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Everything You Need to Know about Hin Sam Wan
- Things to Know
- Where is Hin Sam Wan?
- How to Get to Hin Sam Wan
- What to See and Do in Hin Sam Wan
- Enjoy the gentle breeze on the jungle road to Hin Sam Wan
- Stop by the Sang Roi Bor Viewpoint
- Pay your respects at Thammaphusingh Lan
- Check out the Elephant Stone
- Admire the three unique and massive whale-shaped rocks
- Strike numerous fun poses on top of the cliff
- Soak in the breathtaking scenery at the cliff
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Hin Sam Wan
- Phusingha Coffee
- Botanica Cafe & Bistro
- Po Kaeo Kitchen
- Where to Shop in and Near Hin Sam Wan
- Lotus’s Bueng Kan
- Global House Bueng Kan
- Makro Buengkan
- Where to Stay in and Near Hin Sam Wan
- Phu Singh Forest Park Campground
- The Wisdom Residence
- The One Hotel Bueng Kan
- FAQs about Hin Sam Wan
Hin Sam Wan, also known as Three Whale Rocks, is a scenic off-the-beaten destination in the Bueng Kan province. It’s a massive natural wonder featuring 3 unique rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views.
This underrated gem is tucked away in Thailand’s youngest province. That means its relative obscurity makes it a solid prospect for people who want to avoid the throngs of tourists.
With various other rock formations next to it, Hin Sam Wan is a promising destination for fans of stunning landscapes. Phu Singh Forest Park’s convenient tour package makes it all the more accessible.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 98 097 1049
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Costs: 100 baht
Where is Hin Sam Wan?
Hin Sam Wan in the south end of Bueng Kan’s Khok Kong Subdistrict. It’s at the end of the dirt road south of Phu Singh Forest Park Office.
How to Get to Hin Sam Wan
Plane: The best way to get to Hin Sam Wan from Bangkok is to catch a flight to Sakon Nakhon Airport and ride an airport taxi to Bueng Kan Town. This town is only 30 minutes from the Phu Singh Forest Park Office where you ride a pick-up truck to Hin Sam Wan.
Your options from Bueng Kan Town are tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, or rental scooters.
But keep in mind that you can also ask the taxi driver from Sakon Nakhon to take you directly to the park office unless you want to book a hotel in Bueng Kan first.
This method should get you to the rock cliffs in 4 to 5 hours.
Bus: The buses at Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal are a cheaper alternative that can get you directly to Bueng Kan Town. However, this method is slow because it takes approximately 11 hours and you still need to catch a ride to Hin Sam Wan.
Train: Another cheap option is to board a train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Nong Khai Railway Station. Once you arrive, there are taxis in Nong Khai that can take you to Bueng Kan or Phu Singh Forest Park Office.
What to See and Do in Hin Sam Wan
Enjoy the gentle breeze on the jungle road to Hin Sam Wan
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Hin Sam Wan is only accessible via the pick-up service offered at the Phu Singh Forest Park Office, so it makes the 5-kilometer back-and-forth trip a breeze. They also have local guides in case you like to learn more about the whale-shaped cliffs.
Though not ideal for travelers looking for some hiking action, it’s definitely a solid option for casual tourists who prefer a more relaxed experience. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck allows you to enjoy the jungle view and feel the wind on your face.
This service costs 500 baht if you’re riding solo but you can split this fee with other visitors as well.
Stop by the Sang Roi Bor Viewpoint
Sang Roi Bor Viewpoint, also known as the Three Hundred Wells, is a popular attraction along the jungle road to Hin Sam Wan’s summit. This aptly-named lookout point is a massive rock formation with hundreds of naturally formed potholes.
These potholes are the result of rain causing the limestone formation to erode over time. If you visit during the rainy season, these rainwater-filled holes will look like numerous wells.
This spot also offers a stunning view of the surrounding lush forests. Don’t miss out the two massive rocks near the viewpoint, which are popular photo spots along the Hin Sam Wan route.
Pay your respects at Thammaphusingh Lan
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Thammaphusingh Lan is part of the Hin Sam Wan tour, and it’s definitely worth checking out because it’s an important religious site for the locals. Here, you’ll find the golden Buddha image Luang Phor Phra Singh Bueng Kan.
This seated Buddha is revered in Bueng Kan, so expect to see devotees praying and offering flowers when you visit. Behind it are massive rock formations, so you also get a chance to capture more stunning landscape photos.
Check out the Elephant Stone
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A trip to Hin Sam Wan won’t be complete without checking out the Elephant Stone. This unique rock formation resembles an elephant, so it’s certainly a must-see if you like to take landscape photos.
Plus, the park’s pick-up service always stops here for some photo opportunities since it’s part of the tour. The rock formation is visible along the road, but you can also walk closer along the cliff to get a better view and shooting angle.
This cliff also overlooks the surrounding vast greeneries, so expect a breathtaking view behind the Elephant Stone.
Admire the three unique and massive whale-shaped rocks
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Hin Sam Wan’s 3 massive rock cliffs are one of the most picturesque attractions in Bueng Kan. These protruding rock formations are approximately 75 million years old and were formed due to weathering factors.
Also, these rock cliffs only look like a family of whales when viewed from an extremely high angle, so a drone is a must if you want to admire them to the fullest.
Luckily, Phu Singh Forest Park offers a paid drone service, so be sure to inquire about it beforehand. You can also bring your own drone, but you must first secure a permit from the local government to use it.
It’s also worth noting that the cliff doesn’t have barriers, so look for the designated yellow markers and stay inside them to avoid a fatal drop.
Strike numerous fun poses on top of the cliff
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Capturing fun and exciting photos is the most popular activity in Hin Sam Wan. In fact, this cliff is a well-known Instagrammable spot because visitors can take excellent jump-shot photos that make them look like they’re floating over the Thai-Laos border.
It’s great that the local guides bring props to help improve your compositions! A crowd-favorite prop is the broomstick which you can use to make yourself look like you’re riding it in the sky.
There’s also a small trail behind each cliff that lets you jump between them if you like to take their photos separately.
Soak in the breathtaking scenery at the cliff
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Though Hin Sam Wan is best known for its whale-shaped cliffs, it’s also frequented for its breathtaking scenery. Here, you can soak in the vast lush greeneries of Bueng Kan Province, the Mekong River, and the south end of Laos’ Bolikhamsai Province.
Be sure to visit during a sunny day for a postcard-perfect view with clear cloudy skies and vibrant forests.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Hin Sam Wan
Phusingha Coffee
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Address: Rural Road Khok Kong, Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 97 279 8435
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for coffee
Phusingha Coffee is a chic cafe with a charming and modern industrial-style interior. It’s also close to the Phu Singh Forest Park Office, so it’s a convenient place to get your caffeine fix before heading for Hin Sam Wan.
Their drink menu also includes a wide range of iced tea and Italian soda so there are plenty of refreshing options if you’re looking to cool down.
They also have a dedicated handicrafts section, where you can choose between numerous souvenir items, from keychains to bracelets, plushies, and more.
Botanica Cafe & Bistro
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Address: Bueng Kan Tai
Phone: +66 61 898 5029
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for the health-conscious
Botanical Cafe & Bistro is known for its chic garden dining area adorned with hanging and potted plants, plus their extensive selection of Thai and Western dishes.
This includes local specialties like spicy glass noodle salad, Thai basil chicken basil, and spicy Thai seafood salad. If you crave Western cuisine, your best options are Italian pasta, grilled salmon, and chicken breast steak.
The sweet-toothed foodies on our team also swear by their selection of fruity yogurts, smoothies, and mocktails. Their vegetarian options are also a massive plus.
With these, they’re certainly worth the 34-minute drive from Hin Sam Wan!
Po Kaeo Kitchen
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Address: 323/1 Wisit Subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 85 643 0631
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
If you’re searching for good-quality Thai food, Po Kaeo Kitchen is one of the best restaurants you can find near Hin Sam Wan. It’s also a riverside restaurant, so expect a relaxing view of the great Mekong River.
They’re also well-known to seafood lovers who frequent Bueng Kan for dishes made with fresh Mekong giant catfish. Don’t forget to check the special blackboard menu based on the freshly caught fish available in the market!
If you’re not into seafood, they also serve other Thai specialties like Thai basil chicken, mixed veggies with pork, and more!
Where to Shop in and Near Hin Sam Wan
Lotus’s Bueng Kan
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Address: 461 Moo 1 Chayangkun Rd, Wisit, Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 42 491 621
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Lotus’s Bueng Kan is a massive hypermarket that ticks all the boxes when it comes to your shopping needs, from groceries to gadgets. The supermarket and department stores here also sell imported products.
There’s also a large on-site food court and numerous fast food chains, perfect if you’re looking for a quick meal while shopping. They also have kiddie playgrounds and numerous toy stores, perfect for families with their children.
Global House Bueng Kan
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Address: Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 2 267 0412
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for home-related products
Global House Bueng Kan is the best home improvement store near Hin Sam Wan. Here, you’ll get a wide selection of home-related products, from kitchenware to furnishings.
They also have a dedicated section for home appliances and entertainment systems. Oh, and there’s a toy section in case you plan to bring your kid along.
Makro Buengkan
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Address: 680 Moo 7 Chayangkun Road, Wisit, Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 42 492 600
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for wholesale shopping
Makro Buengkan is known for its wide selection of groceries, so it’s definitely a solid choice if you plan to shop for some essential items. We also like their focus on wholesale, perfect if your goal is stock up and purchase in bulk.
Moreover, buying wholesale gets you plenty of discounts so it’s great if you’re staying in town for a while. This retail store is also in the heart of downtown Bueng Kan, so it’s only a 33-minute drive to Hin Sam Wan.
Where to Stay in and Near Hin Sam Wan
Phu Singh Forest Park Campground
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Address: 201 Non Sai Thong Khok Kong, Mueang Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 98 097 1049
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
At this campground in Phu Singh Forest Park Office, you have quick access back to the iconic rock cliff and you don’t have to travel far once the tour is complete.
Their rental tents and sleeping gear are also affordable, so you won’t break the bank if you plan to stay for several days. Also, there’s a line of eateries, cafes, and shops next to the campground so you’re covered for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
The slight downside? The nearby bathrooms cost 5 baht to use.
The Wisdom Residence
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Address: 503 Moo 1, Chayangkun Road, Bueng Kan District
Phone: +66 42 086 977
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
If you want a more cozy experience, check out Wisdom Residence in Bueng Kan Town. It’s only a 32-minute drive from Hin Sam Wan, so it’s a pretty reasonable travel time given what you’ll get.
They have affordable air-conditioned rooms with minimalist interiors, en-suite bathrooms, wardrobes, mini-fridges, and more. Their units are designed for two guests but there are also a few 3-capacity rooms for small groups.
This hotel’s convenient location also gives you easy access to the town’s local haunts. Think Bueng Kan Market, Bueng Kan Walking Street, Bueng Kan Beach, and Nong Bueng Kan Public Park.
The One Hotel Bueng Kan
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Address: 459 Moo 1, Bueng Kan-Nakhon Phrom Road
Phone: +66 42 492 234
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
The One Hotel Bueng Kan is arguably the best hotel in Bueng Kan, so it’s definitely worth the 31-minute drive from Hin Sam Wan. This place features airy modern rooms with elegant minimalist interiors and superb town views.
They also have a massive outdoor pool with numerous sun beds and colorful waterslides, perfect for families with children.
They also have a full-service spa and a fully-equipped fitness gym, plus an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast buffets. Its convenient location in the middle of Bueng Kan Town is also a massive plus!
