We are heading to the far northeast of Thailand to uncover one of the country’s most unique natural wonders: Hin Sam Wan, better known as Three Whale Rock. Get ready to step into a place where nature, legend, and breathtaking views come together for an unforgettable adventure.
What is Three Whale Rock?
Hidden in the green hills of Phu Sing Forest Park near the Laos border, Three Whale Rock is a group of three huge, reddish-brown stone formations. From above, they look just like a family of whales—mom, dad, and baby—swimming together through a sea of treetops.
These giant rocks formed around 75 million years ago thanks to the wind and rain slowly shaping the sandstone over time. Today, these whale-shaped boulders rise from the forest, drawing visitors from across Thailand and beyond.
The Legend of the Three Whales
Long ago, there was a small village near the sea. The people in this village depended on the sea for their food, and fishing was a part of their everyday life. Just off the coast, there were three giant whales that the villagers often saw swimming together. The villagers believed these whales were their guardians and felt lucky and safe whenever they saw them.
One day, a group of fishermen set out to catch fish as usual. As they worked, their nets accidentally trapped one of the whales. The hurt whale struggled while the other two stayed close, trying to protect their friend. Realizing what had happened, the fishermen quickly cut their nets to free the trapped whale.
After that day, the villagers never saw the whales again. They believed the whales were angry and sad about what had happened, so they left and never returned. The loss made everyone in the village feel sorry and reminded them to take better care of the sea and its creatures.
To remember the whales, the villagers started calling three huge rocks by the shore "Hin Sam Wan," or "Three Whale Rock." Even today, these rocks are a symbol of respect for nature and a reminder of the legend of the whales who watched over the village.
What Can You See and Do?
Hiking Adventures
Reach Three Whale Rock after a scenic trek through the forested hills of Phu Sing Forest Park. Only “mom” and “dad” whale rocks are open to visitors on foot—the “baby” whale is kept closed for safety.
Stunning Views
From the top of these giant stones, you can see:
The lush green forest below
The winding Mekong River beaches
Distant mountains in Laos
The peaceful Phu Wua Forest
Just be careful—there are no railings, and the drops are high, so watch your step, especially with children.
Explore More!
Three Whale Rock is just one of many amazing sights in Phu Sing Forest Park. Don’t miss:
Lion Cliff – a rock that looks like a little version of the Great Sphinx
Elephant Head Rock – a boulder shaped just like an elephant’s face
Natural viewpoints with rainwater pools
You can explore by hiking the trails or renting a pickup truck for a tour.
A Place of Peace
Before becoming famous with tourists in the late 2010s, Phu Sing Forest Park was mostly visited by Buddhist monks, who came here to meditate. If you look around, you might still see old monks’ huts tucked among the trees, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Tips for Your Visit
Stay Safe: The rocks are very high and have no safety railings.
No Baby Whale: The smallest rock is closed to protect visitors.
Bring Water and Snacks: There are few shops nearby.
Help Keep It Beautiful: Take your trash with you and respect the natural surroundings.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can get your Thai eSim card before you arrive…
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. You can grab your esim on the go before you arrive to Thailand to save expensive mistakes upon your arrival.
Whether you are interested in rare rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, or legendary tales, Hin Sam Wan—Three Whale Rock offers an experience you’ll never forget. It’s a chance to see a side of Thailand that’s both ancient and magical.
Add Three Whale Rock to your bucket list and get ready to explore this incredible corner of Thailand!