SANCTUARY OF TRUTH WOODEN TEMPLE
Explore the Sanctuary of Truth: Pattaya’s Magnificent Hand-Carved Wooden Temple
About the Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth is one of Thailand’s most extraordinary architectural attractions.
This amazing structure is a comparatively modern creation designed to create the appearance of an ancient temple. Construction methods use Thai style carpentry where wooden joints are used for large sections instead of metal frames and bolts. It's creator wanted to preserve traditional craftsmanship with its soaring wooden spires, elaborate rooflines and thousands of hand-carved sculptures.
Wooden gods, celestial beings, animals, flowers and mythological creatures cover almost every available surface. Even the supporting columns, doorways, ceilings and high roof decorations contain intricate carvings.
Exploring the Surrounding Grounds
The surrounding grounds also contain gardens, sculptures, viewpoints, visitor facilities, and two restaurant. Food, drinks and seating areas are also available elsewhere within the attraction.
When you first visit the temple we suggest walking to the elevated viewpoint near the entrance. The enormous wooden structure appears between the trees with the Gulf of Thailand stretching out behind it, making a magnificent first photo opportunity.
You can often see some form of live cultural entertainment such as traditional dancing, Thai kick boxing demonstration, or mock sword fights.
Just next to the temple there is usually a speed boat tour available that takes you out into the sea and around the temple grounds surrounding parapat. Horseback riding and horse carriage rides are usually available.
History of the Sanctuary of Truth
Construction of the Sanctuary of Truth began in 1981 under the direction of Thai businessman and cultural patron Lek Viriyaphan. Together with his wife Praphai, he supported several ambitious cultural projects intended to preserve traditional Asian art, architecture and philosophy. His other projects include the Ancient City and Erawan Museum near Bangkok.
Work on the building has continued for decades and you will most likely see ongoing works when you visit where new carvings are added and older ones replaced.
Inside the Wooden Temple
The enormous interior is very spacious and densely decorated. Tall columns support the roof while carved figures extend upwards into the darker sections of the ceiling. Openings in the wooden walls allow fresh sea air and natural light to enter the building.
Look upwards as well as around you when inside. Some of the finest carvings are positioned high above the floor where they form part of the columns, roof supports and towering central spire.
How to take Photos of the Temple of Truth
From the outside of this enormous temple, take photos of individual carvings close up and carefully framed slightly to the side and not front on. Take any wider shots at a good distance for a better perspective which prevents too much distortion.
To avoid totally dark silouettes of the temple, and because of the large exposure range between shadowed parts of the temple and the sky, use the cameras exposure lock function. Lower the camera slightly to exclude any sky, press the shuttter button half way to lock focus and exposure, then raise the camera to frame the scene and continue to press the the shutter button all the way without letting go (dont double press). Look up your cameras features regarding this type of technique. The sky may be washed out a bit but the structure will show detail.
Inside can be fairly dark for taking photos, so it's best to use soft fill flash lighting allowing the intricate dark wood carvings and color of the religious displays to be captured. The huge window openings in the upper parts of the inside give you a very nice perspective to views of parts of the temple exterior, temple grounds and out to the sea.
No drone photography or video recording is permitted without prior approval.
Where is the Temple Of Truth and How to Get There ?
See below for opening times, interactive map of exact location, and how to get to the Sanctuary Of Truth - Wooden Temple in Pattaya. This attraction is north of Pattaya city, in the Naklua district. It is moderately easy to reach, but you will need to plan your visit.
Sanctuary Of Truth Wooden Temple
![Sanctuary of Truth horse carriage ride]()
Horse and carriage rides are available for the tourist at the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.
![Sanctuary of Truth gong and bell]()
This is a traditional gong-and-bell station in the Sanctuary of Truth grounds. A large metal gong and smaller temple bell hang from a wooden beam supported by carved mythological guardian figures. You can strike the instruments for good fortune.
![Sanctuary of Truth elephant ride]()
Elephant rides are usually available for the tourist. They roam through the sea side of the temple grounds and surrounding parapat wall.
![Sanctuary of Truth cultural performers]()
Thai performers wearing traditional Northern Lanna-style clothing posing with paper parasols.
![Sanctuary of Truth Royal Shrine]()
This is an ornate royal shrine and ceremonial throne inside the Sanctuary of Truth. It honours the King of Thailand and reflects the Sanctuary’s teachings about respecting parents, teachers and the monarchy. The display includes a gilded throne, red-carpeted platform, ceremonial lamps and flower arrangements.
![Sanctuary of Truth sword fight exhibition]()
This is a Krabi-Krabong demonstration, Thailand’s traditional weapon-based martial art. The performers are demonstrating choreographed sword-fighting techniques using Thai daab swords as part of the Sanctuary’s cultural show. This is a very realistic show and small children should not watch.
![Sanctuary of Truth traditional Thai dancing]()
This is a traditional Northern Thai Lanna dance performance. The dancers wear striped sinh skirts, decorative belts and floral hairpieces while performing slow, graceful hand and arm movements. These performances are held in the courtyard next to the temple.
![Sanctuary of Truth celestial maidens]()
Rows of these celestial maidens adorn the peak of the temple roofs. They are commonly called apsaras in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Their pointed crowns, graceful poses and flowing garments represent heavenly beauty, wisdom and spiritual elevation.
![Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya]()
The amazing Sanctuary of Truth viewed from the garden of temple grounds, opposite the lake.
![Sanctuary of Truth Vishnu riding on Garuda.]()
The top sculpture shows Vishnu riding on Garuda, accompanied by his consort Lakshmi. Garuda is Vishnu’s traditional mount and represents strength, protection and victory over evil. These carvings are located on the very top ends of the temples roofs. Taken with a long zoom lens and a steady hand.
![Sanctuary of Truth Celestial Horse Rider]()
The celestial horse rider symbolises human responsibility and the journey towards a peaceful world. The horse represents continuing forward into the future.
![Sanctuary of Truth celestial maiden]()
An Apsara celestial musician playing a traditional long-necked Thai lute called a krachappi. The figure symbolizes music, creativity and harmony.
![Sanctuary of Truth Kochasri guardian]()
Carving of a Kochasri creature, also called a Gajasimha. This mythical guardian combines an elephant’s head, trunk and tusks with the powerful body of a lion.
![Sanctuary of Truth four face Brahma]()
This is the Sanctuary of Truth’s central prasat-style tower, which rises above the point where its four main wings of the temple meet. The enormous faces belong to Brahma, known in Thailand as Phra Phrom, the four-faced Hindu creator deity. Each face looks towards a different cardinal direction and symbolises respect for one’s father, mother, teacher and ruler. The faces are also associated with compassion, kindness, sympathetic joy and equality.
![Sanctuary of Truth mythological figures]()
These celestial mythological figures decorate a carved wooden roof support at the Sanctuary of Truth. They are Ramakien, Thailand’s version of the Hindu Ramayana.
![Sanctuary of Truth southern hall]()
Sanctuary of Truth southern hall which is one of the four main wings. This Southern Hall represents the Sun, Moon, stars and planets, together with the influence of celestial forces on human life. Many of the carved figures are Hindu deities and other heavenly beings associated with these astronomical themes.
![Sanctuary of Truth Vishnu riding Garuda]()
Garuda, a powerful half-human and half-bird being serves as Vishnu’s traditional mount. Vishnu represents the preservation and protection of the universe, while Lakshmi represents prosperity, beauty and good fortune. Garuda symbolises courage, loyalty and victory over evil.
![Sanctuary of Truth Mother and Father figure]()
The Father and Mother sculpture symbolising parental love and family gratitude in the Eastern Hall.
![Sanctuary of Truth central spiers]()
The top sculpture shows Vishnu riding on Garuda, accompanied by his consort Lakshmi. Garuda is Vishnu’s traditional mount and represents strength, protection and victory over evil. These are the Sanctuary’s five symbolic wooden spires, each crowned by a celestial figure representing an important principle. You will need a long zoom lens to capture these carvings located at the very top. Taken with the sun directly on them. Not the shadow side. The tallest central spire shows a celestial being riding a horse, symbolizing Maitreya, the future Buddha ,and hope for humanity. The eastern figure carries a book, representing knowledge and wisdom. The western figure holds rice and a dove, representing prosperity and peace. The northern figure holds a lotus, representing religion and spiritual guidance. The southern figure accompanies a child and an elderly person, representing love, sacrifice and family responsibility.
Dress code
Dress modestly or you will need to hire a Shawl and Sarong at the entrance.
Best time to visit the Temple of Truth
Avoid visiting public holidays and weekends to escape the big crowds.
Mid-morning to mid-afternoon on a sunny day is best for good lighting of this huge structure. Avoid cloudy and hazy days if you want nice colorful and sharp photos. The temple also has evening tours.
Opening Times
The Sanctuary Of Truth is open every day.
Current prices as of 2026 are 500 baht for day tours and 700 Baht for night tours. Children half price.
Day time tickets available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Night time ticket available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
Guided tours at the Wooden Temple are available at various times day and evening in several languages.
Pre-book tickets online or from a tour operator to guarantee entry.
See their website for updated information
How To Get To Sanctuary Of Truth in Pattaya
You will find The Sanctuary of Truth on a beautiful coastal site beside the sea at Laem Ratchawet in the Na Kluea district of northern Pattaya.
The easiest way to visit this attraction is to take an organised tour which provides transport to the temple and the return trip. Going there yourself from the city by taxi or other transport is possible, but returning can some-times be a challenge when trying to find an available driver. A taxi stand is on site.
You could drive yourself, there is free parking, but limited bays.
The official address is 206/2 Moo 5, Pattaya–Naklua Road, Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri.
