Erawan Waterfalls
Seven tiers of waterfall drop through the jungle west of Kanchanaburi, each one feeding a pool of water so consistently emerald it looks like something has been added to it. Nothing has — the colour comes from the limestone beneath, and it holds even on overcast days. The falls are named for Erawan, the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, because someone once looked at the uppermost tier and saw an elephant's head in the cascade.
The trail from the visitor centre to the top is 1.5 kilometres, but you won't cover it quickly. Between tiers you're crossing footbridges, stepping over rocks, and at points wading through the stream itself. Small Garra rufa fish work at your ankles the moment you stop moving in the water.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who've done the hike more than once tend to push past the first two tiers without stopping — those pools are the most crowded and least rewarding for swimming. Tiers three, five, and seven are where you want to be in the water. Bring sandals with grip for the upper sections, and eat before you enter: food is banned past level two.
The story behind Erawan Waterfalls
Erawan became Thailand's 12th national park in 1975, when the 550-square-kilometre area around the falls was formally protected. The name predates that designation by centuries — it comes from the three-headed white elephant Erawan of Hindu mythology, a creature associated with the god Indra. The connection to the falls is visual: the top tier, seen from the right angle, is said to resemble an elephant's head.
Beyond the designation date, the park's administrative history is not well documented. What has shaped the experience more practically is the infrastructure built around the trail — footbridges, rock steps, a visitor centre, and a golf cart service covering the first 700 metres for those who want it.
Good to know
Buses run hourly from Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal from 8am — look for the bright blue bus marked 'Erawan Kanchanaburi', 70 THB one-way. The park closes at 4:30pm and rangers begin moving people down from 3pm, so arrive early. Life jacket rental (required for swimming) is 20 THB.
November through January is the most comfortable window: the rains have cleared, the water runs well, and temperatures sit around 30°C. April can push to 40°C, making the pools a relief but the hike punishing. Visit in the rainy season (May to October) and the falls run full but the water turns murky with sediment; come too late in the dry season and the upper tiers can slow to a trickle.
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What travellers say about Erawan Waterfalls
Visiting Erawan National Park is an absolute must when in Kanchanaburi. I visited on a weekday and it was still quite busy, so I highly recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds. There are 7 waterfalls to explore. The hike is beautiful but can be challenging—some sections don't have handrails and it can be very slippery, especially if it’s been raining. I made it to Level 5 and the natural jungle atmosphere was incredible. Important Tips: Cost: Entrance is 300 THB for foreigners. Transport: Take the golf cart for 20 THB to the Level 1 entrance to save your energy for the hike! Swimming: Life jackets are mandatory and cost 20 THB for the first 2 hours (10 THB/hour after). Be prepared for the fish—they like to nibble on your feet! Rules: Beyond Level 3, food and plastic are strictly prohibited to protect the environment. There is a checkpoint, and they do issue fines for breaking the rules. Timing: You cannot climb past Level 2 after 3:30 PM, so start early if you want to reach Level 7. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring swimwear. It’s a long journey but well worth the effort!
One of the most beautiful places I have visited! Spent a few hours here enjoying the beautiful waterfalls and jungle, the nature was truly amazing. It is so worth going if you are around here! It is 350 baht entry, and if you are coming from kanchanaburi just 60 baht for the bus one way. You do not need to book the bus in advance, but I would recommend getting to the bus fairly early to get a seat, otherwise you may be standing the whole way there (journey is 1.5-2 hours). You also have to rent a life jacket which is only 20 baht (life jackets are compulsory if you are swimming in the waterfalls).
The waterfalls were absolutely incredible—one of the highlights of the trip! 💦 Some of our group powered all the way up to the 7th level, but we happily stopped at the 5th and still felt like we got the full, jaw-dropping experience. Be prepared for a real hike as you climb—this is not a casual stroll. Water shoes with good grip are a must; the rocks can be slick, and you’ll be grateful for solid footing. Bonus (or warning, depending on your personality): the little fish will nibble at your feet. If you’re into that sort of natural spa moment, you’ll love it. If not… consider it character building. At the third level, there’s a smooth rock you can slide down like a natural waterslide—if you’re brave enough (and feeling a little adventurous). Equal parts fun and “did I really just do that?” energy. Overall: stunning scenery, a great physical challenge, lots of laughs, and totally worth the climb. Just come prepared—and maybe bring your courage along with your water shoes.
Erawan Falls is a beautiful place to visit and the walk up to the 7th level was not too difficult. The trails are clear and easy to follow, and it does not take too long to reach the top. If you want to swim in the water, life jackets are required and can be rented at a reasonable price. The entrance fee for Thai visitors is also quite affordable. I visited in mid-April, and there was not a lot of water, but the waterfalls were still beautiful and worth visiting.
This waterfall is such a beautiful gem! A perfect nature getaway from the busy mundane life in Bangkok. There are six different waterfalls but it’s all an uphill hike from the 1st one to the 7th! In my opinion the sixth one is the prettiest. Make sure to bring a change of clothes because you can swim in the waterfall! The little fish will nibble on your feet as you go in the water. It’s very cute.
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