This clay and stone dam, located in Khao Phang sub-district, is 95 meters high and 700 meters long with a 100-meter-high wall, and features over 100 small islands spread across its vast reservoir. The dam is the south’s second multi-purpose dam and reservoir and doubles as a hydro-electric power station, as well as having agricultural and fishing purposes. Visitors can take a leisurely boat trip around the reservoir to enjoy some great views with the striking limestone peaks in the background and understand why the area is known as “Thailand’s Guilin” One of the most interesting points around the dam and reservoir is ‘Khao Sam Gler’ peak. Affectionately known as the ‘three friends’ by locals, this trio of limestone peaks emerges from the reservoir in a distinctive fashion and is surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding greenery and emerald waters. The Pakarang Cave is located in the 500 Rai inlet and is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Forest Protection Unit, Khao Sok National Park. The name translates as ‘cave of corals’ and is so named due to the stalagmites and stalactites formed from eroded limestone which resemble an underwater coral reef. There have also been numerous fossils unearthed in the area, which have been dated back to a period between 250 and 400 million years ago.

A lofty peak in the heart of the dense jungle, Khao Sok sits at the center of the largest rainforest area in the entire southern region and covers a massive 738.74 square kilometers, including the area to the north of the Rajjaprabha Dam. The geographic features consist of earth and limestone peaks and surrounding forests and marshlands, which are the origin of the Tapi river. The ecosystem is also diverse, with numerous rare and endangered bird species including the hooded pitta and Malayan banded pitta and unusual plants like white backed palms, Maxburretia Furtado palms and rafflesia plants. Rafflesias, also known as corpse plants, are parasitic plants that resemble lotus flowers in bloom, can grow to up to 70-80cm in diameter and take 9 months to grow to their full size, blooming for just 4-5 days. These rare blooms can only be found in two places, Khao Sok and Khlong Phanom National Park and they can flower any time between November and April. For more information contact : khaosoknpks@hotmail.com Tel: 0 7739 5139