It's a super beautiful religious wood carving art museum by the sea!

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, although a modern construction, shares some similarities with the White Temple in Chiang Mai. It is not founded on religion per se, but rather resembles a breathtaking Buddhist wood carving art museum. This all-wood structure temple was started in 1981, built entirely from teak and rosewood, and assembled solely through the use of traditional joinery like tenons and mortises. Although the Sanctuary of Truth has been under construction for over 40 years, it still remains unfinished according to the original design. Visitors will pass by workshops on their way and can see craftsmen meticulously carving the wood. Moreover, the pure wooden structure is inevitably vulnerable to natural damage, especially being located by the sea, so it is always undergoing continuous improvement and repair. 🛕 Photo tips The Sanctuary of Truth indeed attracts many visitors, especially when one tour group follows another. However, it's still easy to take photos without people if you avoid a few popular check-in spots that everyone loves. Various window sides, shooting from inside out, the staircase on the right side, and the indoor corridors are spots where you should wait for a decrease in the crowd. In my opinion, a more photogenic spot is to use the 'convex' architectural structure of the Sanctuary of Truth. Take photos from the window corner to the other side of the window - trust me, there will be no one there. The platform outside the main entrance is the only place where you can take high-angle shots of the Sanctuary of Truth and the sea, but unfortunately, the front high area is currently enclosed for renovation. 🛕 Tour tips Respect local beliefs, and don't dress too revealingly. There are large cloths for rent at the entrance, just wrap one around yourself. Buy tickets in advance for 90 RMB/person on a domestic app, or 500 Thai Baht (about 100 RMB/person) on-site. When purchasing a ticket, you will receive a wristband and a ticket. Once the wristband is torn off when leaving, you cannot re-enter. There are free Chinese explanations available every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which are great to catch if you can. Chinese brochures can be found at the ticket office and inside the Sanctuary of Truth. Inside the Sanctuary of Truth, there are also paid activities such as elephant riding (not recommended), boating, and massages. There's a small drink shop and an outdoor seating area near the entrance where you can get various fruit smoothies that taste great, though they are a bit more expensive than those at the night market. Various wood carvings hidden among the trees can also be found along the exit path. The Sanctuary of Truth is located on the north side of Pattaya, slightly off the beaten path. Songthaews do go there, but they stop on the main road, requiring a walk down a narrow dirt path. 🛕 The Sanctuary of Truth Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Road, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Opening Hours: 8:00-16:00