Updated December 2024
Erawan Falls, located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and popular waterfalls. The falls consist of seven tiers, each with its own pool of crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Erawan Falls:
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Planning a trip to Thailand?
Here’s what you need to know:
PACKING: High-factor reef-safe water-resistant sun-cream and after-sun, mosquito repellent, tiger balm (for mosquito bite relief), filter bottle (drinking tap water is not recommended), diarrhoea relief, hydration/electrolyte mixes, and a multi-way travel adaptor (Thailand uses Type A). Very hot weather gear, and potentially also rain poncho, umbrella and waterproof shoes. And, of course, a good book.
GRAB: Download the Grab app for taxis, which is usually cheaper than local tuk-tuk. There’s also GrabFood for food delivery.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL: Choose from internal flights, trains, mini buses and coaches. For the latter three, you can see the options on 12Go, though it always helps to double-check times and prices if you can.
Getting to Erawan Falls
Erawan Falls is about 2-3 hours from Bangkok by car or bus. If you’re coming from Kanchanaburi town, the falls are approximately 1.5 hours away by car or local bus. Buses leave regularly from Kanchanaburi Bus Station and drop visitors off at the entrance of the national park.
Entrance Fees and Hours
The national park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is 300 THB for foreign adults and 200 THB for children, with discounts for Thai nationals. Plan to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Fun fact: The park is named after Erawan, a mythical three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology, as the top tier of the falls is said to resemble its head.
Hiking the Falls
The trail to explore all seven tiers of the falls is about 1.5 kilometers long, and the path gets steeper and more rugged the higher you go. The first few tiers are easily accessible and popular for families and casual visitors.
For those seeking more adventure, the hike up to the seventh tier offers rewarding views and a quieter atmosphere. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be slippery.
Swimming at Erawan Falls
Swimming is allowed in most of the pools, and the cool, clear water is perfect for a refreshing dip, especially on a hot day.
The lower tiers are more crowded, but as you ascend, the pools become quieter and more serene. Fish in the pools are known to nibble at visitors’ feet, offering a natural “fish spa” experience.
What to Bring
- Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for a dip in the pools.
- Towel and dry clothes: You’ll want to dry off after swimming.
- Water and snacks: Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike to the higher tiers. There are snack stalls near the entrance, but not along the trail.
- Insect repellent: Essential for keeping mosquitoes at bay, especially in the forested areas.
- Comfortable shoes: The trail can be slippery, so wear shoes suitable for hiking.
Facilities
At the base of the falls, there are restrooms, picnic areas, and small food stalls selling snacks and drinks. Locker rentals are available for storing personal items, and there are changing rooms if you want to swim.
The Best Time to Visit Erawan Falls
The best time to visit Erawan Falls is during the cool and dry season from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the water levels are stable. However, the falls can be visited year-round, with more water flowing during the rainy season from June to October, though trails may be slippery.
Other Things to Do in Erawan National Park
Apart from the falls, Erawan National Park offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, with species like macaques, deer, and exotic birds frequently seen. There are also several caves to explore, including Phra That Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Where to Stay
For those seeking convenience, there is basic but comfortable lodging right inside the park, allowing early access to the falls before crowds arrive.
I stayed in Kanchanaburi Town, which has a wide range of guesthouses and boutique hotels, but the most popular and unique accommodations are the floating hotels, such as Sweet Home Floating House.
Other Things to Do Nearby
1. Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Located about an hour from Erawan Falls, the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum offers a moving account of the forced labor used to build the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. The museum includes a walking trail along part of the original railway track, providing both historical context and a scenic hike.
2. Bridge over the River Kwai
In Kanchanaburi town, about 1.5 hours from Erawan Falls, the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai is a significant historical landmark related to World War II. Nearby, you can also visit war museums and cemeteries that commemorate the thousands of lives lost during the construction of the Death Railway.
3. Kanchanaburi Town Night Market
After a day of exploring, head to Kanchanaburi’s night market for delicious street food and local handicrafts. Located near the train station, it’s a great place to sample Thai snacks and pick up souvenirs.
Although not super close by, a trip to Kanchanaburi and Erawan Falls combines well with a stop in Ban Pong, a small town in Ratchaburi known for street art.
Erawan Falls
Erawan Falls is an accessible destination for nature lovers looking to experience Thailand’s natural beauty. Whether you’re there for the hike, the swim, or simply to relax, the falls provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Let me know if you’ve been and what you experience was in the comments below.
More About Thailand
I lived in Thailand for several years, including through the pandemic, mainly working in the travel industry. For more Thai travel recommendations, you can read my Thailand Guide here, filled with lesser-known destinations and local expat insights.
Read next: 11 Best Books About Thailand By Both Thai & Western Authors
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki.
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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