Hin Sam Wan – Conquering the Famous “Three Whale Rocks” in Bueng Kan

December 9, 2025

Hin Sam Wan – or Three Whale Rocks – is the most famous sunrise viewing spot in Bueng Kan. This article provides detailed instructions on how to go early, the difficulty of the trek, route map, and safety notes so you can conquer the “Three Whale Rocks” completely, safely, and in the most optimal time.

Hin Sam Wan – Conquering the Famous “Three Whale Rocks” in Bueng Kan @thailandnews.co

Hin Sam Wan (Three Whale Rock) is one of the “little-known beautiful spots” in Thailand, located deep in Phu Sing forest in Bueng Kan province. Three giant sandstone blocks are stacked together to form a unique shape like three whales swimming in the middle of the forest. This is also a great place to hunt for the sunrise, see the whole view of the Isan forest, and do a light 10-20 minute trek suitable for all levels.

If you are looking for a unique, wild, and different destination compared to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Hin Sam Wan is the perfect choice for your next trip.

How to Get to Hin Sam Wan? Self-guided Sunrise Hunting Itinerary from Bueng Kan Center

Although the Phu Sing area is still quite wild and has few signs, the actual route is easy to follow if you know the right time and transfer point. The most important thing is to start early to catch the sunrise – the most beautiful moment of the day.

What Time to Leave to Catch the Sunrise?

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If you are staying in Bueng Kan center, the most reasonable time to leave the hotel is 4:30 – 4:45 am. Departing during this time frame will help you arrive at the Phu Sing Forest Park gate around 5:10 am, just in time to do the quick check-in procedure and transfer to the park’s pickup truck.

The shuttle will take you to the starting point of the trek in about 10-15 minutes. Normally, you will set foot in the trekking area at 5:25 – 5:35 am, still enough time to walk gently for 10-20 minutes to Mother Whale’s Head. When everything goes smoothly, you will be at the top of the rock at around 5:45, which is also the time when the sun begins to rise through Phu Sing forest.

Going early always brings a more complete experience: cool air, less people, beautiful light and easy to take pictures of the “three whales” without the crowds. This is also the time frame chosen by many tourists because of the quality of the photos and the unique quiet feeling that only dawn in Bueng Kan has.

Is it difficult to go to Hin Sam Wan? How long does it take to travel?

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Trekking to Hin Sam Wan is considered one of the most gentle and accessible experiences in Bueng Kan. Although the terrain is sandstone mixed with dirt and forest roads, the route is relatively flat, suitable even for people with no climbing experience.

Normally, it will take you about 10-20 minutes to go from the transfer point to Mother Whale Cape. The time difference depends on the speed of travel and whether you stop to take photos along the way. The path has clear signs, some sections have ropes to ensure safety, so you just need to follow the main trail to get there.

The difficulty is rated as easy by many visitors. However, there is a small note: the sandstone surface can be more slippery in the early morning due to dew, so you should wear shoes with good grip and limit standing close to the edge of the rock when the wind is strong. After about 7:00, direct sunlight makes the trek hotter, so the dawn time is still the most ideal choice.

Hin Sam Wan Trekking Route Map

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The trekking route in Phu Sing Forest Park is quite short, but has many important stops. To make it easier to visualize, you can see this route as a light straight line, going from the pick-up point into the forest → the three rocks area → the final panoramic view point.

Trek Start Point

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This is where the park’s pickup truck stops. This area has a large “Start Point” sign, you will easily recognize it. From here, there is only one main road leading into the forest, so it is difficult to get lost.

Mother Whale Rock

This is the first and most prominent destination on the route. The rock is long, flat and faces directly into Phu Sing forest, creating conditions to see the whole sunrise. Most visitors stay here the longest.

Father Whale Rock

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Located right behind Mother Whale, the rock body is slightly high and tapers towards the back. This is a good angle if you want to capture the entire “three whale” structure in a wide frame.

Baby Whale Rock

The smallest rock but gives a wide view of the forest and other rock ranges in the park. The road to get here is only a few minutes from Father Whale.

Panoramic Viewpoint End of Route

Go a short distance further to the flat rock area, where you can look back at the entire “three whales” cluster. Not many people continue to this point, so the scenery is usually quiet and easy to photograph.

Important Notes on the Route

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The viewpoints are all on the rocky surface, so they can be slippery in the early morning – walk slowly.
Do not cross areas marked with ropes or warning signs.
If there is thick fog, stand a safe distance from the edge of the rocks and wait for the wind to disperse.
Although the forest is quite large, the main route is very clear – just follow the trail and signs.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hin Sam Wan (Three Whale Rocks)?

The best time to visit Hin Sam Wan is from November to February, when the weather is cool, the sky is clear, and visibility is good – ideal for watching the sunrise. This is also the dry season in Isan, so the trek is dry, the rocks are less slippery, and it’s easier to move around.

From March to May, the temperature increases, the sun is strong early so you should go early to avoid the heat. The period from July to September has a lot of rain, the sandstone surface is slippery due to dew and rainwater; the park sometimes limits going to the top on bad weather days. If you go during this season, check the weather forecast before departure.

Checklist to Prepare Before Going to Three Whale Rocks

Although the trek route is quite easy, Hin Sam Wan is still a natural forest so you need to prepare lightly but fully. The list below will help you go more safely and comfortably:

Hiking shoes with good grip: the sandstone surface can be slippery in the early morning.
Thin jacket: the wind at the top is quite strong, especially at 5-6 am.
Flashlight or headlamp: useful when you go from the parking lot to Whale Rock in the dark.
300-500 ml of drinking water: enough for a short trek.
Fully charged phone + spare battery: the forest area still has signal but it is easy to drain the battery when taking pictures.
Small towel or thin towel: wipe off dew or sweat while moving.
Tips from experienced travelers: the less you bring, the easier it is to trek, because the climb is not long but the wind blows strongly on the rock face, carrying neatly helps to move more safely.

Visiting Places Near Bueng Kan That Can Be Combined In Hin Sam Wan Trip

If you have more time after conquering Hin Sam Wan, the Bueng Kan area still has many natural and cultural destinations worth experiencing. Below are 5 detailed suggestions to help you easily schedule 1-2 days.

Wat Phu Tok – Famous Wooden Temple Hanging on the Mountain

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Wat Phu Tok is located about an hour from Bueng Kan and is notable for its wooden bridge system around the sandstone mountain. The paths are divided into seven levels symbolizing the “path to enlightenment”, providing a unique experience and a mild challenge. Standing on the wooden balconies overlooking the Isan plains, you will see a landscape stretching out, peaceful and very different from the familiar tourist destinations of Thailand.

Bueng Khong Long Lake – Peaceful Sunset Viewing Spot

Bueng Khong Long is a large freshwater lake located in the middle of the Bueng Kan countryside. It is famous for its calm lake surface, reflecting the beautiful sky at the end of the day. Visitors often come here to walk, watch migratory birds (depending on the season) or simply relax on the shore. The most ideal time is around 16:30-18:00, when the sunlight is soft and the lake turns orange-yellow.

Phu Langka Forest Park – Majestic Sandstone Landscape

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Phu Langka is a forest park with sandstone terrain typical of the Isan region. Only about 30-45 minutes from Bueng Kan, this place has many light trekking routes and viewpoints overlooking the vast valley. The most pleasant climate is from November to February, with clear skies and little rain. This is a suitable stop for visitors who want to combine more natural activities after Hin Sam Wan.

Mekong River Bank – Stroll & Enjoy Local Cuisine

Right in the center of Bueng Kan, the Mekong River bank is planned to be airy, clean and very suitable for a gentle afternoon. You can watch the river flow to the Lao side or enjoy authentic Isan dishes from roadside stalls. The scenery is simple but very “real”, giving you a feeling of authentic local life.

Other Rocks in Phu Sing

In addition to Three Whale Rock, Phu Sing has many other interesting rock spots. Below are the two most worth-visiting spots:

Lan Hin Taek: a naturally cracked stone road, forming a corridor between two large rocks – very unique for those who like to explore.

Pha Hua Nak: a high viewpoint, overlooking the vast green sea and forest and less crowded than Hin Sam Wan.

Both spots are still quite wild, suitable for tourists who want to add a little sense of adventure without having to trek too long.

Frequently Asked Questions When Going to Hin Sam Wan

Is Hin Sam Wan suitable for new trekkers?

Yes. The trek route is only 10-20 minutes, the road is clear, the slope is gentle and easy to follow. Newcomers or families can go if they wear shoes with good grip.

Should I go to Hin Sam Wan early in the morning?

Yes. Dawn is the best time because of the soft light, long visibility and few people. In addition, trekking early will be much cooler than after 7 o’clock.

Can children go to Hin Sam Wan?

Yes, but they need to be accompanied by an adult and avoid standing near the edge of the rock because the top area is open and windy.

Why do I have to change to the park’s pickup truck?

This is a mandatory regulation to protect Phu Sing forest. The road to the top is steep and narrow, only park vehicles are allowed to operate.

How long does it take to visit all three whales?

About 1-1.5 hours, depending on the time to take pictures. Most visitors spend more time at Mother Whale because this is the most beautiful viewpoint.

Is there a phone signal on the top of the rock?

Yes. 4G signal works stably in most places, but sometimes weaker in the lower rock arches.

Is there a toilet on the top?

No. The toilet is only available at the stop area at the foot of the mountain, so you should go before getting on the shuttle bus.

Few places give you the feeling of being “deep in nature” like Hin Sam Wan. Standing on a rock as long as the back of a giant whale, looking at the entire Isan forest lit up by the early morning sun, you will find the early morning wake-up completely worth it. This is the kind of pure natural experience that you will hardly find in the big tourist cities of Thailand.

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