Discover the Great Religions of Asia in The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya!

Done enjoying the vibrant nightlife and chill beaches of Pattaya? Just a short drive away from the bustling tourist center of Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast is a cultural gem you shouldn’t miss. Head right over to The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and discover a serene refuge while learning about Thai and other Southeast Asian spiritual traditions!

Built by the late Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphan in 1981, the temple/castle is still under construction. Much of its design is inspired by the grandeur of the Ayutthaya temples, but what makes it unique is that it’s solely constructed with intricately carved wood — you’ll find that not even metal nails were used in its foundations. Though the complete structure is still not set to be finished until 2025, the sanctuary is already open, serving as a museum, workshop, and art gallery for visitors.

Lek Viriyaphan wanted the temple’s architecture to reflect the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence, so he purposefully chose the vulnerable material of wood as the sole type of material for its construction.

In fact, aside from showcasing Buddhist beliefs, the sanctuary was made to showcase ideologies and gods from different religions. And though it primarily displays distinct Thai architectural designs, the five halls of the 105-meter-tall main building incorporate elements from Indian, Khmer, and Chinese cultures.

The Sanctuary of Truth is located within sprawling grounds by the sea and it offers the best of both worlds — spiritual insight and exciting fun! The woodwork, for one, tells the story of different Southeast Asian folklore. Wandering through the halls that represent various virtues like filial piety, love, and more can also incite inspiration and contemplation.

Once you’re done exploring the temple and watching the artisan woodcarvers at work, you’re free to roam the site and take photos of the grand temple and picturesque views. The site also offers a ton of other joyful experiences, including:

Catch traditional Thai dance performances on stage when you visit! They’re usually scheduled twice a day — one at 11:30 and one at 15:30 — so make sure to time your visit accordingly if you don’t want to miss it.

Hop on a boat ride and tour the sanctuary’s perimeter. For about half an hour, a speed boat can take you around the cape and give you an impressive view of the temple from afar.

Prefer a land adventure? You can also ride elephants or horses around The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. For a more adventurous experience, ATV rentals are also offered to visitors who want to see more of the sanctuary grounds!

Last but not the least, before you leave, don’t forget to do some souvenir shopping! Buy a trinket or two for you to remember this fascinating and educational stop in Pattaya.

The Sanctuary of Truth is open from 08:00 to 18:00, daily, and it is located at 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150 Thailand. 

The Sanctuary of Truth entrance fee is 500 Baht per adult and 250 Baht per child. Children 109cm and below can go in free of charge.

The simplest and most convenient way to get there is via a private car or taxi. But 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.

Like most temples and cultural attractions in Thailand, The Sanctuary of Truth dress code requires you to dress conservatively when you visit. Keep your shoulders and knees covered when you visit. They also offer wrap-around skirts for rent in case your clothing doesn’t pass.

To keep everyone safe as you travel in the new normal, the sanctuary requires the use of face masks within the premises. Thermal checks will also be done when you enter the site. You might be also required to fill out a contact tracing form via an app, so have your smartphone at the ready. Lastly, for your convenience and safety, sanitizers and handwashing spots are placed at key locations.

Book through Klook and purchase a package that not only comes with a ticket that grants you entry to The Sanctuary of Truth, but also an expert tour guide who will tell you everything you need to know about the temple's history and the various Asian religions depicted inside it. This way, you won’t miss a single detail of the rich history the sanctuary offers.

If you're thinking of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya or vice versa, then our Klook Bus City Transfer is your best bet! Enjoy a comfortable ride with the cleanest seats, a professional driver, and spacious storage for your bags. Just choose your preferred pick-up time then head on to the pick-up location. Once aboard, sit back and relax until you've reached your destination!