Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi – visitor guide
Seven tiers of turquoise pools in Erawan National Park. How to visit Erawan Falls, what to bring and when the water is best.
Erawan Falls, in Erawan National Park about 65 km north-west of Kanchanaburi town, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls. The water cascades over seven tiers of limestone, forming turquoise pools where visitors can swim. The top tier is said to resemble the three-headed elephant Erawan of Hindu mythology.
Visiting
- A trail of about 2 km climbs from the bottom tier to the seventh. The lower tiers are easy; the upper ones involve steep, sometimes slippery paths.
- Swimming is allowed in several pools. Fish nibble at your feet.
- Food and plastic bottles may be restricted beyond the lower tiers to protect the park; follow the rules posted at the entrance.
- The park opens in the morning and the upper tiers close in the afternoon. Arrive early.
When to go
The pools are clearest in the dry season, from about November to April. Waterfalls are most powerful at the end of the rainy season, when the water may be cloudier.
Getting there
Buses run from Kanchanaburi bus station to the park. Many visitors hire a car or join a tour combining Erawan with other sights. A national park entrance fee is charged.
Where to stay
See our Kanchanaburi guide for options in town, by the river and near the national parks.