Erawan Falls

Erawan Waterfalls and National Park Near Kanchanaburi

Erawan Falls are spectacular, and are a must-see natural attraction for anyone visiting Kanchanaburi in Thailand.

The Erawan waterfalls are situated within the Erawan National Park, around 70 kilometres from Kanchanaburi.

The falls are one of the most popular attractions within the National Park.

Erawan waterfalls consists of 7 cascading tiers; each of the seven waterfalls are beautiful and somewhat unique and are loaded with an incredible amount of fish.

The first couple of tiers are perfect for families with small kids, or for those that don’t want to hike all the way to the top of the waterfalls.

The lower level swimming holes are ideal for the kids with crystal clear water, with areas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The trail leading to Erawan Falls starts out easy, with relatively flat paths all the way to the second tier.

Erawan Falls are a great place to cool down.

Further along the trail is a check point where you are required to register and pay a small deposit to the Park Rangers. This allows you take your plastic water bottles further into the National Park.

From memory the fee was only 20 baht per bottle. If you don’t pay the fee, you will have to leave your water bottles at the checkpoint and pick them up on your return.

When you return to the checkpoint with your water bottles the deposit is refunded.

This is a clever way to stop people from leaving their rubbish within the National Park.

The trail between the third and fourth tiers are a little more demanding, as there are stairs to climb.

As you ascend higher from level 5 through to level 7, the trek becomes somewhat harder and the track becomes quiet narrow, the hike to the seventh tier is around 1.5km.

Erawan Waterfalls have lots of swimming holes where you can cool down.

Erawan Falls are not just a popular spot for tourists, but for locals as well.

The area can get somewhat busy if you choose to visit on a weekend or a public holiday, as this is when locals come to enjoy weekend getaways with family and friends.

Level 5 swimming holes at Erawan Waterfalls

Best Time To Go To Erawan Falls

The best time to explore Erawan National Park, especially if you're going to hike to the top of Erawan Falls, is on a weekday.

To beat the heat and the crowds, it is best to go early in the morning. The hike to the top of the falls takes some time, so allow yourself at least 3 to 4 hours.

Kids enjoying the Cascading Falls at Erawan Waterfalls

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How To Get To Erawan Falls National Park

The easiest way to get to Erawan Waterfalls, and to see the other sights in the Erawan National Park, is to hire a car or a motorbike. Due to the distance, a car is much more comfortable then a motorbike.

If you choose to drive yourself, get a good map, and follow Highway 3199.

Or alternatively you could hire a car with a driver, or catch a bus from Kanchanaburi.

If your staying in Bangkok you can book an organized tour that includes transfers.

If you are staying in Kanchanaburi, you can also book a day trip to Erawan Falls, that includes hotel transfers, a train ride along the Thai Burma Railway, lunch, and a couple of other interesting sights.

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Erawan Waterfalls and National Park is open daily from 8.00 am till 4.00 pm daily.

Entry Fee into the Erawan National Park is 300 baht per adult, and 200 baht per child.

If you go on an organised tour, the National Park entry fee is included in your tour price.

What to Take to Erawan Falls

Before you start your hike up to the falls, ensure you have enough water.

If you don’t take water with you, there are a couple of shops, and restaurants, located near the carpark, where you can purchase a range of goods, and the meals are excellent.

I wouldn’t take any food with you on your hike, as there are lots of monkey’s, that will try to take whatever they can.

Have something to eat before you leave, and just take a bottle of water.

Swimmers
Towel
Wear sunblock
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Parts of the track are somewhat slippery so a good pair of walking shoes is definitely advisable

The Erawan Waterfalls and National Park, was one of the highlights of our trip to Kanchanaburi, and I would recommend anyone visiting Kanchanaburi, to make the effort to explore the natural beauty of the area.