Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0 3836 7229;
www.sanctuaryoftruth.com
;
206/2 Th Naklua; adult/child 500/250B; 8am-6pm)
Made en-
tirely of wood (no metal nails) and commanding a celestial view of the ocean, the Sanc-
tuary of Truth is best described as a visionary environment: part art installation, religious
shrine and cultural monument. Constructed in four wings dedicated to Thai, Khmer,
Chinese and Indian religious iconography, the architecture and setting is impressive.
The ornate temple-like complex was conceived by Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai millionaire
who spent his fortune on this and other heritage projects (such as Ancient City near
Bangkok) that revived and preserved ancient building techniques and architecture in
danger of extinction. In this case, the building will continue to support hand-hewn wood-
working skills because it has been under construction for 30 years and still isn't finished.
Every centimetre of the 20-storey-tall building is covered with wood carvings of
Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses - an artistic consolidation of centuries of reli-
gious myths under one unifying roof for greater spiritual enlightenment. For non-
Buddhists the experience may be more educational than transcendent as much of the
symbolism will be unfamiliar.
Compulsory tours are led through the building every half hour. Thai dancing is on dis-
play at 11.30am and 3.30pm. Motorcycle taxis can be hired from Pattaya for 50B to 70B.
The sanctuary is 1km down Soi 12 off Th Naklua, about 3km from the centre of town.
