Sam Pan Bok – 3000 Holes at Ubon Ratchathani
Sam Pan Bok lies alongside the Khong River and located in Ubon Ratchathani’s Pho Sai district. That’s about 700 kilometers northeast of Bangkok (over 8 hours drive approximately). Sam Pan Bok (known as Thailand’s grand canyon or 3,000 holes) has become an intriguing new tourist attraction in the kingdom’s northeastern region (also known as Isan) over past few years.
The strong currents and movements of the river, which has run through the area’s mountainous terrain for thousands of years, were responsible for creating the interesting rock formations found here. The river forms a natural border between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Visiting Sam Pan Bok – 3000 Holes at Ubon Ratchathani
The spectacular view, including holes of various shapes and sizes, can be experienced annually during low tide (November through June), which is when the rocky surfaces located towards the edge of the river are revealed. Tourism officials suggest visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon so you can experience a sunrise or sunset, while the temperature also tends to be cooler in general during those times of day.
Young guides, aged from about six to 12 years old, await tourists at the entrance to the site. These youngsters can provide visitors with useful information about the site, along with some interesting anecdotes. The children will accompany visitors to the most interesting sites, ensuring they don’t miss any of the high points.
Over the vast rocky platforms, you’ll get to see holes of various shapes and sizes. Many are dry, while others are filled with water. Some resemble a Jacuzzi, while others, devoid of life, pervade a sense of mystery.
Various shapes and forms at Sam Pan Bok
The guides will also bring unusual formations to visitors’ attention. For example, some formations are heart shaped, while others resemble exclamation marks, or even Mickey Mouse’s head. Look carefully and you’re sure to spot a crocodile, a dog, a dolphin, the head of a hippopotamus, or even a shark if you pay close attention during a tour of the site.
Boat trips are available from the entrance to the site, so visitors can get to experience the unusual rock formations along both sides of the river. The boat trip often reveals steep cliffs or other interesting areas along the shore, along with multiple layers of rock. During the cruise, the captain will make a few stops, so your guide can point out areas of specific interest or describe an area’s ecological highlights. Swimming is out of the question, though, due to the strong currents within this stretch of the river.
If you set off in the morning, take another long look at Sam Pan Bok when you return to the entrance at the end of your visit, as the surface and holes are likely to provide you with a different impression later in the day. Simply feast your eyes upon this raw, naturally beautiful site, or use your imagination to conjure up aspects of the area’s rich vein of history to ensure your visit is a particularly dramatic and memorable experience.