Of all the enchanting places in Pattaya, The Sanctuary of Truth takes the prize for being the most magnificent man-made structure, forged entirely out of wood. Yes, not even a metal nail has been used! Here’s what’s special about the biggest attraction in Pattaya.
What is it?
Lek Viriyaphan, an eccentric billionaire who is also a known patron of culture commissioned this massive building in 1981 as a response to the looming tension of the Cold War. Legend says he wanted the people to behave according to Buddhist teachings again and create a way of life that will bring peace.
Getting there
If you’re in Bangkok, you can arrive here within 2 hours by bus or you can arrange pickup and drop-off at the nearest airport. Despite Pattaya’s reputation for being contentious, there are many upscale Pattaya beach resorts such as the likes of Avani Pattaya Resort where you can spend the night safely. Plus, it’s only 17mins away from The Sanctuary of Truth!
The halls tell stories
The entire structure is made out of wood, specifically coated hardwoods such as taken, thong, pradu, deng and gold teakwood. You can see local craftsmen; mainly women carving and creating the panels on your visit.
Even the outer walls are intricately carved with deities and Buddhist scriptures. You’ll be mesmerised by the attention to detail and masterful storytelling once you get inside. Each of the wings/halls depicts a scene centering on the origin of the universe, sun, or stories of deities. It is recommended that you reserve an entire day or even two if your schedule allows you to explore the temple.
Things to keep in mind
The best time to visit this beautiful place is early in the morning. Don’t worry, not too early; 8.00 AM is when they let in the first visitors so if you get there on time you get a peaceful couple of hours before tourist groups get there. As this is a temple, you should pay attention to the dress code; men don’t have any restrictions except really short shorts, but ladies need to make sure they’re covering their shoulders, mid-area, and knees.
