Thailand: Cheow Lan Lake (Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir), Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province

Cheow Lan Lake was created by the construction of Rajjabrapha Dam in 1982, and is also known as Rajjabrapha Lake. Karst outcrops isolated from the mainland by the flooding rise from the waters of the lake to almost 1,000 m (3,000 feet) in height – that is, about three times the height of similar karst outcrops at Phang Nga Bay. Gibbons and eagles have access to these isolated peaks, but they are inaccessible to all but the most intrepid of climbers and provide a wonderful haven for rare wildlife Khao Sok National Park forms the largest and most dramatic tract of virgin forest in southern Thailand. This 160 million year old rainforest is some of the oldest in the world. The climate in the area has been relatively unaffected by past ice ages, since the landmass is relatively small and there are seas on both sides Elephants, tigers, bears, boars, tapirs gibbons and monkeys live in the park, along with more than 300 species of birds, including rare hornbills and argus pheasants. Sightings of the larger animals are usually at night, and animal tracks are regularly seen along the park’s many marked trails The park also contains a wide range of flora, including the rare Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world which can measure 80 cm (31 inches) across.