The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Erawan National Park in 2025
Your ultimate guide to making the most of Erawan National Park, one of Thailand’s most breathtaking wilderness areas
We may earn a commission from purchases made through some affiliate links on this website
Table of Contents
Erawan National Park, located in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, is a stunning natural wonder renowned for its emerald green waterfalls and lush rainforest. For those looking to escape the city for a day (or two), here’s our comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip to Erawan National Park.
1. How to Get to Erawan National Park
By Car: The journey from Bangkok to Erawan by road takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Take Highway 4 (Phetchaburi Road) to Highway 323, which leads directly to Kanchanaburi. From Kanchanaburi, follow the signs to Erawan National Park, located about 65km from the town. Parking is available at the park entrance. You can either rent your own car or hire a driver for the day, who can drive you back to Bangkok after a full day of exploring the park – you’ll be thankful for this!
By Bus: For those opting for public transport, take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and the journey lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once you’ve arrived at Kanchanaburi bus station, transfer to a local minivan heading to Erawan Falls, which takes about 1.5 hours. Look for signs indicating minivan services to Erawan Falls or ask a member of staff to direct you where to go. It’s a good idea to confirm the return schedule with the driver to ensure you can get back to Kanchanaburi later in the day. Because of the journey time and the transfer needed, we wouldn’t recommend choosing this option for a day trip.
By Train: You can take a train from Bangkok’s Thonburi Station to Kanchanaburi. This scenic route offers beautiful views of the Thai countryside and takes about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Kanchanaburi, you’ll need to take a taxi or minivan to Erawan National Park, following the same process as the above journey via bus. Again, because of the journey time and the transfer needed, we wouldn’t recommend choosing this option for a day trip.
2. Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
At the time of writing, the entrance fee for Erawan National Park is 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children. This fee grants you access to explore the park’s beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. It’s advisable to bring cash, as card payments may not be accepted at the entrance. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
3. Exploring Erawan Waterfalls
The crown jewel of Erawan National Park is its stunning series of waterfalls, known as Erawan Falls, named after the Hindu three-headed elephant God. Buried deep in the lush, tropical jungle, the waterfalls cascade through seven tiers, each more breathtaking than the last.
The first tier is easily accessible and features a large, inviting pool perfect for a refreshing dip. This is an ideal spot for a picnic or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. As you ascend, the second tier offers more vibrant blue waters and a series of small cascades. The area is scattered with smooth rocks that are perfect for sunbathing. The third tier has a dramatic drop and larger swimming area. The higher tiers are less frequented, rewarding those who venture further with tranquillity and a slice of paradise. Soak in the lush greenery and hidden pools in this breathtaking natural oasis.
hand picked tours we love:
4. Hiking Trails
Erawan National Park is not just about the waterfalls; for those wanting to venture into the lush jungle that surrounds the falls, a few hiking trails wind through the park. The trails are well marked, with varying degrees of difficulty, making them suitable for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.
The Nature Trail | 5km – approx 2-3 hours
This relatively easy trail meanders through the dense jungle, between ancient trees with their roots entwined in the earth. As you stroll beneath the lush canopy, you might catch glimpses of colourful birds, playful monkeys and other wildlife that call this area home. The trail is suitable for families, yet still provides a sense of adventure as you navigate through the tropical jungle. Along the route, informative signs highlight the unique plants and animals you can find here.
The Pra That Cave Trail | 1.3km – approx 1hr
This moderately challenging trail meanders through dense jungle to reach a beautiful limestone cave. The cave’s cool, dark atmosphere is a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat outside. Huge stalagmites and stalactites cover the walls, sculpted over millennia.
The Waterfall Trail | 5km – approx 3-4 hours
For those keen on reaching all seven tiers of Erawan Falls, the Waterfall Trail is a must. The hike is slightly challenging, with a moderate incline and sections that require some scrambling over rocks. The effort is well worth it, culminating in the breathtaking views from the upper tiers. The top waterfall in particular offers a beautiful, tranquil pool to refresh those aching legs! Stay awhile and enjoy the beauty of this national park before heading back down the way you came.
5. Where to Eat in Erawan National Park
Options for dining in the park are limited, but you can find some low-key restaurants in the car park serving up authentic and delicious Thai food. Baan Mook 5 is a popular rustic eatery with a large menu, open-air kitchen and English speaking staff. It’s a cosy, bustling place, serving up freshly made Thai dishes such as grilled pork, laab-moo, papaya salads and pad thai.
6. What to Bring
Just a little checklist of things to help you make the most out of your visit to Erawan National Park!
Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must, especially if you plan to hike. Waterproof sandals can also be useful for exploring the waterfalls.
Swimwear and Towel: Don’t forget your swimsuit! The cool, turquoise water is hard to resist. And let’s be honest, a swim in these refreshing pools is the reason you’re here anyway!
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: This is the tropical Thai jungle, and it’s home to lots of bugs and biting insects that will think you’re rather tasty. Protect your skin with insect repellent. As you will be outdoors most of the day too, sunscreen is an essential.
Water and Snacks: It gets humid in the jungle, so staying hydrated is essential, especially if you plan on heading off on the hiking trails. While there are a few shops and restaurants in the car park, we’d advise to carry water with you and maybe a few light snacks.
Camera: The beauty of Erawan Falls and the surrounding jungle is something you’ll want to capture forever. The turquoise water, beautiful falls and lush jungle make for unforgettable photos.
7. Tips for Visiting Erawan National Park
Start Early: Erawan is a popular place with both locals and tourists. Arriving early not only allows you to avoid crowds but also lets you enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the park in the soft morning light.
Respect Nature: Despite its popularity, Erawan is still a national park and a place where nature is allowed to flourish. Take your litter home, follow park regulations and tread lightly to preserve the stunning environment.
Be Mindful of Weather: The best time to visit Erawan National Park is during the cooler months, from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier, perfect for hiking through the jungle.
Things to Do
things to do
