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Sanctuary of Truth

Pattaya, Thailand

Sanctuary of Truth

A 105-metre building on the sea made entirely of hand-carved wood, covered with figures from Thai, Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese belief.

Favourite places

  • The four gables

    Main hall

    Each side of the building faces a cardinal direction and is covered with its own story in wood. Gods, heroes and mythical creatures from Thai, Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese tradition climb every wall. A guided walk around the outside is the best way to read them.Read more
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  • The central spire

    Centre of the hall

    The tall central tower rises above the main hall and is the highest point of the building. Stand beneath it inside to see how the whole roof is held up by carved wooden beams.

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  • Carving workshop

    Beside the main building

    Because the sanctuary is still being completed, craftsmen carve new figures on site. You can watch them shape the wood with chisels, which shows how much handwork goes into each panel.

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  • Seafront and gardens

    Along the shore

    The building stands right on the water at Naklua. Walk the grounds by the sea for the classic photo of the sanctuary with the bay behind it.

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Local food

  • Pla kapong nueng manao

    Pattaya, Thailand

    Steamed sea bass in a sharp lime, garlic and chilli broth — a seafood classic all along the Pattaya coast.

  • Hoi tod

    Pattaya, Thailand

    A crispy pan-fried batter with mussels or oysters, served with bean sprouts and chilli sauce. A favourite at seafood markets.

Where to eat

Where to stay

Culture

Although it is not a working temple, the sanctuary is a place of religious art, so shoulders and knees should be covered — sarongs are lent at the entrance. Do not climb on or touch the carvings, and follow the staff where work is going on.

History

Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphant began the Sanctuary of Truth in 1981 as a statement on philosophy and the ancient Eastern cultures. Built without metal nails, it is still being carved — you can watch craftsmen at work. Guided tours explain the meaning of the carvings.

Tour plans

North Pattaya morning

Half day

  1. Step 1: Sanctuary of Truth

    Arrive early and take a guided walk around the carved building.

  2. Step 2: Watch the carvers

    Spend time at the workshop to see new figures being made.

  3. Step 3: Wong Amat beach

    Cool off on the quiet beach a few minutes away.

  4. Step 4: Lunch in Naklua

    Seafood at the Naklua market area or a mall food court.

Map

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Travel information

Best time to visit

November to February for cooler weather; come in the morning, when the light on the carvings is soft and tour groups are fewer.

How to get there

In Naklua, north Pattaya — 15 minutes by songthaew or Grab from the centre.

Getting around

Baht buses (blue songthaew pick-ups) loop one way along Beach Road and back along Second Road; wave one down, ride, and press the buzzer to get off. Other songthaews run to Jomtien and Naklua. Grab and Bolt cars and motorbike taxis work across the city, and are the easiest way to reach Pratumnak Hill or places south of town. Scooters can be rented, but you need a licence valid for motorbikes and a helmet.

Travel tips

Dress modestly (sarongs can be borrowed). Hard hats are given out where work is going on.

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