Ubon Ratchathani province features plateaus and mountain ranges with the Mun River running through the middle. The region where Ubon Ratchathani borders both Cambodia and Laos has been coined “the Emerald Triangle” in recognition of its magnificent green landscapes. Adding to Ubon Ratchathani’s natural appeal, Phu Chong Nayoi and Pha Taem National Parks are two of Isan’s most unspoiled and unvisited natural preserves. Ubon Ratchathani, the north-east's largest city, is also a wonderful place to witness the annual candle festival, a charming Buddhist celebration. Ubon Ratchathani (often shortened to Ubon, Thai: อุบลราชธานี) is one of the northeastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, and the country's easternmost. Ubon is about 630 km (390 mi) from Bangkok.[1] Neighboring Provinces are (from west clockwise)Sisaket, Yasothon, and Amnat Charoen. To the north and east it borders Salavan and Champasak of Laos, to the south Preah Vihearof Cambodia.
Sam Pan Bok means the 3000 holes. This amazing piece of nature is located 120 km from Ubon Ratchathani, near the Laotian border. It is also called the Grand Canyon of Siam and it is true that the smaller rock formations can remind you of its American counterpart. It is small rocky desert with holes, probably 3000 but I must admit, we have not recounted, often with water inside. And two arms of a river.
You will notice some curiosities like a hole with the shape of heart, another with the shape of Mickey Mouse's head or a rock that looks like a dog's head, for instance. The game is to find them. It is better, if possible, to visit Sam Pan Bok at the beginning or at the end of the day when the heat is bearable because there is no tree and therefore no shadow. You can take a longtail ride on the river for 300 baht, but what is really interesting here are the holes and small cracks which are only accessible by feet. Photograpphy enthusiasts will probably enjoy the place a lot, others may be a little less excited. Just before arriving, two kilometers before Sam Pan Bok, the road splits in two parts, one with a paved path on the right and a wide dirt road on the left. The most interesting part is the one at the end of the dirt road. Wat Thung Si Mueang (วัดทุ่งศรีเมือง) The Buddha's footprint is housed in the ubosot which mirrors art blending between the early Rattanakosin era and that of Vientiane. Another important building in the temple is the Ho Trai, the Hall of Tipitaka scriptures. The wooden hall was built in the pond to protect the Tipitaka from insects.