Erawan Waterfall★★★
The Erawan Waterfall in the eponymous national park is considered the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand — and rightly so. Seven tiers cascade over moss-covered limestone rocks, each with its own turquoise natural pool. The water has an unreal emerald green color due to the high lime content. The name comes from the three-headed elephant Erawan from Hindu mythology — the top tier is said to resemble it.
The hiking trail leads over 1.5 km and about 550 meters in elevation through dense tropical rainforest from tier to tier. The lower tiers (1–3) are easily accessible and ideal for swimming. The middle ones (4–5) require some climbing. The upper tiers (6–7) are challenging — steep paths, ropes to hold on to, slippery rocks. But the reward is the most spectacular tier at the top.
Tame nibble fish (Garra rufa) swim in the pools, gently nibbling at your skin — a free fish spa in the middle of the jungle.
💡 Tipp
Arrive as early as possible — the park opens at 8 a.m., and it gets crowded from 10 a.m. Much quieter during the week than on weekends. Sunscreen is prohibited (harms the ecosystem), instead wear a long-sleeved UV shirt. Bring water and snacks, but no plastic — checked at the entrance.
Achtung
The upper tiers (5–7) are only safely accessible in shoes with tread — no flip-flops! Shoes are checked at the entrance. Since 2023, there is a ticket limit: a maximum of 1,700 visitors at a time. In the high season (Nov–Feb) on weekends, tickets can be sold out by 10 a.m.
The Seven Levels in Detail
Level 1 — Lai Kuen Rang: Wide, flat, easily accessible (200 m from the park entrance). Large pool for swimming. The busiest, but also the most convenient. Changing rooms and toilets available.
Level 2 — Wang Matcha: 300 m further. Several small cascades over wide rock slabs. Excellent for sitting in the shallow water. Many nibbling fish.
Level 3 — Pha Nam Tok: The most popular level for swimming — a large, deep pool (2–3 m) with a 5 m high waterfall. Ropes for swinging into the water (unofficial). Turquoise like from a catalog.
Level 4 — Oke Nang Phee Seua: Climbing begins here. Steep path, partly with ropes. Smaller, more intimate pool. Fewer visitors, more jungle feeling.
Level 5 — Bua Mai Long: Most difficult section — steep rocks, slippery when wet. Reward: a beautiful pool surrounded by dense tree roots.
Level 6 — Dong Pruk Sa: Wide cascade over moss-covered rocks. Less for swimming, more for marveling. Only a few visitors up here.
Level 7 — Phu Pha Erawan: The crowning glory — a 20 m high waterfall, said to resemble the three-headed elephant Erawan. Pool at the foot of the falls. Up here, you are often almost alone. The return takes 30–40 minutes.
Arrival at Erawan Waterfall
From Kanchanaburi
Bus No. 8170: From Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. Departure 8:00, 8:50, 9:30, 10:10, 1:20 pm. Return from Erawan: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 pm. Duration: 1.5 hours. Price: 50 THB (approx. €1.30). The bus stops directly at the park entrance.
Scooter/Car: 65 km, approx. 1 hour via Route 3199. Good road. Scooter rental in Kanchanaburi from 200 THB/day (approx. €5.30).
Tour: Almost every guesthouse in Kanchanaburi offers day tours: 800–1,200 THB (approx. €21–32) including transport, entrance, and lunch. Often combined with a stop at the bridge.