Pha Taem National Park

Pha Taem is a national park featuring sandstone cliffs that drop sharply to the Mekong River, forming a natural border between Thailand and Laos. The terrain spreads across several square kilometers and offers various walking trails along the cliffs and viewing points overlooking the river.

The park preserves ancient rock art showing humans, animals, and geometric shapes in red pigment. These artworks document human settlement in this region across thousands of years.

The place serves as a sacred space for local communities, where traditional ceremonies and connection to the land remain active today. People gather here to maintain bonds with the river and landscape that form a natural boundary between nations.

Visitors can explore the grounds during daylight hours and should wear sturdy footwear for uneven paths while bringing water and sun protection. The best time to visit is early morning when views across the river are clearest and temperatures are still comfortable.

The location sits at Thailand's easternmost point, so the sun rises here first each day before lighting the rest of the country. This makes the park a special place for those wanting to experience the nation's first dawn.