Sanctuary of Truth
This magnificent structure is a unique blend of temple and castle, deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Here we have a list of what you need to know about it:
Sanctuary of Truth Construction:
The Sanctuary of Truth is an ongoing project that began in 1981 and is expected to be completed in 20501. It’s entirely constructed out of wood, without the use of a single nail, which is quite remarkable.
Design: The design themes are influenced by the Ayutthaya Kingdom and incorporate a mix of architectural styles from Thailand, Cambodia, India, and China.
Philosophy: The sanctuary is designed to embody the richness of Thai heritage and universal truths, reflecting the Ancient Vision of Earth, knowledge of the universe, and the cycle of life.
Dimensions: It covers an area of more than two rais, with the highest point reaching about 105 meters.
Location: Situated on the edge of Pattaya, it offers stunning views of the surrounding waters.
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM, with cultural shows at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Admission: There’s an entry fee, but it’s worth it to witness the intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the project.
When visiting, it’s recommended to dress conservatively, and you’ll be provided with a hard hat for safety as the construction is still underway2. The Sanctuary of Truth is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a profound experience that invites contemplation on human thought and spirituality. Enjoy your visit to this awe-inspiring site!
Why you should visit the Sanctury of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth in Thailand is a remarkable destination for tourists for several reasons:
Architectural Marvel: It’s a stunning wooden structure that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Eastern architecture. The intricate carvings and sculptures represent a fusion of art, culture, and philosophy.
Cultural Experience: The sanctuary embodies the richness of Thai heritage and universal truths, offering visitors a profound cultural and spiritual experience.
Philosophical Insight: It provides visual manifestations of important Eastern religious concepts, such as man’s relationship with the universe and the Buddhist cycle of life.
Ongoing Creation: The site is unique as it is still under construction, which began in 1981, allowing visitors to witness the ongoing creation process.
Scenic Location: Located by the sea, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean, adding to the serene and majestic atmosphere.
Visiting the Sanctuary of Truth is not just about seeing a building; it’s about immersing oneself in a place where myth meets reality and exploring the depths of human thought and spirituality. It’s an experience that transcends the typical tourist attraction, providing a space for reflection and appreciation of the intricate connections between art, religion, and the cosmos.
At the Sanctuary of Truth, there is a team of 250 woodcarvers working on the structure at any given time. This dedicated team is part of the reason why the sanctuary is such a marvel, as their skill and artistry continue to contribute to this ever-evolving masterpiece.
The construction is not expected to be completed for another five years, and some believe that the repair and maintenance work will continue indefinitely. It’s a living project that grows and changes, much like the truths it seeks to represent.
While the Sanctuary of Truth in Thailand is a significant construction and cultural project, there is no specific information available about volunteer opportunities for visitors to participate in the actual woodcarving or construction work. The sanctuary is a highly specialized project with skilled artisans who have been trained in traditional woodcarving techniques. However, visitors are always welcome to explore, learn, and appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the sanctuary.
If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities in Thailand, there are various other projects, particularly related to wildlife conservation and community development, that welcome the participation of volunteers. These can be a rewarding way to contribute to the local community and environment during your stay in Thailand.
In Thailand, most community-based monument projects are carried out by temples. Seldom are they embraced by a solitary individual, other than the ruler. The eccentric billionaire, more commonly referred to as “Khun Lek,” was one of the few notable exceptions to this rule. In the first place, he considered the Old City as a spot so that Bangkok occupants could see the rich design legacy of Thailand. He likewise fabricate a colossal workmanship exhibition hall looking like the legendary three-headed elephant Erawan. Then, around a long time back he began development on a sanctuary like design close to Pattaya, which he dedicated “the Sanctuary of Truth.”
Khun Lek himself spent many years conducting research before construction began on the Sanctuary of Truth. The temple is richly carved with wood carvings depicting the four major philosophical and artistic influences that can be seen in Thailand, despite the fact that the overall shape roughly resembles traditional Thai architecture: Hindu, Khmer, Chinese and Thai. The structure is being built completely of wood, truth be told. That is the primary reason for the lengthy process. Despite the fact that construction on the Sanctuary of Truth is not anticipated to be finished for another five years, a team of 250 woodcarvers is currently working on the Sanctuary of Truth.
The four wings of the building with a cruciform plan each represent a different style. The monumental architecture of the Bayon Temple at Angkor Wat can be seen in one wing, while Chinese motifs can be seen in another. The wing framing the fundamental entry is elaborately Thai. A significant part of the outside seems total, albeit a few sections currently must be fixed because of their long openness to the components. The majority of the new work being done right now is inside. The rotunda now has a large altar in its center, and the interior is being covered in the same intricate carvings as the exterior.
Unfortunately, Khun Lek died a couple of years prior, so he won’t ever see the Sanctuary of Truth finished. However, the work proceeds as per his meticulous plan.
The construction site is open to visitors who want to see the work in progress, even though it is incomplete. The 500 Baht (12.99 USD) extra charge is a piece steep, however that gives off an impression of being planned to keep the quantity of guests low so they don’t obstruct the development. You really do get an individual manual for take you through the complex, despite the fact that they are for the most part not knowledgeable in English. Inside the building, hard hats are provided to protect you.
The Safe-haven of Truth (in Thai Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) is decisively set on a rough place of the coast only north of Pattaya, in the modest community of Naklua. It’s close to the furthest limit of Naklua Soi 12. You could without much of a stretch get a songtaew (a little pickup truck transformed into a kind of taxi-transport) from Pattaya, as Pattaya 2 Street turns into the “fundamental” road of Naklua. However, getting to the temple from the soi’s mouth requires a lengthy walk. If you want to get to this location from Pattaya, it would be best to rent a car or motorcycle.
After the main sanctuary was finished, the “master plan” for the sanctuary complex originally called for the construction of additional small buildings and even guest houses. Nonetheless, that is obviously been deserted, and the spot presently looked like an undertaking park, with ATV courses, elephant rides and a dolphin show. In any case, you can overlook all that and take in the entrancing development project.
The best way to get to the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand, is by car or taxi. It’s located about 5 miles (8 km) from central Pattaya, and the journey should take around 20 minutes by car or bike. A taxi from Central Pattaya to the Sanctuary typically costs between 200 – 250 Baht.
Once in Pattaya, you can easily hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the Sanctuary of Truth. It’s a straightforward route, and the local taxis are quite familiar with the destination.
For a more immersive experience, you might consider joining a guided tour, which often includes transportation to the site. This can be a convenient option as it may also provide additional insights into the history and significance of the sanctuary of truth during your visit. Enjoy your trip to this magnificent architectural wonder!
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