Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province contains what is widely considered Thailand's most beautiful series of waterfalls. The Erawan Falls cascade down seven tiers through primary forest, each level creating a pool of implausible turquoise-green colour — the result of dissolved limestone minerals that give the water its distinctive hue and extraordinary clarity.
The lower three tiers are accessible and popular with Thai families who wade and swim in the pools. Tiers four through seven require a moderate uphill hike (the trail is well-maintained but involves stream crossings and some elevation) and are progressively less visited. The seventh tier offers solitude and the most dramatic falls. Small fish shoals inhabit the pools throughout; nibble fish at the lower levels will enthusiastically massage your feet.
Erawan is 65 km north of Kanchanaburi town and best visited as a day trip from there or from Bangkok. The park can be extremely crowded on weekends and Thai public holidays — a weekday visit is significantly more peaceful. Swimming in the pools is permitted except in heavy rain or flooding.
Highlights
- Seven tiers of turquoise-green mineral pools and cascades
- Remarkable water clarity from dissolved limestone minerals
- Swimming permitted in multiple pools throughout the year
- Fish that nibble at your feet in the lower pools
- Moderate hiking trail connecting all seven tiers through primary forest
- Easily combined with WWII heritage sites in Kanchanaburi
How to Get There
From Kanchanaburi town, take a songthaew from the bus terminal to Erawan (1 hour, 50 THB) or hire a private taxi (400–500 THB one way). From Bangkok, take a bus to Kanchanaburi (2.5 hours, 130 THB) then onward transport. Day tours from Bangkok include Erawan and the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Visitor Tips
The most photographed pool is at tier 3 — but tiers 5–7 have better swimming and more solitude.
Start walking from the car park by 9 am to reach the upper tiers before midday heat.
Bring water shoes — the rocks around the pools are slippery and sharp.
Water shoes or sandals with straps are essential for the upper tiers; flip flops are unsuitable.
The park rangers broadcast swim-safe conditions daily — heavy rain upstream can make swimming dangerous.
Dress Code Required
Frequently Asked Questions
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Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
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