Sanctuary of Truth

Most of us refer to Pattaya as the "Hawaii of the east" and recall its lovely beaches, bustling market streets, and vibrant nightlife when we talk about it. However, the Sanctuary of Truth Temple is the most beautiful place in Pattaya. The main draw for this temple is that it is entirely made of wood, and not even a single piece of metal is used, even in the form of nails. This place is not only a temple but also has a museum, a workshop, and an art gallery within its premises. Apart from this, the place also has a river, a local Thai art show, and a restaurant nearby, making it one of the best places to visit in Pattaya. Though the temple is still under construction, it is still a great place to spend time while visiting Pattaya. In this article, we will be guiding you on what to do while visiting this park

Why visit the Sanctuary of Truth Temple

 As previously stated, the Sanctuary of Truth temple is entirely made of wood, primarily teak and other indigenous trees from Land. The joints and the wedges are connected using ancient techniques. The internal premises alone are approximately 2000 square meters. The inside of the temple is also intricately carved with various religious statues. The temple’s architecture is heavily inspired by the Ayutthaya Kingdom style and the religious beliefs of Buddhism and Hinduism. With the Gulf of Thailand in the background, the wooden sanctuary, which is over 100 meters tall, is a striking sight. This is one of the best places to visit with family because of the magnificent temple's sumptuous wooden architecture and the tranquil surroundings.

Best time to visit the Sanctuary of Truth Temple

Unlike other places in Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth Temple can be visited any time of the year. However, it is best to visit between December and March to enjoy the art as well as the scenic beauty that surrounds it. Be aware that this place might be crowded in April on account of Songkran (the Thai New Year). This place can be a perfect place to visit in Pattaya if you are planning a Thailand trip during the low season (June–November). In terms of daily timing, the temple remains open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However the last admission slot is 5:00 P.M.

Concept Behind the Sanctuary of Truth Temple 

Lek Viriyappan, a well-known Thai businessman, was the one who started construction on this temple. This temple was built to remind the Thai people to uphold their traditional culture and values rather than chase after the materialistic world. Through its art and architecture, The Sanctuary of Truth aims to elucidate the meaning of life and the concept of truth. The historical Ayutthaya Kingdom, the Khmer Civilization, and the religious practices of Buddhism and Hinduism all had a significant impact on the temple's architecture. The four-headed Brahmma statue, which is located on the roof, is there to represent the four directions of respect for father, mother, teachers, and kings. Also, each hall located in each direction has its meaning, like

• North Hall: Consists of Principles of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
• South Hall: Deals more with astronomy and the relationship between the alignment of stars and human traits.
• East Hall: Deals more with the importance of a family and how prosperity starts with respecting your family.
• West Hall: Consists of four natural elements and the Holy Hindu Trinity gods who control these elements
• Central Hall: There is a huge throne here and this chamber advocates humans to cleanse themselves by following the five precepts of Buddha.

Aside from being in awe of the temple's architecture, visitors can take a boat ride on the nearby river, watch a local Thai cultural performance, where trained performers display traditional Thai fights, music, and dance, or even grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. Please be mindful of the attire requirements when visiting this temple. You could borrow a dress from a nearby store in the event of misappropriation. Overall, spending time here is worthwhile while visiting Pattaya. 

How to reach Sanctuary of Truth

Located in North Pattaya, close to Naklua Beach, the Sanctuary of Truth temple can be reached within 20–30 minutes if one chooses to travel via the Pattaya Beach Road from Pattaya. Using a rented scooter or hiring a private vehicle is the best option. One could also make use of the minibus services available in Central Pattaya which charge around 20-30 Thai bahts

Things to do near Sanctuary of Truth

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southeast Asia. This location consistently draws visitors due to its extravagant lifestyle and nighttime parties. Because there are hotels, resorts, and restaurants close to the beach, this location is still popular despite the crowds. There are many watersports to try here, including diving, kayaking, and waterboarding. The northern side of this beach is generally less crowded than the other half.

Na Kluea Fishing Pier

This location, which is close to the Sanctuary of Truth, is not what we expected Pattaya to be like. This place is calmer and quieter compared to other cities. One can stroll along the lengthy pier and take pictures of the town, boats, and sea, among other activities. The best time to go here is early in the morning when you can watch some fishermen board their ships and display their catch.