Just a two-hour drive south east from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand you will find Pattaya City. In 2023, they welcomed 28 million visitors with their neon lights and vibrant nightlife along their walking street to their beaches and Animal Sanctuaries. In Pattaya, there is something for everyone to see and do. Known as “Sin City,” there is lots of debauchery on display, but if you keep an open mind, you will find some truly remarkable sights beyond those neon lights.
One such sight that is awe-inspiring and simply breathtaking is the Sanctuary of Truth. The Sanctuary is an unfinished museum designed by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan. The museum structure is a hybrid of a temple and a castle that is themed on the Ayutthaya Kingdom and of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The building is notably constructed entirely out of wood, specifically Mai Deang, Mai Takien, Mai Panchaat, and Teak. Construction first began in 1981 and is still in construction with an anticipated completion date in 2025. Located on the beach, it is quite the sight to see with your own eyes. The intricate levels of fine details in the wood cravings inside are astounding. The fact that it is entirely made of 100% wood makes this place truly special. I found myself just staring in astonishment and without words to describe how I felt inside. I implore anyone visiting Pattaya to visit the site, and it’s even better than the photos show you.
We also visited a Tiger Park that works tirelessly to care for the tigers they have at their facilities. You will find many animal sanctuaries, and the ethical treatment and care of these animals are very important to the Thai people and is an excellent thing to see firsthand. While in town I just had to catch some Muay Thai Boxing and Max Muay Thai Boxing Stadium doesn’t disappoint. They host fights every night of the week. Almost every seat in the stadium has good views of the ring, and even my fiancé who usually doesn’t like to watch violent or physical sports really enjoyed the fights.
If you want an escape from the mainland, you have plenty of choices that are only a ferry or speedboat ride away. Offshore islands include three Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Phai, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Hu Chang, and Ko Klung Badan. Be sure to check out which islands have hotels and accommodations before deciding to make your trip an overnight one.
Pattaya is hot and dry from December to February, hot and humid from March through April, and hot and rainy from May to November. It’s basically hot all year round, but I prefer December to January myself. Just know when you go to keep an open mind and carry an umbrella.
Follow my journey online at FormerlyMe.com and on the YouTube channel. Next month I will cover more of the unique experiences I had in 2022-2024. Until next time this has been FormerlyMe!
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