Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place that combines the beauty of art, the wisdom of philosophy, and the wonder of architecture? If so, you might want to check out the Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning attraction in Pattaya, Thailand. The Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden castle that stands as a testament to the ancient Thai craftsmanship and the universal values of life. In this article, we will explore the Sanctuary of Truth, its background, its design, its meaning, and its attractions. We will also give you some practical tips on how to visit this amazing place and what to expect from your experience.
What is the Sanctuary of Truth and Why is it Unique?
The Sanctuary of Truth is a visionary environment, part art installation, religious shrine, and cultural monument. It was conceived and initiated by Lek Viriyaphan, a wealthy Thai patron of culture who wanted to revive and preserve the ancient building techniques and architecture of Thailand. He also wanted to create a place that would inspire people to reflect on the meaning of life and the harmony of nature.
The Sanctuary of Truth is entirely made of intricately carved wood, without any metal nails, using ancient Thai craftsmanship. It covers an area of more than 3,200 square meters and stands 105 meters high. It is considered the largest wooden structure in the world, and it is still under construction, with an estimated completion date of 2025.
The Sanctuary of Truth represents a consolidation of centuries of religious myths from Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and Indian traditions, honoring Buddhist and Hindu values. It is divided into four wings, each dedicated to a different aspect of life: the wing of creation, the wing of existence, the wing of relationship, and the wing of quiescence. Each wing is decorated with elaborate sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from various legends and stories.
The Sanctuary of Truth is unique and beautiful in many ways. It is a wooden masterpiece that showcases the exquisite art and skill of the Thai wood carvers. It is a living museum that constantly creates new works of art and preserves the old ones. It is a spiritual sanctuary that invites visitors to contemplate the profound questions of life and the connection with nature.
How to Visit the Sanctuary of Truth and What to Expect?
If you are interested in visiting the Sanctuary of Truth, here are some practical information and tips that you should know:
- The Sanctuary of Truth is located at Laem Ratchawet, Na Kluea Subdistrict, Chonburi Province, Thailand. It is about 15 kilometers north of Pattaya city center, and about 120 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
- The Sanctuary of Truth is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The museum tours are available in multiple languages, such as Thai, English, Chinese, Russian, and Korean. The tours start every 30 minutes and last for about an hour.
- The admission price for the Sanctuary of Truth is 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children. The price includes the entrance fee, the museum tour, and the Thai dancing performance. You can also buy a package that includes other activities, such as elephant riding, horse carriage, speed boat, ATV, and more. You can book your tickets online or at the ticket counter.
- The dress code for the Sanctuary of Truth is modest and respectful. You should cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts. You can borrow a sarong or a scarf at the entrance if you need to.
- The rules for the Sanctuary of Truth are simple and courteous. You should remove your shoes before entering the castle, and keep them in the locker provided. You should not touch or damage any of the sculptures or carvings. You should not smoke, drink, or eat inside the castle. You should not take photos or videos with flash or tripod. You should follow the instructions of the guide and the staff.
- The directions for the Sanctuary of Truth are easy and convenient. You can get there by car, taxi, bus, or motorcycle. There is a large parking lot near the entrance, where you can park your vehicle for free. You can also take a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the castle, or walk along the scenic path. You can also take a speed boat from the pier to the castle, which offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the coastline.
The attractions and the activities of the Sanctuary of Truth are diverse and enjoyable. You can do many things at the Sanctuary of Truth, such as:
- Admire the stunning wood carving and the architecture of the castle, and learn about the history, the symbolism, and the meaning of the Sanctuary of Truth.
- Watch the Thai dancing performance, which showcases the traditional and cultural dances of Thailand, such as the khon, the lakhon, the fon, and the ramwong.
- Observe the wood-carving process, and see how the artisans create and restore the sculptures and carvings of the Sanctuary of Truth.
- Ride an elephant, and experience the thrill and the fun of riding the gentle giants of Thailand. You can also feed and interact with the elephants, and learn about their behavior and their conservation.
- Ride a horse carriage, and enjoy the romantic and relaxing ride around the Sanctuary of Truth. You can also take photos and selfies with the horses, and admire the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Ride a speed boat, and feel the adrenaline and the excitement of riding the fast and furious boat on the water. You can also see the panoramic view of the Sanctuary of Truth, the ocean, and the skyline from the boat.
- Ride an ATV, and explore the adventurous and challenging terrain of the Sanctuary of Truth. You can also test your skills and your courage on the off-road and the obstacle course.
- Visit the Naklua Kitchen, and taste the delicious and authentic Thai cuisine, such as the pad thai, the tom yum, the som tam, and the mango sticky rice. You can also learn how to cook some of the dishes, and enjoy the cozy and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Visit the viewpoint, and see the breathtaking and magnificent view of the Sanctuary of Truth, the ocean, and the sunset. You can also take photos and videos of the scenery, and capture the memorable moments of your visit.
- Visit the mini zoo, and see the cute and adorable animals, such as the rabbits, the sheep, the goats, the ponies, and the birds. You can also feed and pet some of the animals, and have fun with them.
- Visit the Himmapan Forest, and see the mythical and magical creatures, such as the naga, the garuda, the kinnara, and the singha. You can also learn about the legends and the stories of the Himmapan Forest, and the role of the creatures in the Buddhist and Hindu cosmology.
- Visit the food and drink stalls, and enjoy the refreshing and tasty snacks and beverages, such as the coconut water, the ice cream, the popcorn, and the cotton candy. You can also relax and rest at the benches and the tables, and chat with your friends and family.
- Visit the Sajja Vimana Studio, and see the amazing and creative works of art and photography, such as the paintings, the sculptures, the collages, and the portraits. You can also buy some of the artworks, or commission your own custom-made artwork.
- Visit the massage place, and treat yourself to a soothing and relaxing massage, such as the Thai massage, the foot massage, the oil massage, and the herbal massage. You can also relieve your stress and tension, and rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Visit the souvenir shop, and buy some of the unique and beautiful souvenirs, such as the wood carvings, the magnets, the keychains, the t-shirts, and the postcards. You can also find some of the products and the merchandise of the Sanctuary of Truth, such as the books, the DVDs, the CDs, and the calendars.
Conclusion
The Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden wonder in Pattaya, Thailand, that you should not miss. It is a place that combines the beauty of art, the wisdom of philosophy, and the wonder of architecture. It is a place that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. It is a place that will inspire you to discover the meaning of life and the harmony of nature. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Thailand, you should visit the Sanctuary of Truth, and see for yourself why it is called the "Magnificence of Heaven Recreated on Earth".
