Erawan National Park in Thailand is home to the famous Erawan Waterfall, a seven-tier waterfall system. It actually exceeded expectations and felt like a worthwhile visit, even though there are many natural landscapes in China that are arguably even more impressive. The entrance fee for foreign adults is 300 THB per person (children are about half price). I was curious about what locals pay, but that wasn’t clearly shown. I didn’t go swimming on this trip because I didn’t want to get wet, but swimming is allowed in designated areas of the waterfalls. Life jackets can be rented for 20 THB for 2 hours, with extra charges if you exceed the time limit. There is also a 20 THB bottle deposit system, designed to prevent littering in the national park. You must bring your bottle back with the marked label to get the deposit refunded. The waterfall consists of seven tiers, each with crystal-clear emerald pools. During the rainy season (May to October), the water flow becomes powerful, cascading like a silver river. In the sunlight, it can look almost mythical, like a sacred scene. At the same time, visitors are warned about the “fish spa” effect in the pools. It can feel quite intense when small fish nibble at your feet. Important practical notes: There are toilets only up to level 3. After that, there are no restroom facilities, so plan ahead. The higher you go, the steeper the stairs become. Food and drinks are very limited. There is only one shop in the entire park. You should bring your own water. Above level 3, eating is not allowed, and even water must be in sealed bottles or containers. There are also no trash bins along the trail, so everything must be carried out. Official warnings mention snakes and monkeys along the walking paths. It’s important to stay alert, especially in forested sections. Location: น้ำตกเอราวัณ (Erawan Waterfall) Transportation: From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, you can take a bus to Kanchanaburi (about 2.5–3 hours). For larger groups, renting a car is more convenient and flexible.
Erawan Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Erawan Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Erawan Falls famous?
Erawan Falls is famous for its seven-tiered emerald green pools resembling Erawan, the three-headed white elephant from Hindu-Buddhist mythology. The falls are also known for fish that nibble bathers' feet and the stunning turquoise color of the pools fed by mineral-rich water.
Can you swim at Erawan Falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed at multiple tiers, especially popular at tiers 1, 2, 4, and 7. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Erawan Falls?
Pets are not allowed in Erawan National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Erawan Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Park entry fee applies: 300 THB for foreign adults, 200 THB for foreign children (rates subject to change). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Erawan Falls?
Parking is available at the park entrance near the visitor center. A short walk from the parking area leads to the trailhead for tier 1. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Erawan Falls?
About 2 km / 1.2 mi one-way from tier 1 to tier 7 (the highest tier), taking 1.5-2 hours to reach the top. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Erawan Falls hike difficulty
Moderate. The trail climbs through seven tiers with steep sections, rope assists, stream crossings, and slippery rocks. Lower tiers (1-3) are easy. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Erawan Falls?
November to February (cool/dry season) for pleasant weather and clear pools, or June to October (rainy season) for maximum flow. Avoid March-May (hot season). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Erawan Falls
The trail begins at tier 1 near the visitor center and ascends through seven distinct tiers. Follow the main path upstream, crossing streams and using ropes on steeper sections between tiers 5-7. Each tier is marked. The path becomes progressively more challenging, with the final tiers requiring stream wading and scrambling over rocks.
Erawan Falls official website
Attractions near Erawan Falls
- •Phra That Cave - limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites near the park entrance
- •Hellfire Pass Memorial - WWII Death Railway museum and walking trail, ~80 km northwest
- •River Kwai Bridge - historic WWII bridge in Kanchanaburi town, ~65 km from park
- •Sai Yok National Park - another national park with waterfalls, ~50 km northwest
- •Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - WWII Allied cemetery in Kanchanaburi town
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.