Many tourists who have visited Thailand or are planning to visit there, have heard about a structure called the Temple of Truth in Pattaya, which is rightfully considered a unique and simultaneously astonishing edifice in the world. Where the temple is located, how to get there on your own, and interesting facts will be discussed in this article.
General Information
Attraction Information
Address: 2 Prasart Isan Rd., Pattaya, Chonburi 20150, Thailand 
Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM 
Ticket Price: Adults: ฿500, Children: ฿300 
Photo Allowed? Yes 
Historical Info: A monumental wooden structure initiated in 1981, combining art, culture, and philosophy, reflecting traditional Thai architecture and craftsmanship. 
Guide / Excursion Info: Guided tours available on-site 
Recommended Visit Time: Early morning or late afternoon 
Accessibility:
Partially 
Parking Availability:
Limited 
Public Transport Options: Accessible via taxi or motorbike from Pattaya city
Reviews
Photos
The Temple of Truth in Thailand (Pattaya Temple of Truth) is not a classic sanctuary where Thai believers come to pray, but rather a tourist attraction. The construction of the Temple of Truth has been ongoing since 1981. Yes, it has indeed been in progress, because the temple is still not fully completed. Just like in the legend of the Winchester House, right?
But wait, these are not all the interesting facts associated with the temple. The construction of the Temple of Truth in Thailand was initiated by a Thai millionaire of Chinese descent, Lek Viriyaphant. According to a beautiful legend, as long as the temple’s construction continues, its founder will live. But it was not meant to be, because in 2002 Lek passed away, and his son continued his work.
Initially, there was a plan to build a grand hotel by the seashore, but since clergymen play a huge role in Thailand, Lek wanted to receive their blessing before starting construction. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—they did not grant him a blessing and advised him to direct his funds to something more useful and necessary. That is how the project was born.
According to the plan, completion of the construction is scheduled for 2025, but Lek Viriyaphant’s son also believes in the prophecy, and something tells us that as long as he lives, construction will not be completed in 2025 or 2030, all the more so because it is currently being built with tourists’ money. That is, by purchasing an excursion to the Temple of Truth, you contribute to its creation.
Now, a few words about the temple itself. The Temple of Truth is entirely built from expensive types of wood—teak and ironwood. The structure is said to be held together without a single nail, though that is not entirely true. In fact, yes, the finished parts of the structure contain no metal whatsoever, but during the initial construction stage, nails are used for fastening, and once all installation work is complete, the nails are removed. Inside the temple, you can see and even touch the wooden locks used in the construction. The long-term construction is also connected with the fact that despite the durability of teak and ironwood, they gradually deteriorate, so a continuous process of restoration is underway.
The temple is a concentration of Eastern culture under one roof. The founder’s idea was to unite all religious branches under the temple’s roof, but so far, four areas have been created:
- The Cambodian zone symbolizes family values and fertility.
- The Chinese zone is dedicated to the life of Buddha and is decorated with octagonal pillars.
- The Thai zone is the only sanctuary in the temple where locals come to pray.
- The Indian zone is dedicated to the four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.
The spire of the main cathedral is 108 meters high, and at the very top there is a figure of a rider sitting on a horse. The rider is the fifth incarnation of Buddha Pra-Shri. On either side of the main spire are four devas, which embody the path one must follow to reach the truth. The devas differ from one another:
- with a lotus (represents religion);
- with a book (represents philosophy);
- with a dove (represents peace);
- with a child (represents life).
Indian Hall
Every detail here has a certain meaning, and it is best to explore the temple complex as part of a tour group or hire a guide; otherwise, you risk simply wandering around a beautiful place and taking some photos you will not be able to describe. The Indian Hall is dedicated to Hinduism, and everything here is filled with the spirit of the four elements in a truly Indian style.
Four walls represent each of the elements. Thus, a dragon spewing flames from its mouth symbolizes fire, flora on the second wall represents earth, tree branches swaying in the breeze represent air, and sea waves on the fourth wall represent water.
Chinese Hall
The Chinese Hall is more intricate than the previous one and less comprehensible to Europeans who have never encountered Buddhism before. Everything on the hall’s walls is devoted to Buddha’s life on earth— all those forms he assumed for us.
In the Chinese Hall, there are octagonal columns, and for some of them, by the way, you may see clothing, food, and water left behind. These are not someone’s forgotten items, but offerings to the spirit of the tree that could not be driven out before construction, and in order not to hinder construction, people periodically appease this spirit with such gifts. Similar offerings can be found at the central column as well.
Cambodian Hall
This hall is dedicated to promoting family values and a woman’s fertility. In the center of the hall, there is a statue of a married couple with three children, symbolizing a happy family.
It is precisely this hall where tourists who want to have a child, but for some reason cannot, come together. There is a beautiful legend that if one’s desire is strong, you can rub the hand of one of the three children and soon a little miracle may happen.
Not only pregnancy is the main topic of the hall, but also family well-being.
According to another tradition, if you wish happiness for your loved ones, all you have to do is touch one of the spouses’ knees. Beautiful, isn’t it? We hope that belief in this legend helps everyone who wants something so badly to get what they desire.
Thai Hall
This is the only sanctuary in the Temple of Truth, as it is precisely here that local residents come to ask higher powers for something sacred and personal. They recite prayers and light candles for their relatives and for themselves (it vaguely resembles a church, but in a simpler style).
In the Thai temple room, there are seven avatars, each symbolizing a day of the week. There is also a special plaque that explains how to calculate which day of the week you were born on. Once you figure out your birth day, you will find the avatar that favors you.
Other Entertainment
Naturally, going to the temple solely for the temple is fascinating, but the Thais would not be Thais if they did not seize this opportunity for additional earnings.
Apart from the wooden structure itself, the complex has a viewpoint located right before the entrance and a mini-zoo. Admission to the zoo is free, and there you can not only look at the animals but also feed and pet them.
For those who enjoy active recreation, you can pay extra and ride an ATV or go by boat on the Gulf of Siam (20 minutes), or ride an elephant.
You can watch the work of craftsmen to the left of the Temple of Truth. The workers are happy to let you touch the wooden parts and tools used in the construction. On a special table, there are both new and restored parts laid out, and you can pick up and examine any of them. Naturally, such an interactive approach complicates construction, as there are many who want to observe the process.
Besides exploring the temple, you can also enjoy a traditional Thai show at 11:30 and 15:30 on the territory.
There are several cafés and small restaurants on the premises where you can have a snack and refreshing drinks for a reasonable price.
Visiting Rules
Because the cathedral is a sacred place for local residents, visiting it with uncovered shoulders is offensive. For this reason, at the entrance you can rent a special shawl for 200 baht. And yes, you will get your money back in exchange for the shawl on your way out.
Another rule (it does not matter whether you visit the temple on a self-guided tour or with a group) is that entry is only possible when wearing a helmet. Since construction is not fully complete, these safety measures are in place to avoid any unpleasant injuries for visitors.
Opening Hours and Price
The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The entrance ticket to the Temple of Truth is 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children (110–140 cm). Children under 110 cm enter free. If you want to diversify the time spent on the territory, you will have to pay extra.
For a boat ride, adults and children will each be charged an additional 200 baht. Riding ATVs is 100 baht cheaper, at 100 baht per person.
How to Get There
How to get independently to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya?
The temple is located in the Naklua area, and a solitary tourist who comes to Pattaya for the first time will not be able to get here alone. The sanctuary is just too inconveniently located.
If you still decide to take the risk, below is a map where you can read the address of the sanctuary. The travel route is as follows:
It does not matter where you start (Pratumnak or Jomtien); head toward the intersection of Second Road and North Road, where there is a dolphin (a rather famous monument in Pattaya).
Then you will have to walk, because you cannot get here by public transportation.
Alternatively, you can use a taxi; for example, from Pratumnak to the Temple of Truth, the trip will cost 200–300 baht. If your hotel is nearby, you do not need to bother with transport.
But the best answer to the question of how to get to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya is by excursion tour. You only need to get to the exit of your hotel, since the tour operator’s transfer will pick you up there.
The price, by the way, is not much higher; you only pay a little extra for the transfer compared to an ordinary entrance ticket. Tourist companies earn from the discounts they receive for large groups.
And by the way, if you book a tour at an agency, there is a good chance you will get a English-speaking guide. If you choose a self-guided trip, you will need English, as all guides speak English and nothing more.
- By tuk-tuk (songthaew): The cheapest option is the songthaew, which costs 10 baht. You need to get off at the intersection with Naklua Soi 12 and walk about 1.5 km.
- By taxi: A trip from the center of Pattaya to the Temple of Truth costs 200–300 baht. A motorbike taxi will cost 80–100 baht.
- Personal transport: A rented motorbike or car. The trip will take 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Excursion tour: Many travel agencies offer tours with transfers, which can be a convenient option.
So, the Temple of Truth in Pattaya should be on your must-see list, because there is truly something to see here. Allocate an hour to an hour and a half to explore the tallest wooden structure in Asia, built with meaning.
Do not forget to share your impressions of your trip in the comments; they are helpful for those who have not yet decided where to spend their vacation.
