The Sanctuary of Truth – A Calming Retreat from the Chaos of Pattaya

Virtual Tour – A Tranquil Walk Around the Iconic Wooden Temple

Below is my uninterrupted, non-commentary walk around The Sanctuary of Truth. The walk centered around the temple itself, with focus on the outer structure, as cameras were prohibited from going inside the temple. The views of the Gulf of Thailand were spectacular.

An Introduction to the Sanctuary of Truth

Down in the gutturals of Pattaya, the epicenter of debauchery, one often needs to look for some divinity and peace. Above the gutter, on Laem Ratchawet, lies one of the of worlds largest museums, made entire of wood. The temple/museum/castle is a symbol of tranquility and calmness, and an architectural marvel that must be visited when traveling to Thailand. The brainchild of Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan, the Sanctuary of Truth, his most ambitious project which began in 1981, aimed to provide of a place of spiritual reflection and appreciation of art. The museum is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings, which are continuous even today, that depict stories and teachings from the Buddhist, Hindu, Khmer, Thai and Chinese origins.

Religious Aspects of The Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth combines the elements of a multitude of Eastern religions, and they are represented in the various halls found throughout the museum. The Eastern Hall focuses on the celestial bodies: the moon, stars and sun. These symbolize the idea of life creation and our destiny. The Western Hall, also known as “The Origin” focuses on the four elements of nature: fire, water, earth and air. These elements are represented through deities found in Hinduism: Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The Sanctuary of Truth provides an exceptional view into these religious philosophies, which helped me gain a deeper appreciation of these religious ideologies. Moreover, the environment in which they are displayed, enhances the experience.

ATV’ing Around The Sanctuary of Truth

Because why would you just want to sit in a moment of reflection and peace? The adventurous person in your group will not be bored to tears by a mere tour of the museum, as The Sanctuary of Truth provides a multitude of activities such as Elephant Riding, ATV rides, a traditional Thai gondola cruise, and for the kiddos, a small zoo at the entrance of the museum. For me, as much as hoping on an ATV and flying around a museum sounded like something I would do after a few huffs of laughing balloons on Khaosan Road, I decided to take a more meditative approach and just enjoy the delicate craftsmanship as well as the stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Final Thoughts on The Sanctuary of Truth

Budget: The Sanctuary of Truth’s admission is 500 baht. That said, extras will cost more. I would budget 1500 baht to be on the safe side. This would include dining at the restaurant on site, which I highly recommend for a gorgeous view.

Dress Modestly: Remember to leave that cute, black dress back at the hotel ladies. As for the lads, remember to keep the shorts below the knees.

When to Visit: The temple is open from 8:00am – 6:00pm every day, but entrance is only accessible every 30 minutes. Therefore, please plan your trip accordingly. I would highly recommend getting there in the morning, especially during the hot season, as most of the time, you will be outside. It can get hot later on in the day, as I experienced. Thai Dance Shows occur two times a day at 11:30am and 3:30pm, if you are looking to enhance your experience.