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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad
If you are planning a day trip to Erawan Falls in Thailand, then keep reading!
Visiting Erawan waterfall is certainly one of the best day trips from Bangkok. If you are staying in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, or the surrounding area, make sure to add Erawan National Park to your bucket list. In this guide, I’ll cover all you need to know before you visit. Discover how to get here, what to expect, and more.
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This post is all about what you need to know before visiting Erawan National Park in Thailand.
How to Get to Erawan National Park Thailand
Erawan National Park is located in western Thailand about 65 kilometers from the town of Kanchanaburi and about 192 kilometers from Bangkok. The park is known for its beautiful seven-tier waterfalls and hiking trails.
At the time I visited, I was studying abroad and living in Salaya, Thailand which was about a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Erawan Falls.
If you are visiting Bangkok, check out the perfect Bangkok itinerary for first time travelers here!
Bangkok to Erawan National Park
As mentioned above, Erawan Falls is located about 192 kilometers from Bangkok or just under three hours from Bangkok. It’s certainly the drive but well worth it for a day trip.
To get to Erawan National Park you’ll either take a car or book a tour. You can use the Grab app (rideshare) or you can book a private shuttle or car for your trip. I recommend booking a car in advance because you’ll want to leave early to beat the traffic and arrive early in the day.
You also have the option to book a tour of Erawan Falls. There are many different tours – some being full-day trip tours to Erawan and others including additional activities in the surrounding area.
My friends and I scheduled a van for the day to take us to Erawan Falls and back. For the entire day, our private shuttle costs 460 baht each (about $15).
Erawan National Park Entrance Fee
The Erawan National Park entrance fee is 300 THB (about $10 USD) for tourists and 60 THB for children.
Erawan National Park Thailand Operating Hours
Erawan Waterfalls is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Erawan Falls Map
Erawan Waterfall Trail
Erawan National Park is known for its beautiful seven-tier waterfalls and hiking trails. The hiking wasn’t too difficult at all. But if hiking is not your thing you can stay at the lower-tier pools. Each tier is unique and offers a different level of difficulty.
That being said, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You don’t necessarily need to wear sneakers – I wore Birkenstocks and was fine hiking in these shoes.
You can swim in several of the waterfall tiers so make sure to wear your swimsuit under your clothes or bring one with you.
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The Seven Layers of Erawan Falls
Erawan Waterfall One – Lai Kuen Rung
The first waterfall is the most accessible and the most crowded. It features a large pool perfect for swimming and relaxing. There is also a restroom near this pool.
Erawan Waterfall Two – Wang Matcha
A bit higher than the first, the second tier is known for its clear blue water and limestone formations.
Erawan Waterfall Three – Pha Nam Tok
The third tier has a waterfall with multiple cascades. Also, the pools here will be less crowded.
Erawan Waterfall Four – Oke Nang Peep
The fourth waterfall has a large pool with vibrant blue water. It’s a great stop for a swim to cool off.
Erawan Waterfall Five – Bua Mai Long
You’ll find that the fifth Erawan waterfall is a bit more secluded. It’s a narrow waterfall with a series of pools.
Erawan Waterfall Six – Dong Pruk Sa
The sixth tier involves a bit more of a hike but nothing too crazy. It’s much less crowded than the others and a great spot to relax.
Erawan Waterfall Seven – Phu Pha Erawan
The highest and most challenging to reach is the seventh tier. This is the final waterfall known for its picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it all the way to the top tier because there was a pack of aggressive monkeys that we did not want to cross.
Erawan Waterfall Tour
There are various guided tours you can book if you prefer to have a guide. I’ve linked a few tours below.
- Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small Group Tour
- Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour
- Erawan Waterfall & Kanchanaburi Private Tour
How Much Time to Spend at Erawan Falls?
I suggest at least a half day. This will give you plenty of time to see all the seven layers of the waterfall with some time to relax and swim here and there.
Although it’s great to visit at any time of the day I suggest arriving as early as you can to beat the heat and the crowds. You’ll find that although the bottom pools get crowded in the afternoon, the top pools will still feel secluded.
After your morning of exploring and swimming, pick up some lunch at one of the local cafes. You can easily spend an entire day here if you want to do some exploring after lunch. If you hiked to all seven layers in the morning, it’s nice to relax at one of the bottom pools after lunch.
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Food and Drink in Erawan National Park
There are a few small restaurants and cafes. Once you arrive you can pick up a snack and then go for lunch in the afternoon. I do suggest bringing some snacks. Snacks are always good to have during a long day trip. Ask your driver to stop at a 7/11 on the way.
Tips for Visiting Erawan Falls
- The park is very scenic, making it a great photography spot.
- There are occasionally trail closures due to maintenance or safety. Check for updates before you visit.
- Check the weather. Rainy season can affect the trails.
- Respect the wildlife and environment. Pick up your trash and don’t feed the animals.
- Make sure to pack a swimsuit, bug spray, and sunscreen.
And that’s a wrap on this guide all about visiting Erawan Falls in Thailand. If you have any questions, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.
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