Hong Kong to Singapore
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| Sanctuary of Truth sign |
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The building is constructed entirely out of wood, specifically Mai Deang, Mai Takien, Mai Panchaat, and Teak and contains only wood-carved idols and sculptures.
The structure's design is a hybrid of a temple and a castle that is themed on the Ayutthaya Kingdom and of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The walls of the interior are covered with dioramas depicting parables or cautionary tales about how to live a good life.
Construction first began in 1981 and because it is not yet complete and still considered a building site, visitors are required to wear hard hats.
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| Sanctuary of Truth |
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| Exterior view |
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| Sample of intricate details |
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| Gravity defying sculptures |
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| Shrine |
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| Interior scene |
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| Not far from Pattaya |
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| Drawing in situ |
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| Workshop |
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| Carving |
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| Carving details |
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| All carved by hand |
In the late afternoon after everyone had returned on board, we were surprised to see the drivers and guides who had taken some of the passengers to Bangkock and back, gathered on the wharf, cheering and waving farewell as the ship left the dock. Cruise ships, and their passengers, are an essential part of the local economy.
A short while later were were out at sea watching the sun set over the ocean.
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| Farewell by the drivers and guides |
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| Sunset over the ocean |