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The Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth should be added to one of the seven wonders of the world, they say that Thailand is amazing, it truly is, if you miss a visit to this hand made wooden structure of some 100 metres high equal to that of a 20 story modern building and 100 metres in length exposing its top to the sky you will have missed one of the greatest attractions Pattaya and Jomtien has to offer.
The Sanctuary of Truth broke ground in 1981 covering 2,115 square metres at beach level maintained by a team of over two hundred staff. Hand carved from Teak restoring and reviving an ancient knowledge of the 17th century skills by the Thai artists reflecting thoughts and spirits of Eastern Cultures.
The Sanctuary of Truth represents the relationship between human beings and the universe – the father, the mother, the earth, the sky, sun, moon and stars, stand a while, gaze in wonderment at how human hands could create such a structure?
As you approach you will first see the castled walls as you enter the grounds and parking facilities, after collecting your tickets 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children who must be under 140cm to qualify, you will be taken by horse and carriage for a very short ride to the intricately carved entrance leading down the wooden stairway of the hillside down to the Sanctuary, ‘take some shots from above before you go down’.
Once down you turn right and wind your way along the tree lined natural lake the Sanctuary of Truth will be revealed before your very eyes, a moment is required to take it all in before you grab the camera in haste I promise you. Inside the Sanctuary, please dress respectably, shorts are permitted you will be met by guides who will explain in depth the history and meaning of the many sculptures and carvings that surround you. Then off to the Dolphin show and watch these near human creatures amaze you with their stunts, shows at 1130 am and 1530pm.
To the rear of the Dolphin lake is a Theatre restaurant to sit and relax over a drink while you watch a fast acting real live display of the Thai sword fighting if you’re lucky they may call you up to challenge them! This is followed by brightly clad Thai ladies in full traditional costume gracefully going through their Thai dancing routine.
Don’t forget to visit the workshop where young and older men and women demonstrate their skills carving the next generation of statues and plaques for the Sanctuary. A personal speedboat is also available to view and photograph this fabulous building on a 20 minute cruise of its sea facing exterior.
Travelling from Jomtien Beach passing Viewpoint Village on Chaiyapruek Road turn left onto Sukhumvit road, heading towards Bangkok you will see a signpost Pattaya Nua, turn left, at the end of this road is Dolphin roundabout take the third exit to Naglua, after about 1 kilometre turn left down Soi 12 the Sanctuary of Truth is well sign posted, from Pattaya take second road to the Dolphin roundabout then as above.
Opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm.
An unbelievable attraction, not to be missed!
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We arrived from the UK jet lagged, hired a car at the airport and drove to Surin Bay in 30 minutes. We were wonderfully surprised by Surin Springs as the house turned out to be very well designed, in a small attractive complex with a delightful pool overlooking a lake complete with floating lilies and jumping fish! Our bedroom (the master) had a lovely balcony (where I would escape to read my book) facing the small lake. Every bedroom was spacious with good sized bathrooms and showers and with plenty of Thai touches such as the silk throws on the bottom of the beds! 
