SAM PAN BOAK [ UBONRATCHATHANI ]

Sam Phan Bok (3000 holes)

GRAND CANYON OF THAILAND    

Many tourists might have heard about the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but there is also one in Thailand. In the northeast of Thailand, there is another beautiful unseen natural wonder called, Sam Phan Bok, or Grand Canyon of Thailand. Located in Pho Sai district, Ubon Ratchathani, Sam Phan Bok is a new destination that attracts numerous people to watch memorable sunsets and to spend the night on the fascinating rocky ground.

Visitors might become bewildered with the strange-looking and artistic shape of a giant stone platform, 3-7 meters tall and 20 meters wide, lying in the middle of the Mekong River. Locals named this place for its abnormal landscape and because it is filled with numerous holes and basins, “Sam Phan Bok”. The word “Bok” means “œhole” in the local language. Sam Phan Bok literally means three thousands holes.

Sam Phan Bok is a testament to Mother Natureโ€™s power, formed from water running and crashing against the rocks. As a result of this water erosion, holes of various shapes and sizes dot the rocky canvas, which makes the rocks appear like sculptures carved by the Mekong River.

The rocks offer a fantastic panorama of topographical scenery that becomes visible to the naked eye but once a year when the water in Mekong River recedes. This happens after the rainy season between December and April.


On the sunny day at Sam Phan Bok, while the summer breeze is blowing, a group of local children can be seen climbing up to the top of the canyon playing pirates; pretending to hide treasure in one of the many secret enclaves. It is said that there the most beautiful Bok is named, Sa Morakot (Emerald Pond). It is hidden in a labyrinth of a walkway that is worth exploring.

Along the vast canyon, some holes are very big and vast like swimming pools. Some holes are oval-shaped and reflect the blue sky and other objects nearby just like a mirror. If you are lucky enough, you will find the fresh water jelly-fish in the Mekong. Such a sight would be a highlight considering how seldom they are seen.

Visitors to Sam Phan Bok can take a boat and float along the river and to explore the caves, sandy beaches, unique local fishing villages and more. The best time for visiting is in the morning and in the evening. For the first timers, visitors should start this trip with Had Salueng, a long white powdery beach at Song Khon village. Also, they should to taste the delicacy of Thai-Isaan food (fresh water fish menu), this is a must-try recommendation for all tourists.

Sam Phan Bok is about 120 km. from Ubon Ratchathani. Visitors can drive along the road no. 2050 via Trakan Phuet Phon District to Pho Sai District to witness the impressive Grand Canyon of Thailand.

 

Hilight :
• Mekong Grand Canyon, a formation of millions of years of water erosion and a 20-meter-wide water channel with a height of 3-7 meters
• Pak Bong, the narrowest part of the Mekong River (only 56 meters wide).
• Hat Hong, an enormous sand ridge, serving as a vantage point for the spectacular sunset
• Lak Sila Lek, a rock on which the French soldiers once in the colonial period marked digits to gauge the water level of the Mekong
Activity :

Enjoy the majestic Sam-Phan-Bok, with a round-trip cruise (from Hat Salueng at Songkhon Village) for about 4 kilometers passing several interesting spots

How to go :
• By car: From Ubon Ratchathani town, go along Highway No. 2050, passing Trakan Phuetphon County to Phosai County, then go to Songkhon Village, continue driving for a further 3 kilometers to reach Hat Salueng where you can hire a boat to Sam-Phan-Bok
• By bus: Take a bus from Mochit 2 station (Northeastern Route), which is available daily
• By train: Take a train from Hualumpong station or Bangsue station on Bangkok-Ubon Ratchatani route, which is available daily
• By air: Take a daily flight from Bangkok to Ubon
 
What / Why :
Sam-Phan-Bok, a group of mystic rocks looming above the waterway only in the dry season, is located at Songkhon Village, Pho Sai County in Ubon Ratchathani. Songkhon Village is a peaceful compact community on the Mekong bank of the East end of Thailand.

Author :
A cruising trip of the Mekong River and Sam-Phan-Bok takes about 2 hours. It is recommended to go in the early morning or in the evening to avoid the hot and strong sunshine.
For More Information :
Contact : Songkhon Local Administration Organization
Tel: (66) 4533 8057, (66) 4533 8015

cr : ubonratchathanithailand.com
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