Srinagarindra Dam

The view is the whole point here. EGAT's hydroelectric dam has backed up a reservoir that reads far more like a mountain lake than a piece of infrastructure, with forested hills running down to the water on every side. Stand at the dam head, look out, take your photos. That's the visit, and it's a good one.

What it isn't is a day out. Reviewers are consistent and blunt about this: there's not much to do, and the eateries are limited to refreshments at one end of the dam, where you'll also find toilets. Half an hour is plenty unless you're the sort who likes to sit and stare at water, in which case, fair enough. My advice is to treat it as a stop rather than a destination and pair it with Erawan National Park, which shares the same access road. Go in the cooler months from November to February if you can pick your timing.