Sanctuary of Truth, the UNSEEN Thailand
Pattaya is my favorite city when I want to have a little break from work. Because it’s close to Bangkok, so I’ve been to Pattaya countless times for good vibes – renting private pool villas to party with friends, eating good seafood at Mum Aroi Restaurant, chilling out at some amazing cafés, spending a few nights in beach hotels, and many more things to do here.
So, for the past 20 years, I go to Pattaya much more often than in other provinces, but I was surprised that I never heard about the Sanctuary of Truth before. I talked to my close friend who lives in Pattaya for 15 years, he said he heard of it but doesn’t know what it is…
I read the reviews and found that the whole building is entirely made out of wood. All the detailed carvings are done by hand. This place is stunning. So I told my girlfriend that our next trip to Pattaya, we must visit the Sanctuary of Truth.
The Highlight of the Sanctuary of Truth
Sanctuary of Truth has been under construction since 1981 and still isn’t finished yet. It is like a never-ending task that the owner, Lek Viriyaphan, wants to build the greatest and biggest wooden castle that is made entirely of wood.
To represent the appreciation for philosophy and beliefs that reflect the worldviews, spirituality, birth, and faith that are mostly related to Buddhism and Hinduism.
The craftsmen do not use a single metal nail. Every piece of wood is held together using wood-joining techniques, wooden pins, wedges, and slots.
The castle is intricately carved both external and internal with 100 meters tall, 100 meters wide, making it the largest wooden architecture in the world.
By the way, the Sanctuary of Truth is not a temple because it’s not reserved for religious or spiritual activities. I consider it a castle or an art museum.
Is Sanctuary of Truth worth it?
Frankly, my true feeling after visit the Sanctuary of Truth is it’s insanely gorgeous, and the most beautiful wooden architecture that I have ever seen, and how come that I never heard about this place for 20 years? How come that none of my friends and family have mentioned it? How come my closest friend who lives in Pattaya for 15 years but not yet visiting the Sanctuary of Truth…
This wooden castle must be on your top list of things to do in Pattaya. Therefore, I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED it, it’s the best of the best. Although I don’t explore every Thailand district yet, but none can compare to the unique beauty of the Sanctuary of Truth, so I’m 200% sure that it’s the best wooden structure in Thailand.
Location
Sanctuary of Truth or Prasat Sut Ja Tum is located on the seashore of Rachvate Cape in Soi Naklua 12, approximately 8 kilometers away from Pattaya Walking Street.
If you take a taxi from Pattaya Walking Street or Jomtien Beach to the Sanctuary of Truth, it costs about 300 and 400 baht accordingly.
Ticket Price
Walk-in ticket is 500 baht/adult, 250 baht/child. But if you book it online in advance, it’s discounted. Klook’s deal is only 385 baht/adult and 184 baht/child (price as of May 2021).
The 30 minutes guided tour is already included in the ticket, which has 4 different languages, Thai, English, Russian and Chinese. You can check the schedule in the picture below.
If you don’t want to join a guided tour, that’s okay, you can walk around by yourself. However, I recommend you join the tour because the staff are knowledgeable, there are interesting stories behind all detailed carvings and sculptures.
Opening Times
Open daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Typically, there will be performance shows at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. But the day I visited, there is no show because of very few visitors during the COVID-19.
