Erawan National Park Waterfall Day Trips : Maximize Your Experience – Complete Visitor Guide
- Peerapong Plianpoom
- Aug 13
- 13 min read
Erawan National Park Waterfall Day Trips : Maximize Your Experience – Complete Visitor Guide
Introduction
After guiding hundreds of visitors to Erawan Waterfall over the years, I've learned every secret this magical place holds. From the best photo spots that most tourists miss to the perfect timing to avoid crowds, this complete visitor guide to Erawan Waterfall day trips comes from real experience, not just research. Let me share what I tell my groups – the insider tips that transform a good visit into an unforgettable adventure at one of Thailand's most stunning natural attractions.
Overview of Erawan National Park
I still remember my first visit to Erawan National Park 0ver 20 years ago – the moment you enter those gates, the air changes. It's cooler, fresher, alive with the sounds of nature. Spanning 550 square kilometers, this isn't just another tourist spot; it's a living, breathing ecosystem that I've watched change with the seasons countless times.
Over the years, I've spotted Monkeys swinging through the canopy in the early morning, watched hornbills glide overhead, and yes, even caught glimpses of wild elephants on therinde one main road to waterfall. The park has taught me patience – nature reveals itself to those who take time to look beyond the obvious attractions.
What Makes Erawan Unique?
People always ask me, "Why Erawan? There are waterfalls in Thailand everywhere." Here's what I tell them: I've visited waterfalls across Thailand, from the powerful cascades of Doi Inthanon to the hidden gems in Khao Yai, but Erawan holds a special magic. That turquoise water? It's not a filter or photo trick – the limestone deposits create colors that change throughout the day. Morning light makes the pools glow emerald, while afternoon sun turns them sapphire blue.
What really sets Erawan apart is how it rewards every type of visitor. I've brought elderly couples who enjoyed just the first tier, and hardcore hikers who conquered all seven levels before lunch. Unlike many waterfalls in Thailand where you look but don't touch, here you become part of the landscape, swimming where fish nibble your feet and butterflies land on your shoulders.
The Seven Tiers of Erawan Waterfall
Let me walk you through each tier as I would with my groups, sharing what I've learned from thousands of trips up this mountain:
Tier 1 - Lai Keun Rung: Don't dismiss this as "too easy" – I've seen jaded teenagers transform into excited kids here. The fish spa alone is worth the stop. Pro tip: arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM for the best experience. The morning crowd rushes past to higher tiers, giving you peaceful moments.
Tier 2 - Wang Macha: My favorite for families. After hundreds of visits, I know exactly where the deep spots are (near the left rock face) and where kids can safely play (the sandy shallow area on the right). The natural slide here is smoother than it looks – I've gone down it more times than I can count!
Tier 3 - Pha Namtok: This is where I separate the casual visitors from the adventurers. The climb gets real here, but the payoff is huge. I always tell people: if you're debating whether to continue, push to tier 3. The curtain waterfall here photographs beautifully around 11 AM when the sun hits just right.
Tier 4 - Oke Nang Phee Seah: The butterfly tier! I've learned their patterns – they're most active between 10 AM and noon. Sit still for 30 seconds near the flowering bushes, and they'll come to you. This pool has a hidden depth near the falls that locals love but tourists often miss.
Tier 5 - Bua Mai Long: After guiding here for years, I call this the "decision tier." It's where groups naturally split – some swim and relax, others push upward. The rock formations here are incredible for photos, especially that natural frame created by the twin boulders (you'll know it when you see it).
Tier 6 - Dong Phrouk Sa: The forgotten tier. Most people skip straight from 5 to 7, but this is my secret favorite. Fewer crowds, pristine pools, and the most refreshing water temperature. I've had lunch here countless times, watching the rare tourists who discover it look amazed.
Tier 7 - Phu Pha Erawan: The summit. I've made this climb over 500 times, and it still takes my breath away (literally and figuratively). The elephant head formation is clearest during dry season. Here's what guidebooks won't tell you: the best view isn't from the front, but from the small ledge to the left side.
Camping at Erawan National Park - Beat the Crowds
Want to experience Erawan without the crowds? After years of guiding, I've discovered the ultimate secret: camp overnight at the park! This gives you first access to the waterfalls in the serene morning hours before day-trippers arrive.
Why Camp at Erawan Falls?
Perfect Natural Setting: The campground sits right along a natural stream with cool, fresh air year-round. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the Kwai Yai River and wake up surrounded by lush forest. The emerald waters are just a 300-350 meter walk from your tent – imagine having this paradise almost to yourself in the early morning!
Complete Facilities:
Multiple camping zones including riverside and hillside areas
Clean, well-maintained bathrooms with separate male/female facilities (women's side has showers in every stall!)
Designated cooking areas (gas stoves allowed for boiling, but no BBQ grilling at tents)
Multiple dishwashing stations and garbage bins
Electrical outlets for charging phones (bring extension cords)
You can park your car right next to your tent
Erawan National park Camping Costs
Park Entrance Fees: Same as day visitors (see table above)
Tent Rental Options:
Park tents: 225 THB/night (fits 2-3 people, pre-pitched by staff)
Bring your own tent: 30 THB/night for the space
Bedding Equipment Rental:
Sleeping mat: 20 THB
Sleeping bag: 30 THB
Pillow: 10 THB
Floor mat: 15 THB
Pro tip: For 3 people sharing a park tent, it's only 75 THB per person for accommodation – incredibly affordable!
Additional Services:
Golf cart to Tier 1: Adults 20 THB, Children 10 THB
Food purchases require buying coupons at the welfare shop
The Early Bird Advantage at Erawan Falls
Here's what camping gets you that day-trippers miss:
Peaceful Morning Magic: I've camped here dozens of times, and those early mornings are pure gold. The mist rising off the river, birds singing, and having the lower tiers completely to yourself while others are still driving from Kanchanaburi – it's a completely different experience.
Perfect Photography: Want those Instagram-perfect shots without crowds? By camping, you can be at the waterfalls when the morning light hits the pools just right, with no one else in frame. I've captured my best photos during these quiet morning hours.
Relaxed Exploration: No rushing! While day visitors stress about catching buses back, you can take your time exploring all seven tiers, swim leisurely, and truly connect with nature.
Sunrise Views: Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Kwai Yai River from the riverside camping zone – it's a moment you'll never forget.
During festival periods like New Year, the park often features live music and additional food vendors from 7-10 PM, creating a festive atmosphere for campers.
Booking tip: Reserve online for the best riverside spots, especially during weekends and holidays!
Planning Your Day Trip To Erawan Falls
Best Time to Visit
After years of experience in every season, here's my honest advice: November to February is golden – cool weather, full waterfalls, and clear pools. I avoid April (too hot, low water) and September (heavy rains can close upper tiers).
My insider schedule: Arrive at 7:30 AM sharp. While everyone's eating breakfast, you'll have tier 1-3 almost to yourself. Weekdays are obviously better, but if you must come on weekends, Sunday afternoon after 2 PM is surprisingly quiet as Thai families head home.
Transportation Options
Erawan Falls From Kanchanaburi
I've tried every option with my groups. The local bus (Route 8170) from Kanchanaburi bus station costs 60 baht and takes 1.5-2 hours since it's a local public bus with multiple stops:
Local Bus Schedule to Erawan Falls (Route 8170)
Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls | Erawan Falls to Kanchanaburi |
8.00 AM | 8:30 AM |
09:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
10:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
11:15 PM | 2:30 PM |
1:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
2:30 PM | - |
4:00 PM | |
5.50 PM |
Cost: 60 THB per person Duration: 1.5-2 hours Contact: 099-4658579
For hassle-free travel, Paddle and More Travel operates join-in transportation from our office:
Paddle and More Travel Schedule
Service | Time | Price |
Pick-up from office/Hotel Near River Kwai Bridge | 8:00 AM | 450 THB per person |
Arrive at Erawan Falls | 9:00 AM | |
Free time at waterfall | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | |
Depart Erawan Falls | 2:00 PM | |
Back in Kanchanaburi | 3:00 PM |
For independent travelers, renting a motorbike (250-350 baht/day) gives you freedom, but please drive extremely carefully – it's a narrow 2-lane road with heavy traffic including buses, trucks, and cars. If you're not familiar with driving in Thailand, I highly recommend NOT doing this. The road can be dangerous, and accidents could result in serious injuries, massive hospital bills, or worse. Your safety is more important than saving a few baht!
Erawan Falls From Bangkok
You can take the public bus from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) which leaves every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 9 PM, then when you arrive in Kanchanaburi, catch another local bus depending on your arrival time. However, if you're planning a day trip using this method, it's not ideal – you'll have very limited time at the waterfall to make it back to Kanchanaburi for the last bus to Bangkok at 7 PM.
If you're based in Bangkok and want to explore Erawan National Park properly,
it's the best way to make this memorable day hassle-free without rushing!
Erawan Waterfall Map
You basically don't need a map because you'll be walking on designated concrete and man-made pavements the entire way – it's impossible to get lost! The trail is clearly marked with one main path leading to all seven tiers. But here's the Erawan waterfall map so you can see the layout and plan your visit. Trust me, you definitely won't get lost, just follow the path and the crowds!
Hiking Trails at Erawan Waterfall
Difficulty Levels of Trails
Let me be real about these waterfall hiking trails based on guiding every fitness level imaginable:
Tier 1: My 75-year-old grandmother did this easily. Flat, paved, wheelchair accessible.
Tiers 2-3: A bit of a walk but not difficult at all! Wheelchairs can't access from tier 2 onwards, but there aren't many steps and it's still easy to reach. Most people of any fitness level can make it here comfortably.
Tier 4: Where it gets interesting. Steep stairs, some scrambling over rocks. I tell people: if you can climb 5 flights of stairs without stopping, you're fine.
Tiers 5-7: It's a longer walk but still on paved paths and proper steps made specifically for accessing these waterfalls. The only thing to worry about is if it's raining and you don't have good grip shoes – then you need to walk carefully. When you reach the 7th tier, you'll be so proud of yourself for making it all the way up there!
Recommended Routes
My tried-and-tested routes for different groups:
Family Route (2 hours): Tiers 1-4, swim at tier 2,3,4 quick photo at tier 1. Return for lunch at Restaurant Number 7 (more on that later).
Adventure Route (4 hours): Rush to tier 7 first (before crowds), work your way down swimming at tiers 5,4,3, and 2. This reverse route means you're swimming when you're hot from hiking.
Photography Route (5 hours): Start early, capture morning light at lower tiers, reach tier 7 for midday sun, catch golden hour of when no one are there yet!
Erawan Falls Swimming Experience
Best Swimming Spots
From years of swimming in every pool, here are my picks:
Tier 2: The crowd-pleaser. Deep enough but not for diving from the rocks (DO NOT DIVE OR JUMP!), shallow edges for kids. The fish here are friendliest – they know tourists mean snacks!
Tier 3: My favorite for actual swimming. Fewer people, Shallower pools, that incredible curtain waterfall for water massage.
Tier 4: The adventurous swim. A popular rock slider spot where visitors love to linger, enjoying the thrill of sliding from the top of the rock into a beautiful natural pool, especially fun for kids.
Tier 5:One of the best photo spots, the 5th tier is perfect for relaxing, swimming, or just enjoying yourself in any way you like. It’s made up of several shallow levels, forming a stunning landscape of small waterfalls. You can sit on one of the little cliffs and soak in the peaceful atmosphere for hours — which is why it’s called ‘Bue Mai Long,’ meaning ‘impossible to be bored.
Tier 7: Bragging rights swimming. Cold, pristine, and you've earned it after that climb!
Safety Considerations
I've seen too many accidents to not stress this: those rocks are slippery! I mean really slippery – slicker than they look. Watch where locals step – those worn patches are safest.
Life jackets are actually required for swimming at Erawan, even though most pools are shallow. The park rents them for 20 baht per jacket, with extra hours at 10 baht per hour. At Paddle and More Travel, we include life jackets in our tour packages so you don't have to worry about the rental process or extra costs – just grab one from our guides and enjoy your swim!
During rainy season, flash floods are observed every day for visitor safety. To make sure the waterfall is open for visitors, you can check with the Erawan National Park Facebook page here: (page) or call them directly just to confirm that it's open for visitors.
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Erawan
Responsible Practices at the Waterfall
This paradise stays beautiful because locals and responsible guides protect it. Here's how you can help:
That 20 baht deposit for bringing back single-use plastic? It works! I've watched the park transform since they introduced it. Bring a reusable water bottle – you'll need to bring enough water for your entire trip as there are no refill stations on the trail, so I recommend at least 2 liters per person.
Pack out everything. I carry an extra bag on every trip for trash I find. It's become a tradition with my regular groups – we compete to see who collects the most litter (winner gets a free coconut ice cream at the entrance).
Don't feed the fish or monkeys. I know it's tempting, but I've watched the monkey population become aggressive over the years because of tourist feeding. Enjoy them from a distance.
Practical Tips from Years of Experience
Entrance Fees and Parking Costs
Here's what you'll need to budget for your visit:
Entrance Fees | Price (THB) |
Foreign Adults | 300 |
Foreign Children (5-14 years) | 150 |
Thai Adults | 60 |
Thai Children (5-14 years) | 30 |
Infants (0-4 years) | Free |
Parking Fees | Price (THB) |
Motorbike | 20 |
Car | 30 |
Bus/Van | 100 |
Restaurant Number 7 at the parking lot – this is where locals eat. Forget the tourist menu, order the som tam (papaya salad), kai yang (grilled chicken), and sticky rice combo – in my opinion, it's the best food you'll find here and totally affordable. End it with their mango shake for the perfect post-hike meal. Auntie Pha and her team are the best – always friendly and greeting everyone with warm smiles!
Bring aqua shoes or rubber sandals with straps. I've retrieved more lost flip-flops from pools than I can count. Those 100 baht water shoes from Kanchanaburi market will save your feet and dignity.
The bamboo ladder between tier 6 and 7 looks scarier than it is. I've guided people with fear of heights up it – the trick is don't look down, count your steps (it's exactly 23 rungs), and know that it's been there for 20 years without incident.
Weekday visits mean you might have tier 7 completely to yourself. I've meditated there in complete solitude on Tuesday mornings – it's magical.
Ready to make your Erawan adventure hassle-free? Let Paddle and More Travel handle all the details! With our convenient transportation service, you can skip the confusion of bus schedules, avoid parking hassles, and travel with experienced guides who know every secret of this magical place. We provide life jackets, share insider tips, and ensure you have maximum time to enjoy the waterfalls instead of worrying about logistics. Book your memorable day trip with us and focus on what matters – creating unforgettable memories at one of Thailand's most beautiful natural wonders!
See you on the trails – I'll be the one grinning at tier 7, still amazed after all these years!
Conclusion
After all these years and countless trips, Erawan still makes me smile like that first visit. This complete guide to Erawan Waterfall day trips comes from real experience, genuine love for this place, and thousands of conversations with visitors who've trusted me to show them around.
Whether you're planning waterfall hiking trails adventure, seeking the perfect Erawan falls swimming spots, or just want to experience one of the best waterfalls in Thailand, remember that Erawan rewards those who come with respect, patience, and a sense of adventure. Follow these Thailand travel tips from someone who's made every mistake so you don't have to, and your day trip will be unforgettable.
Ready to make your Erawan adventure hassle-free trip? Let Paddle and More Travel handle all the details! With our convenient transportation service, you can skip the confusion of bus schedules, avoid parking hassles, and travel with experienced guides who know every secret of this magical place. We provide life jackets, share insider tips, and ensure you have maximum time to enjoy the waterfalls instead of worrying about logistics. Book your memorable day trip with us and focus on what matters – creating unforgettable memories at one of Thailand's most beautiful natural wonders!
See you on the trails – I'll be the one grinning at tier 7, still amazed after all these years!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring?
From experience, here's my essential packing list: water shoes (non-negotiable), dry bag for electronics, 2 liters of water minimum, snacks (those banana chips from 7-Eleven are perfect), swimsuit (change in the decent facilities at the entrance), and a small towel. I always bring a basic first aid kit too – helped many scraped knees over the years.
Are There Facilities Available?
Better than you'd expect! Clean toilets at the entrance, tiers 1, 2, and parking lots and camping ares Changing rooms at the entrance only. Lockers available (50 baht) but I've never had theft issues just being sensible with valuables. Food stalls at the entrance, but again, Restaurant Number 7 is where you want to eat.
Can I Visit Erawan Falls with Children?
Absolutely! I've brought my own Duaghter here since they were toddlers. Tiers 1-2 are perfect for families. Kids under 5 free, under 12 half price. The fish spa at tier 1 keeps them entertained for hours. Just watch them on wet rocks and life jackets for swimming. My 8-year-old made it to tier 5 last year – kids often surprise you with their energy!
Pro parent tip: Promise ice cream from the entrance shop for every tier they climb – works every time!
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