Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth is an amazing wooden building right on the beach in North Pattaya. The building has been under construction now for more than 20 years, and it might take another 15 years before it is finished.

Hand made wood carvings

The Sanctuary of Truth is completely made out of wood, and all the delicate carvings are done by hand. A huge number of woodcarvers are at work here every day carving out the various figures.

The huge building is more than 100 meters high. The Sanctuary of Truth, which is also called Prasat Satchatham or Prasat Sut Ja-Tum is not in use as a temple. It is build on an area of almost one acre on Rachvate Cape overlooking the sea in North Pattaya.

Wood carving

Architecture inspired by Buddhist & Hindu beliefs

The architectural style is inspired by Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Each of the four corners has a tower with figures from Thai, Cambodian, Indian and Chinese beliefs and legends.

The Sanctuary of Truth is created by Thai millionaire Khun Lek Viriyaphant, who was very interested in preserving Thai culture and history. He also created the Erawan Museum and the Ancient city Muang Boran, where many of Thailand’s historical buildings can be found in a scaled down version, both located in Samut Prakan province close to Bangkok.

Visiting the Sanctuary you will join a tour group with an English speaking tour guide, who will be able to explain about the concepts and ideas behind the building. Be sure to spend some time looking at the hand crafted details of the wood carvings. In the workshop you can see a huge number of craftsmen working on the ornate sculptures, all of them hand carved from wood.

The Sanctuary of Truth makes for a memorable trip, with lots of photo opportunities, on a peaceful location right at the sea and close to most major Pattaya hotels.

Wood carvings
Inside the Sanctuary of Truth

Philosophy and concepts

One of the concepts behind the Sanctuary was that human civilization was conceived from religious and philosophical truths and art.

The wooden art is used to express the beliefs of Eastern philosophy and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. A number of carvings represent scenes from the ancient Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana and tell tales about the battle of good versus evil, wisdom versus ignorance.

Ancient Eastern wisdoms, like the the belief that materialistic things and temporary, while truth, goodness and happiness are eternal, are told through the carvings.