Sanctuary of Truth

Published January 27, 2012 at 7:00 am |

From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog [originally published 9 January 2010].

The Sanctuary of Truth was under construction when we took a visit, but it was still remarkable. I love the Thai architectural style on the roofs.

*****

Stunning isn’t it? The building, not the people in the photo, although we are quite handsome if we do say so ourselves. Our first stop in Pattaya was the Sanctuary of Truth. Pattaya is not a place to immerse yourself in traditional cultural sights, nor does it offer expansive views with rocky formations on the horizon, but what it does have, and what we have come to appreciate, is that it offers a little bit of everything. If you only have a few days in Thailand – maybe you’re enroute to another country – or maybe you’re staying in Bangkok and need a quick escape to someplace new – Pattaya will fit just nicely. It’s a place that gives you a taste of everything. Our taste of cultural and solemness came from The Sanctuary of Truth.

Construction at The Sanctuary of Truth began in 1981 and it’s not done yet. It’s made entirely out of wood and blends together Chinese, Indian, Thai and Cambodian Gods. 200 carpenters are working every day to complete it – which is thought to be in another 20 more years. Red Wood, Thai Mahogany and Thai Teakwood are the materials most often used in the sanctuary.

Situated by the water, it’s an awe-inspiring structure. The detail is exquisite. Visit our Flickr site here for some more photos. When you’re done with the guided your, The Sanctuary of Truth has a dolphin show and cultural dance show. They seemed to be timed to happen right after the other. Food is also available. Why not watch our YouTube video to see more about our morning. Check it out.

|Know Before You Go |

Appeals To: Anyone
Suggested Stay: 2 hours. The tour is about 45 minutes, but there’s more to see after that.
Cost: 500 Baht ($15)
Getting There: It’s not directly off the main road, but it’s not hard to get to either. It’s off of Soi 12. Grab a map since it’s a bit too complicated for us to type here. If we can find it, you can.
Don’t Miss: After your tour there is a Thai Cultural Dance Show and a Dolphin Show. If you’ve brought the little ones, they’ll enjoy the dolphin show.
Visit Online: | web |
BTW: Tours are offered in English and Thai. They’ll let you know when it’s time for your tour – unless of course you’d like to learn a new language! You may want to see if you can find a spot at sunset to view the sanctuary. From a distance, it would make a great photo.