The Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi is the most accessible and playable waterfall near Bangkok.

Unlike most waterfalls, which you can only look at, here you can jump in and swim directly under the cascading water. This is ideal for families with children.

Since it's cooler here than in the city, it offers a fantastic refuge from the heat, especially during the hot season. Hiking along the trail also feels a bit like a mini jungle adventure.

In this article, I share my personal experiences as a traveler to help you get the most out of your visit.

  • Which level suits you best?
  • How to get to Erawan Waterfall
  • What most people don't expect

    • Brief information about the Erawan Waterfall

  • Location: Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
  • Distance from Bangkok: approximately 3 hours by car
  • Opening hours: 8:00–16:30
  • Entrance fee: 300 THB / 8 USD
  • Ideal for: Swimming, hiking, nature holidays
  • Recommended time: 3–5 hours

    • A day trip from Bangkok? Not recommended.

    A day trip is doable, but too strenuous for most. Even with a private tour, the day feels rushed. After all, you're driving at least six hours round trip from Bangkok to only spend three hours at the waterfall.

    Instead, I strongly recommend that you visit it as part of your overnight tour to Kanchanaburi.

    This allows you to arrive early (before the large tour buses), avoid the midday heat, and enjoy the pools in peace. For a more relaxing holiday.

    You will also have time to do other great things nearby, such as staying in a special floating bungalow, taking the train along the Death Railway, or feeding elephants at Elephants' World.

    We'll guide you through the 7 stages: Which stage suits you best?

    You don't have to visit all the levels of the waterfall.

    To be honest, summit levels 1 through 4 offer all the stunning views and great swimming spots for which Erawan is known. If you don't enjoy hiking or are short on time, you should stop there. Continue only if you enjoy hiking and are determined to reach the summit.

    The best photo spots at Erawan Waterfall

    If you want to take the most famous shots of Erawan Waterfall, choose level 3 for classic waterfall shots, level 2 for swimming photos, and level 5 for a jungle adventure look.

  • Stage 3: This is the official postcard view. A single photo shows the park's tallest and most spectacular waterfall, the emerald pool, and the jungle.
  • Category 2: If you want that classic photo of yourself floating in crystal-clear water, this is the place for you. The water here is the clearest and most uniformly blue, and the pool is the largest.
  • Level 5: Fancy an atmospheric, adventurous photo where nobody else is in it? Then hike up to Level 5. Here the crowds thin out quickly, and you'll find smaller waterfalls cascading over rocks, surrounded by dense trees.

    • The best swimming spots at Erawan Waterfall

    If you're just here for swimming and splashing around, I highly recommend Tier 2 and Tier 4. Both have large natural pools.

  • If you are traveling with small children, Tier 2 is the best choice. It's the only place near the waterfall where you are allowed to eat. You'll also find convenient restrooms, changing rooms, and a picnic platform right next to the waterfall.
  • If you're traveling with energetic teenagers or older children, head to Tier 4. It's less crowded and features a smooth, natural rock slide that leads directly into a deep pool. Kids can easily spend hours playing there.

    • For a jungle hike

    For a quieter and more peaceful experience, it is recommended to ascend further to the higher levels, especially level 7. There you will find a real jungle hike with significantly fewer people.

    But be warned: Sections 5 to 7 are the most challenging of the hike, and the path becomes muddy. If you have children under 8 years old or anyone with knee problems, we recommend turning back at section 4.

    Best time to travel: Dry season vs. rainy season

    For the best overall experience at Erawan Waterfall, a visit between November and February is recommended.

    The water shimmers a brilliant blue, the weather is pleasantly cool, and the waterfall roars. However, since it's also peak season, it's always very crowded on weekends. For a more peaceful experience, a weekday visit is recommended.

    During the hot season (March to May), swimming here is the perfect way to cool off.

    Stay in the lower sections before reaching level 4, as the upper waterfalls become thinner. If you plan to hike to the summit, start before 10 a.m. to avoid the sweltering midday heat (35°C).

    When traveling during the rainy season (June to October), you should be flexible and prepare for the rainiest months of September and October.

    Heavy rain can turn the pools into murky mud and block the upper layers. So don't expect a turquoise color if it rains heavily the night before your visit.

    However, the months of June to August are still a good time to travel.

    The jungle-like areas are lush and green, it's not crowded, and swimming in the pools is easy. However, be prepared for slippery paths in the upper areas after short afternoon rain showers.

    The secret to seeing the bluest pools:

    The pools look their best when the sun hits the water. So don't arrive too early. Before 9:00 a.m., the water appears dark green and murky in the shade.

    The best time to go is between 9:30 and 11:30 am, when the sun's rays hit the water directly, creating the brightest blue – and allowing you to get ahead of the large tour groups.

    Getting to Erawan Waterfall from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi

    There is no direct public transport connection from Bangkok to Erawan Waterfall.

    If you want to travel by public transport, you first have to go to Kanchanaburi and change trains there to get to the waterfall. This transfer can easily take half a day.

    1. Arrival from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

    Trains and buses are two common means of transport between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. The journey takes approximately 3 hours in each case.

    For most visitors, buses are the easier choice. They are air-conditioned, run all day, and are much easier to include in a day trip.

    Only take the train if you want to enjoy the rural scenery along the route, but expect very basic comfort. There's no air conditioning, the seats are made of hardwood, and you'll also have to get up early as the train only departs at 7:45 a.m.

    2. Getting from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Waterfall

    Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi, you will need to take a public bus from the Kanchanaburi bus station to Erawan Waterfall. These buses are not air-conditioned and usually only depart when they are full, which can lead to delays.

    To avoid the hassle of multiple transfers, book a private transfer.

    What most visitors don't expect before their visit

    1. If you don't swim, Erawan may feel less special.

    The waterfalls are beautiful, but a big part of the fun comes from cooling off in the pools. Without swimming, it's more like a scenic jungle hike with beautiful waterfalls along the way.

    2. The lower levels (especially 1–3) are very crowded on weekends. For a quieter experience, a visit on a weekday, ideally before 9 a.m., is recommended.

    3. You will receive a free natural fish spa!

    Fish gently nibble at your feet if you stand still. During my visit, this surprised us both. We flinched briefly and then laughed when we realized what it was.

    4. Don't expect a massive, roaring waterfall. Erawan is more about swimming, exploring, and relaxing in a series of jungle pools.

    5. You must wear a life jacket, even if the water looks shallow.

    Since they are only available on level 1, you should definitely rent one before going up if you plan to swim. Otherwise, you'll have a long descent in store.

    6. Beware of monkeys and snakes.

    Monkeys are mainly seen in the lower areas. They are not usually aggressive, but they may occasionally snatch food or small objects. To avoid trouble, you should lock your valuables in a locker at the visitor center. It's a real jungle, and every now and then a snake crosses your path – so be careful.

    Are you planning a trip to Kanchanaburi around the Erawan Waterfall?

    If you are trying to incorporate this into a Kanchanaburi itinerary, we can help you design a route that feels smooth and well-timed.

    Discover our customizable Thailand tours or let one of our travel specialists inspire you.

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