Sam Phan Bok

🌊 Location & Overview —•Located at Ban Pong Pao, Tambon Leang Ngam, Amphoe Pho Sai, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on the banks of the Mekong River.  —•“Sam Phan Bok” literally means 3,000 holes—formed by erosion of whirlpools in sandstone, with thousands of small and large holes.  🕒 Best time to visit —•Most visible during the dry season (December–May) when the water level drops—the holes emerge in the middle of the river.  —•Morning (sunrise) and evening (sunset) are the best times to take photos, with golden light hitting the rocks and holes softly.  🎯 Must-see highlights —•Various shapes of holes, from round holes, hearts, to those resembling “Mickey Mouse” and “Dog Head”  —•Emerald Pool, a large hole with clear green water that looks like a natural pool  —•The atmosphere is like a small Grand Canyon of Thailand—a landscape of bare rocks, peaceful and beautiful in every dimension  🚶♂️ Activities & travel routes 1. Walk to explore the sway, choose a route according to the local guide or walk by yourself (we recommend wearing tight shoes) 2. Take a boat to see the sway from Hat Salung (Ban Song Kon), experience the rapids and natural sway for about 4 km.   3. Wait to take pictures. Popular spots: Mickey Mouse, Emerald Pool, and Dog Head 4. Have a picnic in the prepared area or walk to see the surrounding nature 5. Explore Had Chom Dao, the next stop nearby, there are also beautiful rocks and stone fields.   🚗 How to get there —•From Ubon Ratchathani, drive ~2 hours (120 km) through Trakan Phuet Phon District → Pho Sai  —•Or from Khong Chiam/Chong Mek, drive along the Mekong along Highway 2112 for about 80 km.  —•To Ban Song Kon → Take a boat/walk to the Sam Phan Bok rapids area —•There are local guides available (~200฿ per car on holidays). It is recommended to come on weekdays to avoid the crowds.  💡 Tips for a fun trip —•Prepare a flashlight at night/early morning because the rocky path is not well-lit.  —•Wear tight-fitting shoes And wear sun protection clothing (no umbrellas, no big trees) —•Bring drinking water and snacks, picnic in the bok —•Return before the Mekong River rises during the rainy season (May) because it will be flooded —•Buy a full tank of gas before entering Pho Sai because the area is remote and there are no large gas stations