Pattaya, Thailand

This place came highly recommended to us and so we thought we'd better check it out. It is called the Sanctuary of Truth. 

The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-metre-tall hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a one-of-a-kind structure in the whole world. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith, without being tied to a single religion.

It was magnificent to look at from this height and then we hiked down to get a better look and it was even more spectacular.

People are always working on the structure and we had to wear safety helmets. The wood carvers are incredibly talented. The entire structure is hand carved. 

Naturally, because of Johne we now notice every elevator and ramp everywhere we go and this place had the most gorgeous elevator. 

This sanctuary is built right near the water. 

More carvers hard at work. 

We would have enjoyed staying for another hour or two and explored all of the grounds but we had a good drive left and had to get back to our ship before it left Thailand. On our way up and out we saw this fake but still beautiful gold foiled leaves in the tree. 

Next stop: Koh Samui, Thailand