. This temple ground also offers various activities, including yoga and meditation classes, among others. See the included photos for more information. Last but not least, this is a peacock sanctuary; they come in peace, and can understand what the words that came out of my mouth. When I went on a rainy day, the peacocks were hanging out right next to me like they were keeping me company. Highly recommend to check this place out and offer what you can to support the facility.

Beautiful grounds to wander when you need a moment of peace and contemplation. The chimes are…read moreespecially hypnotic.

Awesome organization, if you enjoy volunteering and doing community service these are great people…read moreto work with.

Great organization! The staff is very friendly. Being a clueless student, I recently got my taxes…read moredone here (for free!) and the staff did their absolute best to ensure everything was correct. Pay a visit and say hello, they seem to have some great volunteering opportunities available to those interested.

I have studied Tibetan buddhism at a great many places and the TMC is where I have settled on my…read morefuture. The resident Khenpo is amazing and relates very well to his students. There is a Buddhism 101 class there that runs about ten weeks and it's taught by a practitioner named Lance who teaches quite well. I recently bought a house near TMC, I am so convinced. The sangha is very welcoming and established. You will enjoy TMC and learn quite a bit in the process.

Beautiful Sangha. So tranquil and lovely. We are so fortunate to have a Tibetan Meditation Center…read moreright here near Frederick Maryland. Whether you are interested in Tibetan Buddisum or would simply like to join in on the Thursday evening meditations, this is the place to go.

I love this place! They have 65 acres of hiking trails, multiple places to meditate outdoors, and a…read morebeautiful prayer room full of cool crystals.

Seems like a cool place to meditate. There was a nice outdoor temple and a parrot sanctuary where…read morethey have 50 rescued parrots.