The Sanctuary of Truth: a temple carved entirely from wood

A wooden palace-temple over a hundred metres tall on the edge of the sea, still being carved after more than forty years.

Area

In town

Start from

Central Pattaya

Distance

about 5 km (Naklua)

Time needed

half a day

Best season

All year; mornings are cooler

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Grab, baht bus to Naklua then a short walk

Tickets & rules

Entry ticket; dress code (shoulders and knees covered)

Why go

The Sanctuary of Truth is the one place in Pattaya I send everyone, whatever else they like. It is an enormous building made entirely of wood, with no metal nails holding the main structure, and every surface is covered in carving: gods, demons, elephants, sea creatures, figures from Hindu and Buddhist cosmology and Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian traditions.

It stands right on the shore at Naklua, so the sea breeze moves through the open halls and the light changes all day. Parts of it are always under construction or restoration, and you can watch carvers working by hand in the workshops on site.

It is also a place with a clear message. The founder wanted it to be a reflection on philosophy and the meaning of life rather than a single religion's temple, and the guided tours explain the symbols in each corner.

The story

The project was started in 1981 by the businessman and collector Lek Viriyaphant, the same visionary behind the Ancient City and the Erawan Museum near Bangkok. He wanted to create a building that would carry ancient knowledge about the universe and human virtue, and he chose wood, which needs constant care, almost as a statement: the Sanctuary will never be truly finished.

Each of the four main gables is dedicated to a different idea and a different civilisation's view of creation. The carvings show parents and children, teachers, the sun and the moon, the elements, and the virtues that hold a society together.

Wood near the sea does not last forever, so many pieces have already been replaced. In a way, that is the point: the building is a living workshop where the craft is passed on to new generations of carvers.

Getting there

Take a Grab or a taxi to the entrance on the Naklua side; it is well known to every driver. Baht buses run along Naklua Road, from where it is a short walk down the side street to the sea.

Allow at least two hours. Free guided tours in English leave at regular times and are worth joining.

A suggested plan

1. MorningArrive at opening time, before the heat and the tour groups.
2. TourJoin the guided walk around and through the building; you will be given a hard hat in active construction areas.
3. WorkshopSpend time watching the woodcarvers and the small exhibition about the project.
4. LunchEat seafood at one of the Naklua restaurants nearby or head to the Lan Pho market.

Where to stay

Naklua and Wongamat beach are calmer than central Pattaya and close to the Sanctuary; there are good family hotels along the beach.

Good to know

• Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees; sarongs are available if needed.
• Look up as well as around: some of the best carvings are on the roof spires.
• The gardens have optional activities, such as a boat ride or horse-cart ride; the building itself is the main event.