How To Visit Erawan Waterfalls & National Park: A Traveler’s Guide
Erawan Waterfall, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall, sits within Erawan National Park, about a 1.5-hour journey from Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Erawan Falls, the highlight of this 550-sq-km park, features seven tiers of cascading waterfalls where visitors can swim in emerald-green pools. While the first three levels are easy to access, reaching the higher ones requires sturdy shoes and endurance for a steep 2km hike.
You can swim in a same pool with large fish, and monkeys occasionally snatch belongings. Level four has a natural rock slide, and level six tends to be less crowded. Food isn’t allowed past level two, and water bottles require registration with a refundable deposit. A ranger-led hike on the 5km Khao Hin Lan Pee Trail offers a quieter experience, while Tham Phra That Cave features shimmering limestone formations. The park’s mixed forests house diverse wildlife, though larger animals rarely appear near the falls.
Accommodations include park bungalows and a campground with tent rentals. Located 65km north of Kanchanaburi, the park is accessible by hourly buses (50B, 1.5 hours) from 8am to 5:50pm, with the last return trip at 5pm.
Know How to Plan Your Trip to Erawan Waterfall from Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Plan Your Trip to Erawan Waterfall from Kanchanaburi in few easy steps! This guide shares first-hand experience exploring the beautiful Waterfalls, covering essential details like travel tips, time needed, packing lists, and accommodations. It also dives into the park’s history and why Erawan Waterfall stands out as a must-visit destination in Thailand. To help you know what to expect, you’ll find insights on each waterfall tier based on personal experience.
About Erawan Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Established in 1975, Erawan National Park spans 550km² and is home to the famous Waterfalls, a breathtaking seven-tier cascade with emerald-green plunge pools. The top tier is said to resemble an elephant’s head, inspired by the three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology, though this can be subjective.
Water clarity varies by season and crowd levels, so manage expectations—emerald pools may appear muddy or not clear, especially during the rainy season!
Erawan National Park Itinerary Map
Is Erawan National Park & the waterfall Worth Visiting?
Is Erawan Waterfall worth a visit? Absolutely! This stunning series of waterfalls, spread across multiple tiers with scenic viewpoints, offers a perfect spot to swim, unwind, and explore. Nestled in the heart of Erawan National Park and surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s a paradise for nature and waterfall lovers. Jack and I spent an unforgettable day here, and if you enjoy the outdoors as much as we do, you’ll love it too! Check out best day trips from Bangkok, Thailand
Can you swim in Erawan Falls?
Can you swim in Erawan Falls? Yes, except for tier six, which serves as a viewing platform over shallow waterfalls. The other tiers feature plunge pools or smaller cascades, offering plenty of spots to take a refreshing dip and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Exploring Erawan Falls on a Day Tour, from Kanchanaburi
While this guide focuses on visiting Erawan Waterfalls independently, day tours are an option, especially if you’re short on time. Many tours combine Erawan Falls with popular sites like Hellfire Pass and the River Kwai Bridge.
If possible, dedicating a full day to the waterfalls is ideal, as most tours only allow two to three hours there. However, if time is limited, booking a tour ensures you don’t miss out on this stunning destination.
Must-See Attractions in Kanchanaburi
For an best experience in Kanchanaburi, don’t miss the Death Railway, Hellfire Pass, and Erawan Waterfall. Opt for a private group tour for a more personalized and flexible adventure, ensuring you make the most of your visit! Check out Luxury Thailand Tours
How To Plan Your Visit To Erawan Waterfalls
Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your trip to Erawan Waterfalls in Thailand, and the national park as well.
The Entrance Fee
Visitors pay 300 baht for entry, while children’s tickets cost 60 baht. Thai citizens pay a reduced fee of 60 baht for adults and 30 baht for children (ages 3-14). Many attractions across Asia have separate pricing for locals and tourists. Entry to Erawan National Park itself remains free.
Before reaching the national park, there is a stop at a checkpoint where you must pay the entrance fee. You can stay on the bus as the park ranger will come onboard to sell tickets.
Opening hours
Erawan Waterfall welcomes visitors daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM year-round. Those in the lower tiers can often stay until 5 PM since park rangers start cleaning from the top at 3 PM, gradually working their way down. As they progress, visitors must exit tier by tier.
Best Time to Visit Erawan Waterfalls
Erawan National Park experiences less rainfall than other forested areas further west due to the surrounding mountains blocking the eastern monsoon.
- Rainy Season: From May to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in September and October, sometimes extending into November.
- Dry Season: Runs from November to April, with cooler temperatures between November and January.
For the best experience, visit just after the rainy season, between late November and mid-December, when water levels are high, and the falls are at their most stunning. While this period sees some crowds, it remains manageable, with tiers three and four being the busiest.
That said, visiting in February still offers a great experience. The waterfalls continue flowing, plunge pools remain full, and the water stays clear. All the photos in this guide were taken during our February visit.
When to Avoid Visiting
Weekends and public holidays bring large crowds to Erawan Waterfall, especially with local tourists and visitors traveling from Bangkok. If possible, plan your trip on a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Arriving early is the best way to avoid the crowds. Tour buses from Bangkok typically depart around 7 AM and reach the falls by 11 AM. Get there before they arrive to explore the waterfalls in a quieter setting.
How Much Time Do You Need at Erawan Waterfalls?
A full day is an ideal time toexploring Erawan Waterfalls, especially if you plan to hike up to all seven tiers. Reaching the top takes about an hour, so starting early ensures you have enough time to enjoy the entire experience.
Remember, the journey from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls takes around 1.5 hours, and the park closes at 5 PM. Plan accordingly to make the most of your visit!
How Much Money Do You Need for visiting Erawan Waterfalls?
Beyond the entrance fee, expect additional expenses for essentials like life jacket rental and meals. Restaurants are available at the first tier, and a gift shop is located at the entrance.
- Entrance Fee: 300 baht
- Life Jacket Rental: 30 baht
- Meal: 60 baht for local food
- Drink: 20 baht
- Transportation: 170 baht (bus from Kanchanaburi)
- Parking Fee: 20 baht (scooter) / 30 baht (car)
What To Pack?
A waterproof bag is highly recommended since storage options are limited beyond the first two tiers. Pack these essentials for a comfortable and hassle-free visit:
- Water bottle
- A lunch box
- Towel & Sarong
- Sunscreen & Insect repellent
- Swimsuit and Camera
Nothing are available when hiking up the first tire, so ensure you have enough water and snacks before starting your hike to the top.
Are Erawan Waterfalls Safe for a solo female?
Erawan Falls is generally safe, specially for a slo female, but like any National Park, it has its risks. Lifeguards are stationed at some of the deeper plunge pools, but they’re not present at every tier. I didn’t notice any staff at the higher tiers.
The trail is well-marked with signsto guide you, but it can become slippery, especially after rain. While there are rails to hold onto, caution is still needed.
The higher tiers pose more challenges. The path isn’t as well maintained, and some steps are missing slates. In some areas, you’ll need to navigate over wet rocks, which can be risky if you don’t proceed carefully.
Try to take more snacks because of friendly monkeys that may grab your food or possessions. If you plan to carry lunch, make sure everything is sealed tightly and out of sight of the monkeys!
Where to Stay
During our trip to this part of Thailand, we based ourselves in Kanchanaburi. It served as an ideal spot to explore not just Erawan Waterfalls but also nearby National Parks, Hellfire Pass, and other attractions like the River Kwai Bridge within the city.
I highly recommend staying in Kanchanaburi, especially if you want to dive deeper into the history of the Burma-Thai Railway from World War II.
Three full days in Kanchanaburi is enough to explore the main sites and get a real sense of what the city offers. While we didn’t stay in every option listed, I’ve included a few accommodations to suit various budgets.
Budget Option: Asleep Hostel
I’ve stayed here! They offer mixed dorms and a few private rooms, all conveniently close to the train station. Breakfast is included, though it’s quite basic. You can also rent a scooter and get info on bus and train schedules.
Mid-Range Option: Chez Bure – Bure Homestay
A clean, safe homestay with welcoming hosts and a tasty breakfast included. It’s located just off the main street, so it’s central and within walking distance to major attractions.
Top-End Option: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi
This property sits right next to the River Kwai, offering stunning sunsets and easy access to the bridge. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the breakfast is excellent!
How To Get To Erawan Falls From Kanchanaburi
Erawan Falls sits about 70 km outside of Kanchanaburi and features seven stunning waterfalls cascading through a lush forest.
You can reach Erawan Waterfalls from Kanchanaburi in about 1.5 hours. Choose from several options based on your preference: take a bus (the option we chose), drive, grab a taxi, or book a private tour.
Public Bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls
The cheapest and most convenient way to reach Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi is by taking the public bus.
As of March of the 2025, one-way tickets cost 70 baht per person, and the trip takes around 1.5 hours. Look for the bus, which is easily spotted with bright blue paint and the large “Erawan Kanchanaburi” written on the front and side. You can wait anywhere along Sangchuto Road, but be sure to flag the bus down, or it might pass you by.
If you take the train from Bangkok, get off at Kanchanaburi train station and walk about 200 meters to reach Sangchuto Road.
The bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls typically departs every hour, starting at 8 a.m. The return bus from Erawan to Kanchanaburi leaves at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Private Taxi
If you prefer not to travel by bus or book a tour, hire a private songthaew instead. Most songthaew drivers gather near Kanchanaburi train station, or you can flag one down on the street. Given the distance, expect to pay over 1,000 baht.
By motorbike
The last option for traveling from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls is renting a motorbike. Rent a motorbikes for about 250 baht per day. Remember to bring your IDP to drive in Thailand. Additionally, you’ll need a valid motorbike license along with your IDP to legally ride a motorbike in Thailand.
Hiking to Erawan Falls Kanchanaburi
Let me share what it’s like to hike at Erawan Waterfalls.
A small information center and gift shop sit near the entrance, with signs directing you to the falls. There are golf carts available to take you to the first waterfall for a small fee, or you can walk about 500 meters.
Plenty of signs line the Erawan Falls hiking trail, so you can’t get lost—unless you wander off the trail, which isn’t recommended.
In my experience, the hike from the parking lot to level 7 took me about 1.5 hours one-way, including stops at each waterfall.
The first four waterfalls are easy to reach, with boardwalks and a few stairs. After level 4, the path becomes steeper and uneven, with roots sticking out of the ground. For the best experience, I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.
Level 1: Hlai Khuen Rung
The first waterfall, Hlai Khuen Rung, is stunning with crystal-clear water and plenty of fish that may nibble on the dead skin from your feet!
They’re harmless (as far as I know), and many people swim there daily without any issues. The path to Hlai Khuen Rung is paved and mostly flat. You’ll reach a set of stairs that lead down, but they’re not too steep, so you won’t have trouble on your way back.
Level 2: Wang Macha
To reach level 2, or Wang Macha, walk an additional 100 meters up a series of steps. This level is the most popular, thanks to its large turquoise pool. You can even swim up to the waterfall and walk behind it.
Many benches are available for a picnic, and there’s also a toilet and changing room nearby.
Level 3: Pha Namtok
To reach tier 3, head down for another 5 to 10-minute walk. This waterfall is also quite popular, so plan to arrive early if you want to swim.
Level 4: Oke Nang Peesau
To reach tier 4, or Oke Nang Peesau, walk an additional 300 meters. The path becomes a bit more challenging here with longer, steeper stairs. While smaller, this waterfall has a small pool at the base where you can swim.
As you continue, you’ll spot a sign warning that the trail from level 4 to level 7 becomes steeper, requiring moderate fitness.
Level 5: Buea Mai Long
Level 5, or Buea Mai Long tier, is quite small. As you head toward level 6, you’ll come across another waterfall halfway through. This one is larger and more stunning, so I highly recommend stopping to check it out.
Level 6: Dong Prucksa
Level 6 is impressive as it offers more of a viewpoint since swimming isn’t allowed there.
Level 7: Phu Pha Erawan
This tire is the final waterfall at Erawan. I visited toward the end of the dry season, so the water was shallow enough to walk to the base of the waterfall. Remember, the water level rises during the rainy season (June to October), so be cautious if you plan to get close to the waterfall.
Note: Level 7 closes at 3:30 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.
Facilities at Erawan Falls
Near the parking, you’ll find several restaurants and souvenir shops, along with a toilet and changing room. Another toilet and changing room are located at level 2.
At level 1, a small café serves drinks and snacks, but for a full meal, it’s better to eat at one of the restaurants near the parking lot.