5 Things to Know When Visiting Erawan National Park, Bangkok

Erawan National Park is one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural wonders, famous for its seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, crystal-clear pools, and diverse wildlife. Located in Kanchanaburi province, just a few hours from Bangkok, this protected rainforest offers an unforgettable escape into nature.

But before you pack your bags, there are essential things you need to know to make the most of your visit.

From entrance fees and opening hours to the best times to visit, I’ll cover everything to ensure a smooth experience. You’ll also learn about the park’s hiking trails, swimming spots, and the unique flora and fauna that make it a haven for nature lovers. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Bangkok or an extended stay, knowing what to expect will help you avoid common pitfalls, like missing the last bus or encountering unexpected wildlife.

I’ll also share insights on Erawan Cave, local regulations, and why it’s crucial to follow eco-friendly travel practices to protect this fragile ecosystem. If you're wondering about where to stay near Erawan National Park or how to reach it via public transport, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll be fully prepared to explore one of Thailand’s most iconic national parks, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventure.

1. About Erawan National Park

This national park was created in 1975 covering an area of approximately 550 km² around a main waterfall, which was given the name “Erawan” because someone saw a similarity with the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, also known as “Airavata”.

Although it is called a waterfall, don't expect a huge waterfall falling from the top of a mountain. In reality, it is a series of small waterfalls on the Tala River as it passes through a lush forest, 7 to be exact, which form natural pools or pools with emerald green water of different sizes, suitable for swimming (as long as you are not afraid to share the experience with hundreds of hungry little fish).

From the entrance to the park, a path begins that ascends parallel to the river, connecting each of the levels, until reaching the seventh and last. In total, it is approximately 2 km (one way) and, although we cannot say that it is difficult (in fact, 70% is done on footbridges), the final part gets a little steeper and you walk directly on the ground.

The rest of the park is made up of forests, streams, hills and plains that are practically inaccessible, so the largest concentration of tourists is at this waterfall. Don't expect to see any wild fauna or unique plants either. There are several caves , such as the Phra That Cave or the Tham Lawa Cave, that can be interesting if you have more time. We'll tell you more later.

Being fairly accessible from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi , Erawan National Park is a super popular weekend destination for locals looking to get away from the noise, constant stress and pollution (and we're not surprised). Keep this in mind when planning.

Erawan National Park in Thailand

2. How to visit Erawan National Park

Whether you arrive on your own by renting a motorbike from Kanchanaburi or by public transport, or on a day tour, the plan in Erawan will be the same. And it is none other than to put on your walking shoes, your swimsuit, your cap and your backpack, and enter the heart of the jungle through this winding but not very difficult path.

You will go up the stream, overcoming level after level, with stops to take refreshing baths in its natural pools, where you will be the favorite dish of the little fish (and big fish) that live in its waters and that will give you little bites, quite uncomfortable to be honest, but not at all dangerous.

fish in Erawan waterfalls

Until you reach the upper level, a beautiful waterfall separated into several waterfalls that gave the park its name (you know, the elephant with three heads). For me, the best levels to take a dip are: the fifth one , which has two areas and is not crowded; the third one with a cool waterfall; and the second one , which has the largest and most popular pool.

You're not really missing out on much if you don't complete the entire trail - in fact, the path gets a little more difficult after the fourth level - but if you're missing nature and fancy working up a sweat, this is a great place to be. Most people, especially Thais and older people, will prefer to stay on the second or third level and set up their own private spa there, so the higher you go, the less crowded the pools will be.

For those with limited mobility, there is a golf cart shuttle service between the entrance and levels 1 and 2 (600 meters) which costs 30 THB each way per person. The return can be done in the same way.

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Important : in order to swim, you must wear a life jacket , which is available for rent on level 1 for 20 THB (2 hours). It is a pain to have to carry it all the time, but there are security guards at each pool (except on the upper levels) who will tell you off if you go in without one.

Here are the photos of each of the levels:

Erawan Falls - Level 1 — *Erawan Falls – Level 1*

Erawan Falls - Level 2 — *Erawan Falls – Level 2*

Erawan Falls - Level 3 — *Erawan Falls – Level 3*

Erawan Falls - Level 4 — *Erawan Falls – Level 4*

Erawan Falls - Level 5 — *Erawan Falls – Level 5*

Erawan Falls - Level 6 — *Erawan Falls – Level 6*

Erawan Falls - Level 7 — *Erawan Falls – Level 7*

Important rules and tips

Please note a number of rules and recommendations when visiting Erawan Park:

Put on your life jacket every time you want to get into the water.
You are not allowed to bring any food beyond level 2 and they control the number of water bottles you bring. You will have to leave a deposit of 20 THB for each one, which they will return to you if you keep them on the way out (to prevent people from throwing them in the park, good).
Pets are not allowed.
On level 7 I encountered a lot of wasps which forced me to leave after 2 minutes of arriving.
In total it takes approximately 1 hour to complete the 2 km path to the upper level, plus any stops you wish to make.
There are showers (outdoor) and toilets on level 1 to change clothes when you are done with your visit.
Avoid weekends and holidays as much as possible , as the place is packed with locals and tourists.
Want to experience the quieter but equally beautiful “mini Erawan”? Head to Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall , about 50 km north.

Is Erawan worth visiting?

This is my personal recommendation : if you are coming to Kanchanaburi specifically for the Erawan Waterfall, I don't think it's worth it. Yes, it's a nice and photogenic park, but in my opinion it's a bit overrated , especially because the crowds take away its charm.

Now, I think Kanchanaburi definitely deserves at least a couple of nights , and since you're here, dedicate a morning to visiting Erawan, or a whole day to take a more complete route, which I tell you about below.

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Waterfall in Erawan National Park

3. Full 1 day motorbike tour from Kanchanaburi

Although I divided the excursions around Kanchanaburi into two days (one day only for the Erawan), it is not unreasonable to plan a complete road trip around this area, passing through some places that will surely surprise you.

To do so, it is essential that you get up early, that you plan well and that you want to travel a good handful of kilometers on a motorcycle (if you complete the entire route, it is more than 300 km!). This is my suggestion:

Go directly to Erawan and spend part of the morning there.
12km to the north is Phra That Cave , a gigantic cave 0.5km long and filled with beautiful limestone rock formations.
Go around the mountain and head towards Sai Yok National Park, stopping first at Tham Lawa Cave , a cave with stalactites, stalagmites and... bats! If you are short on time, you can skip it.
Continue to Hellfire Pass , a historic site that commemorates the suffering of the men who were forced to build the terrible Death Railway in inhumane conditions.
If you fancy visiting another waterfall, you can go as far as Sai Yok Yai Waterfall , although the surroundings are much more beautiful than the waterfall itself. Not to be skipped.
On the way back, I recommend stopping at Krasae Cave , a small cave with a Buddhist shrine inside next to one of the most complicated sections of the infamous railway line to build.
Finally, if you still have time and desire, you can complete this intense day at the Mueang Sing archaeological site , which, although not as impressive as others in Thailand, has its charm.

Mueang Sing Historical Park excursion from Kanchanaburi

4. How to get to Erawan

If you are in Kanchanaburi and don't mind riding a motorbike , this is the best option. It takes about 1 hour and the roads are in perfect condition.

The route is not pretty or scenic, but you avoid time zones and you will have all the flexibility in the world. On the main street there are several motorbike rental shops, all with similar prices: 250 THB for a 125cc scooter and 300 THB for a 150/160cc one. If you are going alone, the 125cc one will do without any problems, but for 2 people I would go for one with a slightly larger displacement.

You can also get there by bus , which leaves from Kanchanaburi central station several times a day and leaves at the park entrance. It costs 60 THB and takes 1 hour. I recommend going the day before to check the schedule and availability.

Finally, you have the option of hiring a taxi or a motorbike taxi to take you there and back. In this case, calculate around 1,000-1,500 THB.

There are several ways to get to Erawan from Bangkok . By train from Thon Buri station to Nam Tok, which stops in Kanchanaburi, leaves twice a day (at 07:45 and 13:55) and costs 100 THB. It is the historic route known as the "Death Railway", which is an attraction in itself.

Buses from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi depart from different stations: Mo Chit, Pinklao, Southern Bus Terminal, etc. Then you will need to take another bus to Erawan .

However, it is not feasible to make a day trip from Bangkok to Erawan on your own, and it would be best to stay overnight at least one night, either in Kanchanaburi (recommended) or in the surrounding areas of the park.

If you are short on time, it is best to book a day trip from Bangkok , which includes transport by minivan, sightseeing along the way, a guide and perhaps also food and entrance. Try not to stop at any elephant “sanctuaries”.

Kanchanaburi and Erawan Day Trip from Bangkok
2-Day Kanchanaburi and Erawan Tour from Bangkok

Death Railway

5. Useful information about Erawan National Park

Before you go, take note of all this practical information to plan an ideal and trouble-free visit to Erawan:

✓ Price

Admission for adults costs 300 THB (about €8) and for children under 14 it is 150 THB. You also have to pay an extra 20 THB for a motorbike or 30 THB for a car.

✓ Schedule

Open from 08:00 to 17:00, with last access to the three upper waterfalls from level 4 at 15:30.

✓ Where to eat

Inside the park there is only one cafeteria with some unappetizing snacks on level 1, as well as a picnic area right there. Near the parking lot there are several restaurants that I did not visit, I assume they are aimed at tourists. If you want to bring food to have a picnic on level 1, there is a market at the crossroads before arriving.

I also noted down a few cool coffee shops along the way just in case I got a craving for something special. And I did. I stopped at Amatala Coffee Roaster and it was fine (nothing more), and I passed Huda Cafe and RaftDara Cafe .

✓ Where to stay

There is a free camping area in the park (30 THB per person + 225 THB per tent) and also some basic cabins (price per person, for 2 it costs 800 THB). I have the feeling that it is more interesting to look for some accommodation outside if you want to sleep here. Here are some alternatives:

Taramontra Resort
Suriyan Villa Erawan
Tid Khao Glamping
Z9 Resort
VeeVaree Riverkwai Resort (in Sai Yok NP area)

✓ When to go

Any time is good, but keep in mind that the rainy season is from May to November (September and October are the months with the most rain), and if there has been a lot of rain in the preceding days the park may be closed due to flooding . I visited in March and there was very little rain, so it did not look as spectacular as at other times of the year.

Remember to avoid national holidays and weekends , as many people who live in Bangkok and other nearby cities take advantage of the opportunity to go on getaways with their partner or family.

This concludes our super guide to Erawan National Park , with all the recommendations to enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the most suggestive and popular natural spots in Thailand. Have you visited Erawan? What did you think?

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