Things to See in Pattaya Thailand – Sanctuary of Truth

Author: Thomas Downsbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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The Sanctuary of Truth in Thailand is an amazing way to spend a day out while on holiday in Pattaya. The castle has been under construction for the past twenty years, and is estimated to take another twenty years before it will be completed. One trip to the Sanctuary and you will understand why. It has been entirely hand crafted from wood by Thai woodworkers. It is a massive and beautiful structure.

The Sanctuary of Truth was conceived by a successful Thai businessman named Khun Lek. It has both spiritual and philosophical meanings throughout, in the architecture as well as the thousands of intricately carved statues and reliefs. There is a blend of influences from Thailand, Buddhism, Khmer, Chinese, and Hindu.

You will find woodworkers hard at work non-stop on the building. At any one time there are over 200 workers on site. Being completely handcrafted, it is amazing that it will take 40 years to complete.

If you are into photography, this is one of the great places in Thailand to unleash your shutterbug. The stunning architecture, along with the fantastic view of the bay makes for some great shots. The statues and carvings could give the avid photographer many different scenes to shoot.

Getting to the Sanctuary of Truth is quite easy. It is located in the North end of Pattaya, in the Nakula area. The easiest way is to hire a baht bus to take you to and from the attraction. It is slightly more expensive than your normal ride along second road, but still quite reasonable depending on your negotiating skills. It is wise to have the driver wait for you, as depending on the crowds, finding a baht bus on the way out may be hit or miss.

Along with the castle, there are also several other attractions to see. There are daily dolphin shows in the parks pond. A small restaurant for a quick snack. You can buy some bananas and feed the elephants on site. If you fancy a motorbike ride, there are several ATVs for rent. You can ride them on a guided tour around the dirt track.

Entrace fees to the park run about 500 baht at the time of writing. This cost covers the price of an english speaking tour guide. Additional activities like elephant feeding and ATV rides cost extra.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a day sightseeing around Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth should be on your must see list.

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pThomas Downs publishes a travel website on a target=_new href=http://www.thailandessentials.com/ rel=nofollowPattaya Thailand/a where he provides information on things to see and do in Pattaya like The a target=_new href=http://www.thailandessentials.com/things-to-do-in-pattaya/sanctuary-of-truth-pattaya-thailand/ rel=nofollowSanctuary of Truth/a./pbr
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Pattayas Well Kept Secret – The Floating Market

Author: Thomas Downsbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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The Floating Market is one of the best kept tourist secrets in Pattaya. Opened in November of 2008, this market spans 27 Acres of land and is the largest of its kind in Thailand. You will find it is only a short drive to the south of Pattaya along Sukhumvit road, making a very good place to spend a day of sight seeing.

It is a fabricated version of a traditional Thai floating market that pays homage to the four different cultural regions of the Country. You will find architecture and attractions that represent the North, South, Central, and North Eastern states.

A floating market was once a tradition of Thailand, as the country was developed on a series of man made canals. Bangkok has often been referred to as the Venice of the East. With the advent of modern roads and stores, only a few of the original floating markets survive. The Pattaya Floating Market harkens back to the past, and engulfs the visitor in what was once a fixture in Thai life.

A visitor will find that the grounds contain many types of Thai buildings, each displaying architecture unique to a particular area of Thailand. Guest can walk among the canals and buildings on a custom built boardwalk.

Another option is to take a canal tour by boat. It will give the visitors a view of what life was once like on the canals. Witness river life, homes, bridges, and the variety of plant life on the banks.

Guests will also find a wide display of cultural activities available at the park. From Muay Thai martial arts demonstrations, Thai classical dance, to the water boxing show, one will not be disappointed. There are demonstrations of dance from Bangkok, Lao, and the ever popular coconut shell dance.

Amongst the many buildings on the grounds are arts and crafts displays that represent the different regions. Plenty of Souvenir shopping and food is also available. On display in one of the shops are rare 200 year old hand carved teak wood crafts that should not be missed.

The Floating Market in Pattaya is one of the newest attractions in the area. The close location to the city and wonderful exposure to a bygone era that this attraction provides, it is sure not to be missed. It wont be long before this hidden gem is well known.

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pThomas Downs has traveled extensively in Thailand and authors a target=_new href=http://www.thailandessentials.com/ rel=nofollowPattaya Thailand Essentials/a a guide to exploring the many wonderful places in Pattaya like the a target=_new href=http://www.thailandessentials.com/things-to-do-in-pattaya/pattaya-floating-market-pattaya-thailand/ rel=nofollowPattaya Floating Market/a./pbr
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