Thailand

Pattaya's beach resort is synonymous with wild vacations: sea, sex, and sun. However, there's another side to Pattaya, thanks to the Sanctuary of Truth, a true reflection of Thai art.

The Sanctuary of Truth, a Thai architectural masterpiece

Overlooking Pattaya Beach, the dark brown facade of the Sanctuary of Truth contrasts beautifully against the blue sea. Dubbed the Teak Temple due to its construction material, it is entirely crafted from teak, from floor to ceiling, and adorned with sculptures on every inch of walls, doors, and balustrades. Its name may mislead some, as it feels more like a museum than a place of worship inside. It houses a variety of wooden sculptures praising Middle Eastern philosophies, the universe's conception, and cultural and religious beliefs. It lives up to its name, the Sanctuary of Truth! It is an unconventional museum that offers rich moments of discovery during a brief stay in Pattaya.

History of the temple

The Teak Temple's founder is Lek Viriyaphan, a wealthy Thai entrepreneur passionate about art and culture. With his financial support, the Erawan Museum and the Ancient City also came to life. The Teak Temple was completed in 1981 in response to the Cold War, with final completion expected in 2025. Despite ongoing construction, the museum has been open to visitors for some time.

Today

Some describe the Sanctuary of Truth as Pattaya's most iconic monument: 105 meters tall, covering 13 hectares of land, with an exhibition area of 21 hectares. According to the official Thai Tourism Office, the Teak Temple is "a repository of local philosophies that teach a different way of living and fulfillment that modern life cannot offer."

Discovering the Sanctuary of Truth

A spiritual escape that contrasts with Pattaya's hedonistic pleasures.

Overview of temple elements

The temple's architecture follows the classical Ayutthaya style. Sculptural works inherited from Khmer, Siamese, Indian, and Chinese art traditions converge in this unique place. Beyond their aesthetic finesse, these sculptures carry profound cultural symbolism.

The facade

Before entering, admire the elegant six-level roof and the towering pinnacle at 105 meters above ground. At the top, observe the four-faced Brahma. This Hindu god symbolizes the moral qualities necessary for good governance: charity, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Surrounding Brahma are four lateral arrows representing the four elements: fire, earth, water, and wind.

The five rooms

Inside, the temple is equally impressive, consisting of a central hall and four side rooms.

In the northern hall, sculptures evoke Taoist and Confucian doctrines, urging submission to the laws of nature—a hallmark of Chinese thought.

The Origins Room explains the universe's birth according to Hindu thought. It features depictions of Vishnu resting on a serpent in the waters (representing water), Shiva sitting atop Mount Kailasa (representing earth and fire), and Brahma riding a swan (representing wind)—an embodiment of Indian thought.

The next room captivates with depictions of stars and planets. The sun governs day and night, the moon controls tides, and the stars influence destinies. Icons representing each day of the week, along with associated character traits, are on display—a reflection of Thai thought.

The southern room focuses on parental love, a cornerstone of Laotian philosophy. Love overcomes all adversities, drawing from unconditional love within families.

The central hall stands out with its unadorned entrance doors, devoid of divinity. Here, statues illustrate Buddhism's Five Precepts: refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication—a reminder for Buddhists aspiring to enter Nirvana.

A message rich in spirituality

Craft enthusiasts will find delight in the teak structure, adorned with wood sculptures. Complete Hindu pantheon deities like Parvati and the elephant-headed god Ganesh, along with sensuous musician deities, grace the site. Buddhism also shines through with serpent nagas, Gautama Buddha's adventures, Guanyin, the Chinese Mercy Bodhisattva, and more. Discover statues of gods, demons, and mythological creatures—half-human, half-animal.

It's enlightening to see how Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism convey strong spiritual messages. The exhibitions vary widely but share a worldview vastly different from Western materialism. Visitors will leave understanding that humanity's future isn't solely in the hands of science and technology.

Other highlights

Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances and martial arts competitions. Multilingual guided tours are available.

The temple's appeal isn't just artistic; rising over a hundred meters above sea level, it offers excellent photo opportunities. On clear days, the view over the Gulf of Thailand is breathtaking.

Practical information

Admission and opening hours

The museum opens daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs 450 baht (approximately €12.6) for adults, half price for children (approximately €6.3).

Getting there

Located in Pattaya's Naklua district, north of the coast, the Sanctuary of Truth is accessible by bus, taxi, or songthaew. If driving, head north on Pattaya's main road; at the intersection, turn right onto Naklua Road. Follow the coastline and turn left onto Naklua Soi 12. The monument is at the end of this street.

Dress code

Though more of an artistic museum than a temple, proper attire is required. Men can dress casually, but short or revealing clothing is inappropriate for women. There's no need to remove shoes when entering the museum.