The 75 million-year-old granite formation known as Hin Sam Wan, or Three Whale Rock, protrudes majestically from the mountains. It got its name because, when viewed from the correct angle, it appears to be a family of whales.
These massive stone leviathans are accessible via a vast network of trails, and hiking there is an eco-friendly way for tourists to experience the surrounding forests and breathtaking views.
From the observation deck atop these "whales," you can see the Mekong's shores, the Pakkading district's mountains, and Phu Wua Forest.
In the village, there is a fable or legend that has been handed down through the generations. The tale, which now forms a significant part of the community's cultural legacy, illustrates the villagers' close ties to the sea and the surrounding environment.
On one occasion, there was a little village on the Thai shore. The villagers' main source of income was fishing, so they were highly dependent on the sea for survival. Three sizable rock formations known as Hin Sam Wan or Three Whale Rocks protruded out of the water and were among the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounded the community.
Since anyone could recall, these rocks had been a prominent part of the community and were revered by the locals.
According to legend, the area around the hamlet once hosted three whales. The whales were enormous and could be seen swimming through the water at a distance. The villagers considered the whales to be their guardians and lucky charms for the community.
The villagers would frequently witness the whales breaching the water, spraying water into the air, and making loud, jubilant noises as they swam close to the coast.
A party of fishermen were out at sea one day when they noticed the three whales swimming near their vessel. The fishermen were overcome with pleasure and excitement at getting a close-up look at the magnificent creatures.
However, they unintentionally hurt one of the whales with their fishing nets while attempting to capture fish. The injured whale started to fight, and the other two whales surrounded it in a guarded manner.
When the fishermen recognized their error, they immediately cut their nets to release the whale. They observed as the three whales swam off and vanished into the horizon. The villagers began to observe that the whales never came back to the vicinity of the village after that day.
They assumed that the whales' departure was a result of their fury and distress over the damage done to a member of their own species.
The three sizable rock formations were given the moniker Hin Sam Wan, which translates to "Three Whale Rocks," in remembrance of the whales. They thought that the rocks served as a constant reminder of their duty to safeguard the water and all of its inhabitants.
The Hin Sam Wan rocks are still revered by the locals and a well-liked tourist attraction for those who want to take in their natural beauty and learn about the three whales tale.
