Summary
206, 2 Pattaya-Na Kluea Rd, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Phone +66 38 110 654
Pattaya has a lot more to offer than the seediness for which it’s famous. From beautiful beaches to interactive art museums, lush botanical gardens, and even wineries, Pattaya is a dynamic and diverse destination—and it’s only getting started.
One Pattaya attraction that’s of particular intrigue is the so-called Sanctuary of Truth, located about 15 minutes north of the city along the coast. Learn more about the history of Pattaya’s Sanctuary of Truth, activities, and how to visit this remarkable site.
The History of Pattaya’s Sanctuary of Truth
In 1981, a Thai businessman named Lek Viriyaphant decided he wanted to build something remarkable in Pattaya. A notable patron of the arts (and notorious eccentric) who sadly passed away in 2000, Mr. Viriyaphant also funded the Erawan Museum outside Bangkok, which is located in Samut Prakan province not far from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
In its present state, the Sanctuary of Truth is impressive to say the least—its main spire rises 300 feet into the air, and the site covers nearly an acre. However, the Sanctuary of Truth is not yet complete. Like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, its anticipated completion date is sometime later this century—2050 has been cited as a target, though whether that target will be met is another story entirely.
What to Do in Pattaya’s Sanctuary of Truth
Constructed entirely of teak wood, the Sanctuary of Truth embodies a style best described as “Visionary Art.” This structure utilizes visual motifs to convey a theological perspective, mainly inspired by Hinduism and Thailand’s national religion of Buddhism. One of the primary activities in the Sanctuary of Truth is witnessing visual representations of significant eastern religious concepts, including man’s relationship with the Universe and the Buddhist cycle of life.
The Sanctuary of Truth also provides a survey of the many architectural styles that have existed across Indochina throughout the past several millennia. Travelers who have visited the ancient city of Ayutthaya north of Bangkok will recognize distinct similarities at the Sanctuary of Truth; however, more divergent inspirations are present as well. Notably, the Sanctuary is home to four gopura entrance towers, structures typically found at Dravidian temples in the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states of South India.
Moreover, you needn’t think of your visit to the Sanctuary of Truth as a mere history lesson, even if multilingual informational placards will provide all the context and background you need. The striking visual aspect of the Sanctuary makes it a fantastic place to hone your photography skills or to capture selfies that are sure to command engagement on social media.
How to Visit Pattaya’s Sanctuary of Truth
Located in the Na Kluea neighborhood just north of Pattaya’s main beach, the Sanctuary of Truth takes about 20-30 minutes to reach by car, depending on traffic conditions in the city center. Although Pattaya lacks an urban rail network, you can ride any northbound minibus from the “Dolphin Roundabout” in the city center, which costs around 10 baht and also takes approximately 30 minutes. Be sure to tell the driver you’re heading to Prasat Sajja Tham, the Thai name for the Sanctuary.
Once you arrive at the Sanctuary, you’ll need to pay 500 baht for admission. This isn’t particularly inexpensive, but the expansive and impressive grounds certainly justify the price. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here to fully appreciate your visit.
Other Things to Do in Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth is conveniently located near Art in Paradise, an interactive 3D art exhibit that creatively incorporates paradisiacal Thai scenery into its displays. If convenience is a priority, you can easily visit these two attractions together for a morning or afternoon that transcends the experiences of most travelers in Pattaya.
Furthermore, Pattaya is a surprisingly diverse destination, particularly if your perception of the city is limited to the innuendos you may have heard while in Bangkok. Consider taking a boat to the beautiful Koh Laan island, scaling the city’s viewpoint for a stunning panorama, or visiting Pattaya’s floating market—where you can enjoy pad Thai from a boat, an experience that extends beyond just Bangkok!
