Erawan National Park: Thailand's Emerald Waterfall Paradise

Erawan National Park is home to one of Thailand's most beautiful waterfalls, featuring seven cascading tiers of emerald green pools perfect for swimming. Located in Kanchanaburi Province, this stunning natural attraction offers a refreshing escape from Bangkok and combines perfectly with visits to historical sites along the River Kwai.

Essential Visitor Information

Park Details

Detail	Information
Location	Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province
Distance from Bangkok	250 km (3-3.5 hours drive)
Opening Hours	8:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily
Last Entry	4:00 PM
Contact	034-574-222

Admission Fees

Category	Price
Foreign Adults	300 THB
Foreign Children	200 THB
Thai Adults	100 THB
Thai Children	50 THB
Car Parking	30 THB

The Seven Tiers of Erawan Falls

Each tier has its own unique character and beauty, named after the mythical three-headed elephant Erawan.

Tier-by-Tier Guide

Tier	Name	Features	Swimming	Difficulty
1	Lai Kuen Rang	Wide cascades, easy access	Yes	Easy
2	Wang Matcha	Natural pool, clear water	Yes	Easy
3	Pha Nam Tok	Fish spa experience	Yes	Easy
4	Ok Nang Phee Sua	Cliff formations	Limited	Moderate
5	Bua Mai Long	Rapids and pools	Yes	Moderate
6	Dong Pruk Sa	Forest setting	Limited	Difficult
7	Phu Pha Erawan	Main falls, spectacular	No (steep)	Difficult

What to Expect at Each Tier

Tiers 1-3 (Easy, 30 minutes)

• Well-maintained paths
• Best swimming spots
• Most crowded areas
• Natural fish spa at Tier 3

Tiers 4-5 (Moderate, 1 hour)

• Steeper terrain
• Fewer visitors
• Good photo opportunities
• Some rock scrambling required

Tiers 6-7 (Challenging, 2 hours)

• Steep jungle trail
• Requires good fitness
• Most rewarding views
• Bring hiking shoes

Swimming and Safety

Swimming Rules

• Allowed: Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 5
• Not Allowed: Food, drinks, and sunscreen in water
• Life jackets: Available for rent (50 THB)
• Lockers: Available at Tier 1 (50-100 THB)

Natural Fish Spa

At Tier 3, small fish nibble dead skin from your feet - a unique natural spa experience. Stay still and let them work their magic.

Safety Tips

1. Watch for slippery rocks
2. Never dive into unknown depths
3. Follow marked trails only
4. Keep valuables in lockers
5. Don't swim alone

Best Time to Visit

Seasons

Season	Months	Experience
Cool/Dry	Nov-Feb	Best weather, moderate water flow
Hot	Mar-May	Higher temperatures, lower water levels
Rainy	Jun-Oct	Fullest waterfalls, some trails may close

Peak Times:

• Weekends and public holidays are very crowded
• Visit weekdays if possible
• Arrive at 8:00 AM for best experience

Getting to Erawan National Park

From Bangkok by Private Taxi

The most convenient option for tourists.

• Duration: 3-3.5 hours one way
• Cost: 3,500-4,500 THB for round trip
• Advantage: Flexible schedule, door-to-door service
• Recommendation: Arrange through hotel or trusted service

From Bangkok by Bus

Route 1 - Via Kanchanaburi Bus Station

1. Take bus from Bangkok Southern Terminal to Kanchanaburi (3 hours, 150 THB)
2. Transfer to local bus 8170 to Erawan (1.5 hours, 50 THB)
3. Buses depart at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM

Note: Return buses from Erawan leave at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM only.

Day Tour from Bangkok

Many tour operators offer day trips including:

• Hotel pickup
• Transportation
• Park admission
• Sometimes lunch

Price range: 1,500-2,500 THB per person

What to Bring

Essential Items

• Swimwear and quick-dry clothes
• Water shoes or sandals with grip
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Towel
• 2 liters of water minimum
• Snacks (eat before Tier 1 area)
• Insect repellent
• Cash for admission and lockers

Prohibited Items in Water

• Sunscreen (damages ecosystem)
• Food and drinks
• Soap or shampoo

Dining Options

Inside the Park

• Small food stalls near entrance
• Basic Thai dishes: 50-100 THB
• Drinks and snacks available
• Picnic areas available

Outside the Park

• Local restaurants on main road
• Prices: 60-150 THB per dish
• Better variety than inside park

Combining with Other Attractions

Full Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary

1. Early Morning: Leave Bangkok at 6:00 AM
2. 9:30 AM: Arrive at Erawan, explore falls
3. 1:00 PM: Lunch at local restaurant
4. 2:30 PM: Visit Bridge over River Kwai
5. 3:30 PM: JEATH War Museum
6. 5:00 PM: Return to Bangkok

Nearby Attractions

Attraction	Distance	Admission
Bridge over River Kwai	65 km	Free
Hellfire Pass Memorial	80 km	Free
Tiger Temple area	40 km	Varies
Sai Yok National Park	30 km	300 THB

Useful Thai Phrases

English	Thai	Pronunciation
Erawan Waterfall	น้ำตกเอราวัณ	Nam tok Erawan
Which tier?	ชั้นไหน	Chan nai?
Can I swim here?	ว่ายน้ำได้ไหม	Wai nam dai mai?
Be careful	ระวัง	Ra wang
Slippery	ลื่น	Luen

Emergency Contacts

• Park Rangers: 034-574-222
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Kanchanaburi Hospital: 034-622-999
• Emergency: 1669

Erawan Visit Checklist

• Start early from Bangkok (6:00 AM departure)
• Bring swimwear and water shoes
• Pack waterproof bag for phone and valuables
• Carry at least 2 liters of water
• Apply sunscreen before entering (not in water)
• Bring cash for admission (300 THB) and locker
• Leave no sunscreen on skin before swimming
• Rent locker at Tier 1
• Try natural fish spa at Tier 3
• Allow 3-4 hours to reach Tier 7
• Follow trail markers and safety signs
• Respect the natural environment
• Take only photos, leave only footprints

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