In 1981 wealthy business man Lek Viriyaphant began building his vision, The Sanctuary of truth in Nakula. Today this impressive monument to Buddhist spiritualism and artistic grace has come a long way but is still fifteen to twenty years from completion. The structure itself measures an impressive 100 meters from wing to wing and is 105 meters tall.

The four wings represent the different artistic views of Buddhism from Thailand, India, Cambodia, Laos, and China. Although it is called a temple it is not seen or used in a religious way as it is meant to bring people together through artistic spiritualism.

The temple sits at the end of a cape on the gulf of Siam in Nakula on soi 12 just 10-15 minutes outside of Pattaya in Chonburi province. The Sanctuary of Truth sits at the edge of the 32 acre complex which in the future will also have smaller buildings and guest houses.

The entrance fee varies depending on the activities you want to do. 500 Baht ($16.00) per person is the main entrance fee which includes a horse drawn carriage ride down to the temple as well as a guided tour and the dolphin show. The entrance fee increases if you want to add in horseback riding or a boat ride in the gulf.

The temple itself is completely constructed of wood and primarily teak at that. All the wood is shaped and hand carved on site by many Thai artisans. Although the wood is treated for its environment its age shows in cracks and rot so even though the building process is ongoing there is also restoration being done all the time. Most of the carvings, especially the large ones, are made in pieces and everything is joined with wooden pins…no nails are used ever.

The sanctuary also has a restaurant on the premises which has a small cultural show and of course the dolphin show which seems out of place but after the show you can wander down and meet the stars for a picture and a kiss if you’re lucky.

Khun Lek died a few years ago but his family continues his vision and it makes for an amazing day trip that you shouldn’t miss.

For more information on opening times and prices you can go here: The sanctuary of Truth

To see more pictures please visit the gallery or click here for almost 500 beautiful pictures: The Sanctuary of Truth Gallery

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