Erawan National Park is one of those destinations in Thailand that exceeds all expectations – we promise! Photos don't do it justice, and there's so much more to discover than just a few beautiful waterfalls. For us, the hiking trail itself was the absolute highlight: a lush rainforest with small streams, wooden bridges, gnarled roots, and a landscape that makes you feel like you've been transported to paradise.

Seven cascading waterfalls comprise Erawan National Park, each with its own unique charm – from emerald-green pools perfect for swimming to towering falls reminiscent of the Avatar film. The entire hike is fantastic and suitable for families (with older children). Some sections are steeper and require a bit more effort, but most of the hike is relaxed – especially if you take it slow and pause at each waterfall.

We rode our scooters here in the morning and arrived at the entrance around 10:00 AM. The ride from Kanchanaburi took about 90 minutes, which honestly felt quite long, but the scenery was beautiful – we drove past dams and rivers as we approached the national park. We parked our scooters in the designated parking area, got into a golf cart, and drove to the first level. From there, we began our hike across the seven levels. Some of the waterfalls were a bit dry, as we were there in February, but that didn't detract from the experience at all!

Thailand's "Garden of Eden"

The most beautiful waterfalls of Erawan National Park

This may vary during the rainy season due to higher water levels, but we found the most beautiful waterfalls of Erawan on levels 4, 5, and 6. Level 4 is called Ok Nang Phi Suea and is characterized by large, smooth boulders over which the water cascades into a natural pool. There were some small fish swimming there, and a few people were enjoying snorkeling. Level 5 marks the first truly challenging part of the hike: a 600-meter climb via stairs and wooden walkways towards Buea Mai Long.

But the effort is richly rewarded: An oasis of rushing waterfalls and natural, tree-lined pools awaits you. Many visitors linger here, swimming and enjoying the view. To our surprise, we saw numerous families swimming on Level 5 – children playing in the shallows with life jackets and seeming to be having a wonderful time! The water at Buea Mai Long is clean and clear, so we decided to take a quick dip before heading to Level 6, Dong Phueksa.

The Level 6 waterfall (Dong Phueksa) was our favorite waterfall in Erawan National Park – a place that looks like it came straight out of an Avatar movie. Trees, moss, and ferns nestle among the multi-tiered cascades, giving it a stunning aesthetic. Despite the low water level in February and a few insect bites, we were overwhelmed by its beauty.

Is it worth leveling up to level 7?

Level 7, also known as Phu Pha Erawan, is 1.5 km from the starting point and about 250 m from Level 6. The final section of the hike is steep and somewhat challenging in places, with tree roots and rocks, but still manageable. During our visit, the landscape didn't quite match the photos due to the low water level, but the limestone formations were still impressive, and we were very proud to have completed the entire trail.

We think the hike to Level 7 is definitely worthwhile, no matter what time of year you visit Erawan National Park. From the trailhead, the ascent takes about an hour, not including photo and swimming breaks, and is manageable for anyone with average fitness. If you visit the park during the rainy season or shortly after, in November or December, you have a better chance of seeing Phu Pha Erawan, as the water flows more heavily over the limestone cliffs then.

Hiking trail to levels 6 and 7

Getting to Erawan National Park

There are three ways to reach Erawan: bus, scooter, or private driver/tour. The public bus (8170) is a good option, as it goes directly from Kanchanaburi to the park. However, the journey can take up to two hours due to stops along the way. We went to Erawan by scooter, which is generally our preferred mode of transport in Thailand, as it allows us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. There is ample parking at the park entrance, which makes renting a scooter even more convenient.

Hiring a private driver or joining a tour from Kanchanaburi offers maximum convenience. We stayed at the Inchantreedoopool, near the Bridge on the River Kwai, and rented our scooter at reception. This boutique hotel is also happy to arrange a driver or a tour to Erawan National Park – an excellent choice for those who want to be pampered for the day.

Refueling in Kanchanaburi

When should you visit the national park?

We visited Erawan in February and, despite the low water level, found it a magical experience. Kanchanaburi felt about 5°C warmer than Bangkok, so we were sweating quite a bit under the canopy of trees. But that was just a welcome excuse to jump into the turquoise pools and cool off. We spoke to the park rangers and asked them about the best time to visit Erawan National Park. They said November or December would be ideal, as the water level is high and the temperatures are pleasant.

If you're planning your visit during the rainy season between May and October, be aware of the risk of flash floods. It's best to wait for the weather to improve and avoid venturing out during heavy rain. Park rangers ensure the trails are safe and will even close off higher areas if necessary. And let's be honest, what's worse than wading through inches of mud and over slippery rocks?

Frequently asked questions about visiting Erawan National Park

How much does it cost to enter Erawan National Park?

Entry costs 300 THB for adults and 200 THB for children – but only for foreigners. During our visit, Kat took advantage of the discounted rates and paid only 100 THB. There are also a few additional minor costs: 20 THB for scooter parking, another 30 THB for the golf cart ride to the first level of the waterfalls (if desired), and 20 THB for the mandatory life jackets.

What are the opening hours for visitors at the waterfalls?

Erawan Falls is open daily year-round from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is recommended to arrive early, no later than 10:00 AM, to allow enough time for the hike to the 7th level. The hike itself only takes an hour, but you should plan on spending 3-4 hours relaxing and swimming at the various waterfalls and natural pools.

What should I pack and wear for the waterfalls?

It's best to bring two sets of clothes: one for hiking and one for swimming. We recommend sturdy footwear for the trails and comfortable shoes like water shoes or Crocs for the waterfalls. We saw some tourists trying to hike the trail in their Birkenstocks, which, frankly, looked terrible. The trail can be slippery, even in the dry season. Other essentials include a daypack, swimwear, a towel, and insect repellent.

Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip

Is the hiking trail family-friendly?

We saw many different families at Erawan Falls, some with young children (5-8 years old), others with older children (8-12 years old), all clearly having a great time together. This was mainly the case on Level 5 (Buea Mai Long) of the falls, which is not as challenging to reach as Levels 6 and 7. We recommend sticking to the lower levels if your children are not yet experienced hikers. Levels 1 and 2 are accessible by golf cart, and even Level 3 is only a 5-10 minute walk away – these areas are better suited for a family outing.

Is it possible to visit the Erawan Waterfalls as part of a day trip from Bangkok?

For those who can manage long days (12-14 hours), a visit to Erawan from Bangkok is certainly possible. The easiest way is to join a small group tour or book a private tour that also includes stops in Kanchanaburi, such as at the Bridge on the River Kwai. However, nothing beats a multi-day stay in Kanchanaburi to explore western Thailand at a more leisurely pace.

Concluding remarks

Erawan National Park turned out to be the highlight of our Kanchanaburi trip: Hiking through this jungle oasis, accompanied by majestic waterfalls, was a truly special experience. We had originally come to Kanchanaburi solely for its poignant World War II history, but instead, we experienced a vibrant mix of activities – from the Erawan waterfalls and the charm of the town of Mallika to the peaceful atmosphere of Wat Tham Suea. We left with wonderful memories and are convinced that many more travelers should discover this underrated province.

Read more: 10 Top Things to Do in Kanchanaburi: The Ultimate Travel Guide