Erawan Falls: Complete Visitor Guide
Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi province is Thailand's most celebrated waterfall — seven tiers of extraordinarily clear, turquoise-green water flowing through a pristine national park three hours west of Bangkok.
Quick Answer
What makes Erawan Falls special?
Erawan is famous for the exceptional clarity and turquoise colour of its water, caused by dissolved calcium carbonate from the limestone geology. The colour ranges from pale aquamarine in shallow areas to deep emerald in the pools — photographs barely do it justice. The seven-tiered cascade is named after the three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology; from a distance, the upper falls supposedly resemble its form. The natural swimming pools with fish nibbling at visitors' feet are a unique experience.
The Seven Tiers
Tiers 1–3 are the most visited and accessible. Tier 1 (Pha Nam Tok) is close to the car park with a broad, shallow pool. Tier 2 (Wang Manol) has a wide emerald pool perfect for swimming; this is where most day visitors spend their time. Tier 3 (Pha Bi Noi) has a smaller but beautiful pool hemmed in by forest.
Tiers 4–5 require more effort but reward with significantly fewer crowds. Tier 4 (Wang Long) is a particularly beautiful cascade with an excellent swimming hole. Tier 5 (Tong Phi Rin) involves some climbing over rocks — a minor adventure.
Tiers 6–7 (Rong Pla and Nong Phi) are the most remote — tier 7 is 2km from the car park. Very few day visitors reach tier 7, which means you may have the waterfall to yourself. The final falls are not the largest but the sense of achievement and solitude make the hike worthwhile.
Practical Information
Erawan National Park is open daily from 8am to 4pm (last entry). Entrance fees are 300 THB for foreigners and 100 THB for Thais. Pay at the gate — cash only at many times. On weekends and Thai public holidays, the park can reach capacity by mid-morning; arrival before 9am is strongly recommended. Weekdays are significantly less crowded.
Lockers are available near the entrance for 20–30 THB. Food stalls and a small restaurant operate near the car park. No outside food is permitted in the park, though water bottles are allowed. Sunscreen must be left outside the park or in your locker — the chemical sunscreen contaminates the unique ecosystem. Use reef-safe sunscreen or none at all.
Sunscreen Ban at Erawan
Combining Erawan with Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi town, 70km from the falls, is a worthwhile destination in itself — the Death Railway and Bridge on the River Kwai are historically significant WWII sites, and the JEATH War Museum provides excellent context. An overnight stay in Kanchanaburi allows a morning visit to Erawan before the crowds and an afternoon at the war memorials.
Huay Maekamin Waterfall, also in Kanchanaburi province, makes a strong second-day option for visitors wanting to see a larger, less-visited cascade. Together, Erawan and Huay Maekamin form an ideal two-day waterfall itinerary within easy reach of Bangkok.