Thailand is at its best, as a destination, when it leans into its originality. I’m thinking about the postcard-perfect scenery of the south, and the lush jungles and golden temples of the north. Nowhere in the world can compete with these places—you simply can’t find them anywhere else.
In the unsung Isaan region, things can get a bit murkier. To be clear, there’s plenty of completely singular culture here, and some beautiful scenery as well.
Still, that hasn’t stopped local authorities from referring to one particularly places as the Grand Canyon of Thailand. Sam Phan Bok is a grand spot all right, but—spoiler alert—it isn’t really a canyon.
How Sam Phan Bok Got its Nickname
It’s hard to know precisely where the nomenclature of the Thailand Grand Canyon originate. Well, the nick-nomenclature: Local people both on the Thai side and the Lao side of the Mekong River have always simply referred to it as Sam Phan Bok, which literally means “three thousand holes.” The formation simply isn’t a canyon, let alone one with walls thousands of feet high like the original in Arizona.
Thankfully, taking a trip here is not as involved as a real Grand Canyon trip in America. Whether you stay in Ubon Ratchathani city or Mukdahan, you’ll get back to your hotel at a decent hour, which means that you can browse casinos for iPad without a lot of effort. Armed with only your tablet and a good WiFi connection, you can end your day with the enjoyment of playing all your favorite games with just a few taps on the screen.
Things to Know About Visiting Sam Phan Bok
It’s near Ubon
Ubon Ratchathani (often shortened, by Thais, to “Ubon”) is the closest major city to Sam Phan Bok. If you plan on going here, this is almost certainly where you will need to start your trip, particularly if you’re coming from Bangkok or elsewhere beforehand.
(But not in Ubon)
The Isaan Grand Canyon is a few hours away from Ubon’s city center, but it isn’t in-town at all. To this point, if you don’t plan to rent a car or motorbike, then you should expect to need to hire a taxi and driver. Public transportation can’t get you all the way here.
It’s only a “canyon” during the dry season
The “bok” of Sam Phan Bok are covered by the muddy waters of the Mekong River during the rainy months of the year, which are generally from about May until October. If you try to come during this time, chances are high that you won’t be able to see them at all.
(Seriously, don’t come during the rainy season)
Don’t believe me? Well, the first time I came to Ubon, I was intent upon seeing the Grand Canyon in Thailand. Unfortunately, it was September, so I arrived to Sam Phan Bok to see not a single hole, but simply deep water that could’ve been anywhere else along the Mekong.
It fits well into an Isaan road trip
The good news? I returned to Ubon another year in February, and successful saw Thailand’s Grand Non-Canyon. The better news? Rather than a long day trip from the city, I stopped here on my way from Ubon up to Nakhon Phanom via Mukdahan. Win-win!
Other Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is a city most foreign travelers don’t know exist, but one that’s full of amazing attractions to see and activities to do:
- Even if you don’t come for the annual Candle Festival, statues at spots like Wat Phra That Nong Bua (which is also home to a large Naga image) give you an idea of what you’re missing.
- Thung Sri Mueang is a relaxing green space, and certainly a large one given the small size of Ubon’s city center.
- Talad Yai Market is a vibrant riverfront market where you can shop, people-watch and of course enjoy delicious, spicy Isaan food.
TIP: If you plan to be in the Isaan region, I can also highly recommend nearby destinations like Nakhon Phanom and Udon Thani (which, admittedly, is not so nearby).
Other FAQ About the “Grand Canyon of Thailand”
Which place in Thailand is similar to the Grand Canyon?
Some people (and marketing professionals) have said the Sam Phan Bok, a rock formation on the Mekong River near Ubon Ratchathani, is similar to the Grand Canyon. But in my opinion, this characterization is lazy and inaccurate.
How long do you need at Thailand’s Grand Canyon?
Whether you’re staying in Ubon city or are on an Isaan road trip, you need at least a few hours to see Thailand’s Grand Canyon. You can see it from the water by going on a boat tour, or on land by walking over its namesake “three thousand holes.”
Is the Thai Grand Canyon worth it?
The Thai Grand Canyon is worth visiting if you set realistic expectations, and already plan to visit destinations that are nearby, such as the city of Ubon Ratchathani. But I wouldn’t make a dedicated trip there, or go out of my way to see it.
The Bottom Line
The bad news? The “Grand Canyon of Thailand” isn’t a canyon as such, even though there’s an argument to be made that the namesake 3,000 holes of Sam Phan Bok are indeed grand. The good news? If you’re planning to visit Ubon Ratchathani (or, more ideally, to take a road trip around Thailand’s Isaan region) anyway, then visiting the site and walking away content with what awaits you might not be such a heavy life, regardless of what you find or how you like it. Need personalized help integrating Thailand’s Grand Canyon in your next trip? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
