Millennium Salt Well at Ban Bo Pho is a destination rich in history, legend, and timeless cultural heritage. Located in the northernmost part of Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, this charming village in Moo 1, Bo Pho Subdistrict lies about 30 kilometers from the district center, 130 kilometers from Phitsanulok city, and only 15 kilometers from the border of Dan Sai District in Loei Province. With houses nestled along foothills and riverbanks, the community is embraced by surrounding mountains that form a natural fortress. Flowing through the village is the Fia Stream, a vital waterway that nourishes the land, sustains the people, and adds to the area’s natural charm.

 

According to local legends passed down for generations, the Millennium Salt Well has existed since before the Buddhist era. Its origin is tied to the rocket festival of the Lao people in Chiang Khong. Ancient beliefs held that wherever a fired rocket landed, a salt well would appear. One such rocket, crafted from a Bodhi tree, fell into the Fia Stream and embedded itself deep into the ground. From within the hollow trunk, salty water began flowing continuously, never drying up throughout the year. Villagers used it for cooking and named the well “Bo Pho.” This extraordinary phenomenon became a legend that remains deeply woven into the community’s identity.

 

The story of the Millennium Salt Well is also closely linked to Thai history during the reign of Phraya Bang Klang Thao, ruler of Bang Yang—present-day Nakhon Thai. On his military campaign to fight the Khmers, he stopped at Ban Bo Tai near Pha Pratu Mueang. Soldiers scouting for provisions discovered a crystal-clear well encircled by a Bodhi tree. When they tasted the water, it was salty. They presented it to Phraya Bang Klang Thao, who ordered it to be boiled in a pot over a simple stone stove. To everyone’s amazement, the water crystallized into pure white salt, which was then used as food supplies for the troops. From that time on, the place became renowned as the Millennium Salt Well, a name symbolizing both its antiquity and enduring significance.

 

When the war ended, some soldiers chose to settle in Ban Bo Pho. They began producing salt to sell and trade for essential goods. Salt, highly valued in the past for both flavoring and preserving food, became the foundation of their livelihoods. These settlers became the ancestors of today’s villagers, making the salt well not just a legendary site but also a cornerstone of the local economy and culture for centuries.

 

Today, the Millennium Salt Well stands as a cultural and historical heritage site in Nakhon Thai District. It represents the wisdom of past generations, human adaptation to natural resources, and the integration of salt into everyday survival and trade. More than just a relic of the past, it also serves as a fascinating tourism destination. Visitors can discover its ancient legends, explore traditional lifestyles, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of Ban Bo Pho.

 

Surrounded by mountains and nourished by the flowing Fia Stream, Ban Bo Pho exudes peace and timeless charm. Travelers who visit can experience the living heritage of the Millennium Salt Well, learn about the traditional process of salt-making, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring bond between people and the land. More than a story of salt, it is a story of survival, culture, and an unbroken connection to history that continues to shine across generations.