A window into the making of a man-made wonder

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. Not only was this one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, but it even provides an open look into how this man-made wonder was created. To enter the sanctuary of truth you have to follow one of the guided tours, but it’s no trouble as they run regularly, are offered in many languages, and are included in your ticket price. The first stop of the tour is the one I found most interesting, a look into the workshop where each handcrafted wooden statue is made. You get to see a scale model of the building, finished statues yet to be installed, and watch artists carve new statues right in front of you. Because even though it’s already so huge and intricate, the Sanctuary of Truth is still being built and worked on today. One point our guide made sure to emphasise, was that the Sanctuary was a museum and not a temple. It’s a structure that takes inspiration from Buddhist temples around the world. But don’t let this trick you, you still need to wear modest clothing to enter! During the tour, our guide explained some of the museum’s history and the meaning behind the scenes depicted in the walls. Each hand crafted detail was thoroughly planned and tells a story. Then after the tour is done, you’re free to roam the Sanctuary on your own. There are even signs guiding you to the most iconic photo spots! We were allowed to stay until 6pm, and as we’d arrived at 1pm, that was ample time to explore every corner. Once you’ve had your fill of the Sanctuary, there’s still plenty of sights to see just outside. The open sea, secluded lakes, and even a small animal farm with goats, deer, and reindeer. Overall I think the Sanctuary of Truth is a must see if you’re in Pattaya! It has a bit of everything: hundreds of photo opportunities, a look into the local Buddhist values, and a stunning display of artistic talent for art lovers like myself! #100waysoftravel