Three thousand holes
Carved by the Mekong.
This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author and may send me a message. (สามารถใช้ภาพได้อิสระ แต่กรุณาใส่เครดิตผู้ถ่ายและอาจส่งข — CC BY 4.0 · Charin ninsu — CC BY 3.0 · Charin ninsu — CC BY 3.0 · Charin ninsu — CC BY 3.0 · Charin ninsu — CC BY 3.0
An astonishing rock formation in the bed of the Mekong north-east of Ubon, visible only when the water drops in the dry season, which Thais call Sam Phan Bok, the three thousand holes, and some call Thailand's Grand Canyon. Broad sandstone shelves carved by the river's current over thousands of years are riddled with holes, basins and grooves in strange shapes. Visitors walk among the rocks past little pools of clear water and deep holes shaped like hearts, faces and animals, with the brown river running between the rocks and the hills of Laos on the far bank. The best time is sunset, when the rock turns gold and orange. Entry is free, and local boats take visitors on short trips among the rocks for an agreed fare. The whole site disappears underwater in the rainy season, roughly June to November, so the best months are January to April. The rocks are sharp and hot at midday, so wear good shoes, bring water, and watch for deep holes with children. The drive from Ubon is long, so combine it with Pha Taem in a full day or stay a night in the villages nearby.
Carved by the Mekong.
On the sandstone.
With the river level.
Pho Sai district, on the Mekong, about 130 km north-east of Ubon
In the dry season when the river is low, best January to April; in the rainy season it is underwater.