Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The 5 a.m. opening time is the real draw here. This park sits on a cliff overlooking the Mekong River towards Laos, and the reason people make the trip is to arrive in the dark to witness the sunrise over the river valley. If you arrive at midday, you'll be met with heat, harsh sunlight, and only experience a fraction of the magic.

Another attraction is the rock paintings. Prehistoric paintings, estimated to be 3,000 years old, stretch along the sandstone cliff and depict human figures, fish, elephants, and geometric shapes. They can be reached on foot via cliff-top paths that also lead past mushroom-shaped rock formations sculpted by wind and water over centuries. It's more of a leisurely stroll than a strenuous hike and ideal for those who like to explore at their own pace. There are no organized tours, and I think that's a good thing.