Erawan Falls Day Trip Guide: Seven Tiers of Turquoise Pools in Kanchanaburi

Why Erawan Falls Belongs on Your Thailand Itinerary

Erawan Falls is a seven-tiered waterfall inside Erawan National Park, about 65 km north of Kanchanaburi town. The cascades tumble through dense tropical forest into a series of emerald-green pools that are open for swimming. Named after the mythical three-headed elephant from Hindu legend — the top tier is said to resemble its head — Erawan consistently ranks as one of Thailand's most spectacular natural attractions. If you are planning a broader trip, our Thailand 10-day itinerary and first-time visitor's guide both include western Thailand highlights.

Getting There

From Kanchanaburi: Public buses depart hourly from the Kanchanaburi bus station between 8 am and 5:50 pm. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs 50 THB. The last return bus leaves the park at 5 pm, so plan accordingly. Renting a scooter is another popular option and takes roughly one hour. Check our best hotels in Kanchanaburi if you plan to stay overnight.

From Bangkok: Kanchanaburi is about 2.5 hours west of Bangkok by minivan or bus. Many travellers combine Erawan Falls with a visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai and the JEATH War Museum for a full Kanchanaburi day trip. For more ideas on excursions from the capital, see our guide to the best day trips from Bangkok. If you are travelling by public transport, the Bangkok public transport guide covers how to get to the bus terminals.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fees

The waterfall trail is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Entrance fees for foreign visitors are 300 THB for adults and 200 THB for children. Parking costs 30 THB for a car or 20 THB for a motorbike.

The Seven Tiers — What to Expect

Plan to spend three to five hours if you want to reach all seven levels. The hike to the top takes about one hour with photo stops along the way.

• Tiers 1 and 2 are the easiest to reach, with wide paths suitable for families. The pools here are the most popular for swimming.
• Tiers 3 to 5 involve moderate climbing over tree roots and rocky steps. The crowds thin out as you go higher.
• Tiers 6 and 7 are the most rewarding but require a steeper scramble. Tier 7 offers the most dramatic cascade and the quietest atmosphere.

Park Rules You Need to Know

Erawan National Park enforces strict eco-friendly rules to protect the environment:

• No food or drinks are allowed past tier 2.
• If you carry a plastic water bottle beyond tier 2, you must pay a 20 THB refundable deposit to discourage littering.
• Life jackets are mandatory for swimming and can be rented at the park for 20 THB.
• Sunscreen that is not reef-safe may be restricted — consider using mineral-based products.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but the best conditions are between November and January when temperatures hover around 30 degrees and rainfall is minimal. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends and Thai public holidays. Our best time to visit Thailand guide explains the seasonal patterns across the country in more detail.

Arrive early. Getting to the entrance by 8 am gives you the coolest hiking conditions and the best chance of having the upper pools to yourself. By midday, the lower tiers can get busy with tour groups.

Tips for a Better Visit

• Wear water shoes or sport sandals — the rocks are slippery and the trail gets muddy after rain.
• Bring a dry bag for your phone and valuables; you will want to swim at multiple tiers.
• There are basic food stalls and toilets near the park entrance, but nothing beyond tier 2.
• The fish in the lower pools will nibble at your feet — it is harmless and a free version of the fish spas found in Bangkok.
• Make sure you have travel insurance for Thailand before heading into the national park.
• A Thai SIM card or eSIM is useful for navigation on the trail between tiers.

Erawan Falls is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the photos. If you have a spare day in western Thailand, this is how to spend it. Fans of Thailand's national parks should also consider Khao Yai National Park or read our full guide to camping in Thailand's national parks. For a wildlife experience with a different focus, the ethical elephant sanctuaries guide covers observation-only sanctuaries across the country. Budget-conscious visitors will find useful benchmarks in our Thailand daily costs guide and two-week budget breakdown. Travelling with children? The Thailand with kids guide has tips on family-friendly day trips including this one. For safety context, see our is Thailand safe for tourists guide.