Erawan Falls
Discover the breathtaking 7-tiered Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, with stunning emerald pools perfect for swimming and hiking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Erawan Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking 7-tiered Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, with stunning emerald pools perfect for swimming and hiking.
"This is a WOW place that you just have to visit. The scenery and many waterfalls are simply stunning."
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving before 9 AM.
👟 Wear Grippy Water Shoes
Essential for slippery paths, especially after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Tiers
Erawan National Park
Explore the stunning cascade of seven distinct waterfalls, each with unique emerald pools perfect for swimming.
Emerald Pools
Various levels
Swim in the vibrant turquoise and emerald green pools, a refreshing reward after the hike.
Wildlife Encounters
Pools and trails
Observe diverse wildlife, including small fish that nibble at your feet in the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds and Heat
What to Pack & What to Know
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving before 9 AM.
👟 Wear Grippy Water Shoes
Essential for slippery paths, especially after rain.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic bottles are not allowed past level 2.
🛟 Rent a Life Jacket
Mandatory for swimming in certain pools.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving before 9 AM.
👟 Wear Grippy Water Shoes
Essential for slippery paths, especially after rain.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic bottles are not allowed past level 2.
🛟 Rent a Life Jacket
Mandatory for swimming in certain pools.
🥾 Hike to the Top
The 7th level is a challenging but rewarding climb.
🐠 Fish Nibbles
Enjoy the natural exfoliation from small fish in the pools.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Erawan Falls is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with visitors consistently praising the seven tiers of cascading waterfalls and the vibrant emerald pools. The opportunity to swim and hike through lush scenery is a major draw. However, some find the experience can be crowded and the reality doesn't always match the picturesque photos, with the higher levels requiring significant physical effort.
"The area is beautiful, consists of 7 waterfalls. There are golf carts that can help you get to the first few levels, but after that you're on your own.
It is definitely a hike and you need to be ready to walk/trek and the path is not smooth.
You can swim normally in some of the waterfalls, some only with a life jacket (which you can rent) and some you cannot swim at all.
I recommend renting a life jacket and swimming in the earlier levels, as level 7 is the "pinnacle", but there are small fish there that keep biting you, and no one was comfortable swimming in level 7.
I wish they sold snacks/drinks at the higher levels, because after the early levels there is nothing but the watefalls, and they take your food/drinks at that checkpoint.
It's beautiful, requires a lot of physical effort, and it was rather underwhelming overall.
Pictures are better than the reality.
If you want to save money, stay in Kanchanaburi and just take a bus or a grab to Erawan."
Ye
"Stunning. Some of the most beautiful falls I've ever seen. To see all 7 levels is quite a hike but accessible to most. Well worth the walk. The lower 3 levels take very little effort and are fantastic."
David Ruyg
"Erawan Waterfall is a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. It is renowned for its picturesque emerald green pools and seven distinct levels, each offering a unique swimming and exploration experience. The falls are named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, with the top tier said to resemble Erawan.
The waterfall cascades down seven levels, each with its own characteristics and swimming opportunities.
The water in the pools is a vibrant turquoise or emerald green color, making for a picturesque scene.
Visitors can swim in the pools at each level, and the higher tiers offer more challenging hikes with steeper trails and beautiful forest scenery.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including fish that nibble at your feet in the pools.
There are various nature trails, including the Khao Hin Lan Pee Trail, offering a quieter experience and opportunities to explore caves and the surrounding forest.
The first three tiers are relatively easy to access, while the higher tiers require more effort and sturdy shoes for the steeper climbs.
Food is not allowed past the second level, and water bottles may require a refundable deposit to encourage responsible waste disposal.
Erawan Waterfall is a popular destination, so expect to encounter other visitors, especially on weekends."
Unggul Wicaksono
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (approx. 2-3 hours), then another local bus to Erawan National Park. Alternatively, consider a private taxi or organized tour for a more comfortable journey. +2
Yes, local buses run frequently from Kanchanaburi bus station to Erawan Falls, taking about 1.5 hours. Grab or private taxis are also options.
The lower levels are accessible via trails and footbridges. For higher levels, it's a hike, and sturdy shoes are recommended. Golf carts are available for the first few levels.
Absolutely! Erawan Falls is a popular day trip from Bangkok, offering a great escape into nature.
From Bangkok, it's about a 3-4 hour journey one way, depending on your mode of transport. From Kanchanaburi, it's around 1.5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Foreigner entry fee is 300 THB, while Thai nationals pay 60 THB. Be sure to have your passport or Thai ID ready.
The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily. However, levels 4-7 close earlier, around 3:30 PM.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. Booking in advance is usually not necessary, but it's wise to check for any special holiday restrictions.
Information on discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but Thai nationals have a significantly lower entry fee.
Plastic bottles are not allowed past the second level. It's recommended to buy a large reusable container for water. Food is also restricted past the second level.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the seventh level is approximately 1.5 km and can take around 3 hours round trip, not including time spent swimming and relaxing. +1
Yes, swimming is permitted in many of the emerald pools, especially at the lower levels. Life jackets are recommended and sometimes mandatory.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for hiking and swimming. Quick-drying clothes and sturdy, grippy water shoes are highly recommended.
Basic facilities, including restrooms and food stalls, are available, particularly at the lower levels. However, options become scarce at higher tiers.
The lower three levels are easily accessible and enjoyable for families. Higher levels involve more strenuous hiking and may be challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning offers softer light and fewer people, making for better photography conditions.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety.
Capture the multi-tiered cascades, the vibrant emerald pools, and the lush jungle scenery. Shots of people swimming or relaxing in the water are also popular.
Venture to the upper tiers where crowds are thinner for more secluded shots. Experiment with different angles and capture the scale of the falls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the falls. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to swim.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children or those who enjoy a bit more of a challenge, the hike up to the higher levels can be a fun family activity. Just be prepared for steeper paths and ensure everyone has appropriate footwear. Pack plenty of water in reusable bottles, as food and plastic bottles are restricted past the second level.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the foreigner entrance fee is higher than for locals, the overall cost of visiting Erawan remains reasonable, especially when compared to other attractions. Packing your own snacks and water (in a reusable container) will also help save money, as options are limited and pricier at higher levels.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Embrace the opportunity to swim in the natural pools at various levels. Renting a life jacket is advisable for a more secure experience. Reaching the top tier provides a sense of accomplishment and stunning panoramic views, making the physical exertion well worth it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seven Tiers of Erawan
As you ascend, the trails become more challenging, requiring sturdy footwear. Level 3 (Ngao) and Level 4 (Ok Nang) offer more secluded swimming spots and picturesque cascades. Level 5 (Bua Mai) and Level 6 (Dong Pee Suea) continue the ascent with increasingly dramatic scenery. The pinnacle, Level 7 (Phu Pha Erawan), is the most challenging to reach but rewards hikers with a grand, multi-tiered waterfall and breathtaking views. While some visitors find the fish at Level 7 to be a bit bothersome for swimming, the overall experience of reaching the top is highly praised.
Throughout the hike, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna. The park rangers are present at each level to ensure safety, especially for swimmers. Remember that food and plastic bottles are restricted past the second level, so plan accordingly and bring a reusable water container. The entire experience is a testament to Thailand's natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
Navigating Erawan: Transportation & Logistics
For those seeking more comfort or a more direct route, hiring a private taxi or booking an organized tour from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi are excellent options. These services can often include stops at other local attractions, making for a fuller day trip.
Upon arrival at Erawan National Park, you'll need to purchase an entrance ticket. Remember to bring your passport or Thai ID for verification. The park has facilities like restrooms and food vendors at the lower levels, but these amenities become scarce as you ascend. Planning to carry your essentials and a reusable water bottle is crucial for a comfortable hike.
The Erawan Experience: Swimming, Hiking, and What to Expect
Swimming is a major highlight, with many of the emerald pools offering a cool respite from the tropical heat. Life jackets are available for rent at the second level and are mandatory for swimming in certain designated areas. The fish in the pools are known to nibble at your skin, which some find ticklish and others find a bit unnerving, but they are harmless.
It's important to note that Erawan Falls can get quite crowded, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. To truly appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the falls, arriving early in the morning is the best strategy.
While the scenery is undeniably beautiful, some visitors find that the reality doesn't quite match the idealized images, but the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile natural attraction. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit