• Sanctuary of Truth
  • Sanctuary of Truth
  • Sanctuary of Truth
  • Sanctuary of Truth
  • Sanctuary of Truth

Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a unique destination that blends ancient Buddhist and Hindu beliefs with stunning wooden carvings and artifacts with zero metal nails. The temple spans 13 hectares and has an internal space of 2115 square meters, with a towering spire at 105 meters high. This breathtakingly beautiful castle will take you on a journey through time as you explore its intricate details and discover the rich cultural history of Siam. Whether you're a lover of art, history, or architecture, the Sanctuary of Truth is a must-visit attraction that should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Reserve your entry tickets at TicketsToDo today for an unforgettable experience.

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Last Updated: 27th Sep 2023

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Highlights

Unique Architecture: The Sanctuary of Truth is entirely constructed from wood without using any metal nails. The intricate wooden carvings and impressive craftsmanship are a testament to the skills of Thai artisans.

Cultural and Philosophical Symbolism: The temple's design and sculptures are inspired by various ancient civilizations, including Thai, Khmer, Indian, and Chinese. It aims to reflect the philosophy of impermanence and the cycle of life and death.

Intricate Wooden Carvings: The temple is famous for its intricate wood carvings that adorn the walls and ceiling. The carvings depict Hindu and Buddhist mythology stories, making it an excellent place to learn about these religions.

Buddha Statue: The main hall is one of the most impressive sections of the temple, featuring an enormous wooden Buddha statue that's nearly 15 meters tall. The Buddha is surrounded by smaller sculptures depicting scenes from life in ancient Thailand.

Four Wings: The Sanctuary of Truth is divided into four wings, each representing different artistic and philosophical themes: Heaven, Earth, Father, and Mother.

Elephant Carvings: There are majestic elephant carvings at the base of the sanctuary, symbolizing strength, power, and wisdom.

Cultural Shows: Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, such as traditional Thai dances and martial arts demonstrations, adding to the overall experience of the sanctuary.

Elephant Riding: Taking an elephant ride is an unforgettable experience in Pattaya, and what better way to do it than taking in the majestic view of the Sanctuary of Truth while riding the elephant.

Horse Ride: Horse rides are available for you to enjoy. You can ride a horse-driven carriage around the temple once for 10-15 minutes each ride.

Speed Boat Ride: While at the Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya museum, visitors can also opt for a speed boat ride that takes them on a tour of the island and allows them to catch a glimpse of the resorts and beaches of Naklua, Pattaya. The speedboat provides an incomparable view of the wooden castle. 

Handicrafts and Souvenirs: There are shops within the temple complex where visitors can purchase handcrafted souvenirs and local products.

What To Expect

Situated at the Rachvate cape of Naklua Pattaya City, The Temple of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand, is a remarkable museum and religious monument designed by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan. The structure is a unique blend of temple and castle, inspired by the Ayutthaya kingdom and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The building is made entirely of wood, specifically Mai Deang, Mai Takien, Mai Panchaat, and Teak, which gives it a distinct architectural style. 

The first thing that strikes visitors upon their visit is the sheer size of the temple, standing tall at over 100 meters, which imposes sight against the skyline. The exterior is adorned with wood carvings depicting various Eastern mythology, religion, and philosophy elements. 

Visitors will find an even more profound sense of awe inside the Sanctuary. The interior is a vast hall with soaring ceilings and arches adorned with more intricate carvings. The temple's interior is decorated with symbolic representations of the four major philosophical and religious themes: Hindu, Khmer, Chinese, and Thai. This amalgamation of belief systems is a tribute to these cultures' unity and harmony.

Beyond the architectural marvel, visitors can further enrich their journey with additional activities at the site. An unforgettable elephant ride awaits those who wish to venture through the sanctuary's surroundings, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures while enjoying the lush scenery.

For those seeking an adventure on the water, sightseeing by speedboat is available, granting visitors a chance to explore the picturesque coastal beauty of Pattaya and its surrounding areas. 

The Sanctuary of Truth also features cultural performances and demonstrations showcasing traditional Thai arts, dance, and music, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the region's rich heritage.

From the grandeur of the 105-meter-tall wooden sanctuary designed in the Ayutthaya style to the captivating cultural performances, visitors are in for an immersive experience that celebrates the essence of Thailand. Book your Sanctuary of Truth Tickets and tour packages at TicketsToDo to find a moment of tranquility and reflection amidst the bustling energy of Pattaya.

A large staircase with statues on each side of it.

The sanctuary was commissioned by Lek Viriyaphan in 1981, and it’s still being assembled to this day.

Collection of intricate temple sculptures against a picturesque blue sky backdrop.

The sculptures at the Sanctuary are said to represent the seven creators, Heaven, Earth, Moon, Father, Mother, Sun, and Stars.

 A woman posing on the beautiful wooden carved stair in a Thai temple.

The entire structure is made out of coated hardwood like takien thong, pradu, daeng, teng, and gold teakwood.

Scenic view of a tall temple nestled by the beach with a boat floating on the water.

The idea behind the Sanctuary was to honor Buddhist and Hindu values while preserving the traditional Thai wood-carving techniques.

An aerial view of the majestic Sanctuary of Truth temple surrounded by water.

The 105 ft tall temple is made entirely out of wood and is one of the most significant landmarks in Thailand.

My Tickets

  • A confirmation email will be sent within 30 minutes to you once the booking is made.
  • Make sure to check your Spam folder if you haven't received an email from us. You can also notify us via email.
     

Insider Tips

  • Arrive early to avoid large crowds and have a more tranquil experience. The sanctuary opens in the morning, and getting there early will allow you to explore in a more peaceful setting.
  • Consider taking a guided tour of the sanctuary to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this unique place.
  • Since the Sanctuary of Truth is sacred, dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, which is considered inappropriate within the cultural context.
  • Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing. The sanctuary is primarily outdoors, and you'll want to stay protected from the sun's rays.
  • Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the moments. However, be mindful of photography restrictions, as some areas might not permit photography.
  • Consider combining your visit to the Sanctuary of Truth with other nearby attractions, such as Pattaya Beach or Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
  • If you go for an elephant ride, prioritize the well-being of the animals. Avoid supporting businesses that engage in harmful practices or exploitation of animals.
  • If you're interested in catching the Thai cultural dance and martial arts performance, check the showtimes in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
  • Children under the height of 100 cm will be allowed free of charge.
  • Children between the height of 100 and 140 cm will be charged the child rate.
  • Adults over the height of 140 cm will be charged the adult rate.
  • Free wheelchair service and elevator available.
  • Parking space for disabled people is available at the facility. 
     

Know Before You Go

Opening hours:

Monday- Sunday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Ticket Information:

  • All the tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. 
  • You can show the Sanctuary of Truth e-tickets at the entrance.
  • All foreign nationals must show their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.

How To Use

  • You can show a printed copy or the e-ticket QR code on your phone.
  • The Sanctuary of Truth ticket is valid during the timespan stated in your preferred package.
  • You may enter this tourist attraction directly with the Sanctuary of Truth entry ticket you receive from TicketsToDo.
  • By car:  Drive on Pattaya-Naklua road and expect a travel time of around 20 minutes to reach the location.
  • By bus: You can also ride a baht bus or songthaew that drives along Naklua Road from the Dolphin Roundabout and get off at Soi 12 before walking a kilometer to the entrance of the sanctuary.

Reviews (1)

5

FAQs

  • How was the Sanctuary of Truth built?

    The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand,  is a massive wooden structure adorned with intricate carvings and paintings that are a marvel of craftsmanship and artistry. The entire building is made entirely of wood, with no nails or steel used in its construction, making it an architectural masterpiece. The Sanctuary of Truth was built by Mr. Lek Viriyaphan, who founded the city and the Erawan elephant museum to promote the culture of ancient Thailand. The construction of the Sanctuary of Truth began in 1981 and was completed in 1990.

  • How far is Sanctuary of Truth from Pattaya?

    The distance of Sanctuary of Truth from Pattaya is the shortest via Pattaya-Naklua. It is approximately 7.8 km and will take approximately 19 minutes to complete.

  • What are the opening hours of the Sanctuary of Truth Museum?

    The Sanctuary of Truth is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the opening hours might be subject to change, so it's a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly before planning your visit.

  • Can I purchase the Sanctuary of Truth admission ticket online?

    Yes, you can purchase the Sanctuary of Truth entry tickets online at TicketsToDo.

     

  • Is the Sanctuary of Truth open every day of the year?

    Yes, the Sanctuary of Truth is open every day, including weekends and public holidays, unless any special events or unforeseen circumstances lead to temporary closures.

  • Can visitors take photographs inside the Sanctuary of Truth?

    Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the Sanctuary of Truth. The temple's stunning carvings and beautiful surroundings provide excellent opportunities for photography.

  • Is there a dress code for visiting the Sanctuary of Truth?

    Yes, there is a dress code for visitors. Since the Sanctuary of Truth is a religious site, visitors are required to dress modestly. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, short skirts, and revealing clothing may not be allowed inside the temple. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

  • Is the Sanctuary of Truth wheelchair accessible?

    Yes, the Sanctuary of Truth is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that some areas may have uneven surfaces due to the temple's wooden construction.

  • Can I buy souvenirs at the Sanctuary of Truth?

    Yes, there are shops and stalls within the Sanctuary of Truth complex where you can purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items related to Thai culture and the temple.