Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi
Waterfalls are one of the best destinations to head to when the weather is scorching hot. But not every country is blessed with these natural wonders, unlike Thailand. And one of Thailand’s most breathtaking waterfalls is Erawan Falls, located in Erawan National Park.
This is the biggest waterfall in Kanchanaburi at about 1,500m long, and visitors can go trekking up the 7-tiered natural wonder set amidst a lush and dense forest.
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Waterfall with 7 levels
Erawan Falls is a waterfall that consists of seven levels. It is surrounded by wild jungles, which makes it perfect for people who want to get away from the city and immerse themselves in nature to relax.
The distance from the 1st level to the 7th level is 2km, and the trek is totally worth it. When you reach the top, you’ll get a view of the water pouring down a lofty cliff that will make you forget how many flights of stairs you had to climb up to get to this vantage point.
The path leading up to the topmost level of the waterfall is clearly marked. At each level, you will see signs indicating which level you’ve reached.
Be prepared to tackle the path, which is fairly steep, by wearing proper trekking footwear and bringing along bottles of water to rehydrate yourself along the way.
Stop at every level to take a break and admire the waterfall, which differs in shape and size at each tier, before continuing with your climb. The waters are pretty calm, so you can jump right in if you can’t resist the urge and feel like you don’t want to make it all the way up to the topmost level.
During summer and the rainy season, numerous travellers, both Thais and foreigners, will flock to this place. If you’re averse to crowds, you might want to avoid these periods. Still, we’d recommend visiting the waterfall during the rainy season, when there’s ample water cascading down the falls. However, do check the weather forecast to ensure that you don’t visit on a rainy day, because that might make the trek even more challenging.
Phra That Cave has bizarre limestones shapes
Besides the waterfall, another place we think is worth a visit for adventurers is Phra That Cave, that’s located 25 minutes away from Erawan Falls.
Once you get inside the cave, you’ll encounter formations of stalactites that look like they belong in an alien landscape.
First-time cave explorers will be thrilled or freaked out by these strange limestones formations, depending on how adventurous you are. Fair warning: the cave is rather dark, so bring along a torchlight and be careful where you tread.
Entrance fee for Thai people is ฿100 (~USD2) per person, and foreign tourists, ฿300 (~USD9) per person.
Riverside campsite
For those who want to stay the night, or are camping enthusiasts, there is a campsite by Kaew Yai River, which is a 10-minute walk from the first level of the waterfall. You can bring your own tent or you can rent one for ฿300 (~USD9) per night from the camping service that is located at the campsite. However, you need to notify the officers at Visitor Centre first and then visit the camping service for equipment and information to find out which are the spots you can set up camp.
Challenge yourself at this Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi
There are many destinations in Thailand to head to when you need a break from the city, be it a foggy mountain in the north or a beautiful beach in the south. If you like trekking and outdoor adventures, we highly recommend Erawan Waterfall. The serenity will do wonders for your mental health, and you can explore the stalactite-filled cave too. Passionate trekkers will relish the challenge that comes with climbing up the steep path of the 7-tiered waterfall too.
Driving from Bangkok to Erawan Falls takes about three hours. You also have the option of takign a bus from Bangkok Bus Station Mochit or Bangkok Bus Station Sai Tai Mai. Ride the bus to Kanchanaburi, and transfer to another bus at Kanchanaburi Bus Station to get to Erawan Waterfalls.
Erawan Waterfall
Address: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250
Opening Hours: 8AM – 4.30PM, Daily
Telephone: +66 3 457 4222
Erawan Waterfall’s Facebook | Google Maps
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @kengjazzgk, @suwichanon_mahahing and @ammlery
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