During the New Year's holiday, everyone wants to go home. I am one of them. I came back to relax at home (Ubon Ratchathani). Since I like to travel, I thought I would go somewhere I've never been before. So I ended up here at Pha Taem National Park. I wanted to go camping and see it for myself. Otherwise, it would be a shame to be from Ubon Ratchathani and never have been here. I've never been here before, haha. It was the perfect way to end 2017.

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Trip Summary

29/12/2017 - Kaeng Sapue - Wat Tham Khuha Sawan - Sam Pan Bok - Sao Chaliang - Lan Hin Taek - Pha Taem

30/12/2017 - Alexander the Great's Plaza - Pha Mon - Prehistoric Paintings

2-Day, 1-Night Camping Trip for 770 Baht (Local Price)

Excluding airfare and car rental.

Suggested Location: "Pha Taem"

Located within the Pha Taem National Park, the area is also close to Pha Chanadai, known for being the first place in Thailand to witness the sunrise. Pha Taem's main attraction is its prehistoric rock paintings, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past. Additionally, the park provides stunning views of the mountains of neighboring Laos.

The surrounding area boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, too numerous to list here. From temples and waterfalls to rapids, mountains, rocks, and markets, there's something for everyone. Explore Google to discover the full range of options and choose your adventure.

Transportation and Accommodation

Travel and accommodation: Visitors can drive directly to the campsite, accommodation, and scenic viewpoints. Tents and bedding are available for rent.

December 29, 2017

11:00 AM - I originally planned to leave early in the morning so that I could visit many places, but when I woke up, I felt lazy. I sat down to eat and talk with my mother. At first, I invited her to come with me, but she refused because she was afraid of getting sick. So I agreed to go alone. But it wasn't until 11:00 AM that I was finally able to leave. I just kept procrastinating.

As a local, I used my own car today. However, I've heard that most people rent cars, which shouldn't be too difficult to find. I can't offer any specific recommendations. We started our journey from Warin District, taking Highway 217 towards Phibun Mangsahan. I call this road the "Saraphith Hospital Road." It's a straight, four-lane road that's in excellent condition, making for a smooth drive.

Incomplete Travel Map

Pibool Mangasahan District - Sa Phue Rapids

11:30 AM - Pibool Mangasahan District: This large district serves as a central hub for nearby tourist attractions, including the nearby Sa Phue Rapids. Since we were passing through anyway, we decided to make a quick stop.

The entrance features a small market selling dried food and souvenirs. The rapids are located in the Mun River and consist of rocky formations. I remember having fun playing here as a child, but there were no people playing this time around. The water was also a bit murky.

The Shrine of Phra Lak Ngum is located in the same place.

Let's continue! After crossing the Mun River Bridge seen in the picture, turn right onto Route 2222. Our next stop is Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. Drive straight along the main road. It's easy to get there, and the temple is hard to miss. It has a large chedi. How large?

Kuha Sawan Cave Temple - Khong Chiam District

The area where we can pay our respects is located within the gate. Please enter the gate and then descend the stairs.

Beyond the elephant statue, there is a viewpoint. If I'm not mistaken, it should be the Two-Colored River viewpoint. However, it is a bit far away.

12:00 PM - I made a slight miscalculation in my plan. I was originally going to head straight to Pha Taem, but then I remembered that I had never been to "Sam Phan Bok" and I had plenty of time to spare. Since I was already in the area, I decided to check it out. I followed Google Maps all the way to Sam Phan Bok, which took almost an hour. I didn't realize it would be so far. Haha! I followed the directions given by a local woman and came across a beautiful stretch of road. It was so beautiful that I had to stop the car and admire it.

After taking photos, we continued our journey until we reached the "Test Your Courage" sign. The sign indicated the direction to the viewpoint, which we assumed was a gravel road. Without further research, we continued driving. Upon reaching the parking lot, we found souvenir shops and food vendors. An announcement informed us that we had not yet reached the Three Thousand Peaks and needed to take a shared taxi to reach the destination.

The Journey to Three Thousand Bends: A Shared Ride on a Songthaew

The songthaew, a ubiquitous mode of transportation in Thailand, served as my chariot to the breathtaking landscape of Three Thousand Bends. Hailing a shared ride for a mere 200 baht, I found myself joining a local family on their journey. With four passengers in total, the cost was divided equally, making the trip an affordable 50 baht per person.

This shared experience not only provided a cost-effective means of transportation but also offered a glimpse into the lives of the local people. As we traversed the winding roads, I engaged in conversation with the family, learning about their daily routines and perspectives on the region. This cultural exchange enriched my understanding of the area and fostered a sense of connection with the community.

The journey itself was a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the Thai people. The songthaew, a modified pickup truck, served as a versatile vehicle, transporting both passengers and goods with equal ease. Its open-air design provided a refreshing breeze and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

As we approached our destination, the anticipation grew. The sight of the towering limestone formations, sculpted by the relentless Mekong River, was truly awe-inspiring. The name "Three Thousand Bends" aptly describes the intricate network of channels and waterways that snake through the landscape, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

The shared ride on the songthaew was more than just a means of transportation; it was an integral part of the experience. It allowed me to connect with the local community, appreciate their way of life, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Three Thousand Bends.

Songthaew

A ten-minute drive brought us to the parking spot, where we were greeted by an extraordinary view. It was far grander than I had anticipated. Initially, I had assumed it would be rather small, but to my surprise, it was massive.

Why is the moon so bright tonight?

Since you're alone, how will you take a picture of yourself? As for me, I'll just take a picture of my shadow, haha.

Small docks are available for tourists to rent and take boat tours. However, the price is unknown as I did not inquire.

The image shows depressions filled with stagnant water. These depressions are at a different level than the river on the right, indicating they are on a separate layer.

This image effectively captures the grandeur of the location. Be prepared for a tiring walk and the sun, so **bring an umbrella**.

Above the rock pool, there is a pool of water, like a small lake, as shown in the picture. It's pretty cool, isn't it?

Find "Mickey Mouse"

Standing like a boy band. 😜

After standing in the sun until my face was sunburned, I returned to Pha Taem. Before leaving Sam Phan Bok, I stopped to buy some provisions: grilled chicken and sticky rice for 70 baht. I should mention that sticky rice here isn't sold like it is in Bangkok. I told the vendor "one sticky rice, please," and she went to scoop some up. I was a bit hesitant, wondering if this was the right way to do it, so I asked, "How much is one bag?" The vendor quickly replied, "It's this much, enough to make you full." You're not kidding me, are you? Haha.

5:00 PM - Arrived at Pha Taem National Park. The entrance has a checkpoint like other national parks, with the same entrance fees: 40 baht for a car and 30 baht per person. Camping costs 30 baht, payable at the campsite. Before reaching the campsite, be sure to stop for a photo at the nearby **Sao Chaliang - Hin Taek**.

The porch pillars are easy to spot, but the cracked stone courtyard is a bit further in. Just follow the signs.

We then headed straight to the viewpoint, as it was starting to get dark. For those who wanted to set up their tents, they could go ahead and do so at the "Tent Area 2".

Almost missed the sunset.

A coffee shop with a sunset view

Next, find a place to pitch your tent in "Tent Area 2". You can then choose a spot to set up your tent. The restrooms here are very clean, but there are a few insects. The area is not very crowded and seems peaceful.

What to do when it's dark? Take pictures of the stars.

My first attempt at photographing the Startail was a disaster, the lines were all broken. This photo captures a lot of emotions. I had to walk out to the entrance to take it because there wasn't much light to interfere, but the problem was that I was alone, so I was a little embarrassed. Haha.

I slept soundly afterwards.

December 29, 2017

5:30 AM - I woke up just before sunrise. The sunrise viewpoint at Pha Taem is about 1 kilometer from the campsite, if I remember correctly. When I arrived, there were already people waiting to watch the sunrise. It was beautiful.

Have you ever seen the Teletubbies' light? Haha.

The mountain range is breathtakingly beautiful.

The first light is stunningly beautiful.

Set up a Time-Lapse clip below

The Alexander viewpoint is a great place to watch the sunrise. The name comes from its use as a filming location for a movie.

Dry grass for winter.

The next step is to walk to see prehistoric paintings. The total walking distance is 4,000 meters, with several painting points. You can walk as far as you want, but I recommend walking the whole way. As for me, I started walking from Alexander's Square, which means walking backwards from the back to the front. It's strange, but it's easier to walk. I recommend it.

This is a double thrill, just now, feeling close to each other, too close?

From here, walk back out and turn right to continue.

It took me about 1.5 hours to walk. It was quite a long walk.

My final step, which is the first step for most people. After that, I went straight home.

Money

Oil -----------------------500

Songthaew to Sam Phan Bok ------50

Dinner ----------------------70

Park -------------------40

Park -------------------30 people

Pitch a tent --------------------30

Food ---------------------- 50

770 Baht

Some people may need to add the cost of flights and car rentals.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Review <<<<<< 5 stars: Easy, convenient, and excellent.

★★★★ : **Travel** [Car] Most of the roads are very good, but the section to Sam Phan Bok is not as good as it should be.

★★★★ : **Travel:** [4 km on foot] Walking is a good option, as you don't have to carry much luggage.

★★★★★ : Accommodation and bathroom

★★★★★ : Beauty, awesomeness

Price: Convenient location near home, easy to travel to.

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Note: I hope you enjoy it.