Located within Erawan National Park, in the Kanchanaburi region, Erawan Waterfalls are one of the jewels of Thailand. You will find a succession of the most impressive waterfalls, all in a lush natural setting.
About The Waterfall
The Erawan Waterfall gets its name from the three-headed white elephant in Hindu mythology, which is said to have inspired the formation of the waterfall. The waterfall has seven levels, each with its unique characteristics and beauty. The first tier is easily accessible from the park entrance and is a popular spot for picnics and swimming. The higher levels require a little more effort to reach out but offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The water in each tier is crystal-clear, allowing visitors to see the fish and other aquatic life in the pools..
How to visit the park?
It’s advisable to arrive early at the falls and to climb to the seventh level because it’s easier to climb without long lines of latecomers in front of you. For swimming, we will see later. You will need a +/- 1h30 average walk to go to the top with scenery waterfalls and the forest.
Take a bottle of water for the climb. You will declare it and pay a deposit at level 2 with the rangers, nothing serious, but like this, it will not finish in waste in the park. Returning down, you show your bottle (empty or not) and they return the deposit (20 Bahts).
At the start, there are steps of a concrete stair, irregular of course, but it’s relatively easy. Access to levels 6 and 7 of the waterfalls is more complicated, it climbs more, it is more rugged and it slips. Be careful on the wooden stairs, they do not look very solid and in the rainy season, they are slippery. However, nothing is hard, especially that’s worth it.
Towards the first level, the path is easy and with signs. After level 5, it’s more complicated, the terrain is slippery and muddy with tree trunks and rocks, a real jungle journey, take your time, this is not a race. Usually, there is always a hand of another person to help you or guide you.
At level 6, try to go to the right after the 3 small steps and then head to a small cavity to see the 3 heads. From there you can travel to level 7. To get to the top, in the rainy season, go through the left. You don’t need professional equipment to visit the waterfalls, some go up and down barefoot.
The best comes at the end. Now you can go down and start exploring and swimming at different levels. Beware of hydrocution, the water is very fresh and the heat stifling in the park. Do not be afraid of fish, these come to eat dead skin, sensations guaranteed. Levels 4 and 5 are the ones with the most people, the 5 because some are tired and the pool is ideal for swimming and the 4 because it has two natural sliders. There is also a small ranger hut at level 4 in case of problems.
One last tip, do not forget a camera, there are not many telephone networks between levels 4 and 6, for Facebook Live, you have to go up 🙂
Directions via Google Maps: Erawan Waterfalls
Wildlife and Nature at Erawan Waterfall:
Erawan National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, with some who are endangered species. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot animals such as elephants, deer, gibbons, macaques, and many bird species. (Not on the trail along the falls) The park is also home to several kinds of fish, including the colourful Siamese fighting fish. The park is preserving the natural beauty and ecological significance of the waterfall and its surroundings.
Last update:
The trail has had an upgrade (August 2021), probably due to the low number of visitors to the waterfalls, Wooden bridge, wooden trails, and security ropes have been added. It’s now easier to get to level 7 without climbing slippery rocks or walking in the mud. Ok, it will be less fun but it definitely a good point when travelling with kids or the elderly.
Another update 14/04/2023 :
– Be aware before visiting Erawan Waterfall, some said that you have to buy your ticket online before entering the park via QueQ App ( no more queue line App )
Also, some said that you have to wear a life jacket to be able to swim.
We will try to know more about it
After this journey, you can head to the 10 Baht bar in Kanchanaburi, Very fun and cheap!!
FAQS
Swimming is allowed in the waterfall pools, but visitors should take caution when swimming in the lower tiers as the rocks can be slippery and dangerous. Visitors should also be aware of the strong currents during the rainy season. Since 2022, you will need to wear a life jacket.
Erawan Waterfall is located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Visitors can take a bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and then take a local bus or taxi to the national park. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter the national park. The fee is 300 baht for foreigners and 100 baht for Thai nationals. (Thai Adult 100 THB Child 50 THB Foreigner Adult 300 THB Child 200 THB). You can also buy your ticket via QueQ App.
The best time to visit Erawan Waterfall is during the dry season, which is from November to April. The waterfall is at its most beautiful during this time, and the weather is also pleasant. However, visitors should be aware that the waterfall can be crowded during this time. Be were that March and April are the hottest months in Thailand.
es, there are several accommodations near Erawan National Park, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Visitors can choose to stay within the national park or in the nearby town of Kanchanaburi. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season.
