Erawan Waterfall, Kanchanaburi, is the most accessible and most playable waterfalls near Bangkok.
Unlike most waterfalls you just look at, here you can jump in and swim right under the falling water. This is best for families with kids.
With cooler weather than the city, it's a fantastic retreat from the heat, especially in the hot season. Walking up the trail also feels a bit like a light jungle adventure.
In this article, I'll share my firsthand experience as a traveler to help you make the most of your visit.
Quick Fact about Erawan Waterfall
- Location: Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
- Distance from Bangkok: ~3 hours by road
- Opening hours: 08:00–16:30
- Entrance fee: 300 THB/8 USD
- Best for: Swimming, hiking, nature escape
- Recommended time needed: 3–5 hours
A Day Trip from Bangkok? Not Recommended
A day trip is doable, but for most people it's exhausting. Even with a private tour, the day still feels rushed. Because you'll drive at least 6 hours back and forth from Bangkok for only 3 hours at the waterfall.
Instead, I strongly recommend visiting it as part of your overnight Kanchanaburi trip.
Thus, you can arrive early (before the big tour buses), avoid the midday heat, and enjoy the pools at your own pace. So you can have a more relaxing holiday.
You'll also have time to see other cool things nearby, like staying at a special floating bungalow, taking a train along the Death Railway, or feeding elephants at Elephants' World.
Guiding You Through the 7 Tiers: Which Level Fits You Best?
| Tier | Suggested Stay | Trail Experience | Best For | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1–3 | 2–3 hours | Easy boardwalks, gentle slopes | Everyone | Emerald pools, fish spa, easy swimming |
| Tier 4 | +1 hour | More natural terrain with roots and stone steps | People who want more space and a light hike | Natural rock slide, fewer crowds |
| Tier 5–7 | +2 hours | Steeper jungle hike | Hikers and solitude seekers | Quiet jungle, multi-tier waterfalls, summit reward |
You don't need to visit all tiers of the waterfall.
To be honest, Tiers 1 through 4 have all the postcard views and great swim spots Erawan is known for. If you aren't big on hiking or short on time, just stop there. Only keep going if you enjoy hiking and want to see the very top.
Best Photo Spots at Erawan Waterfall
If you want the most recognizable shots of Erawan Waterfall, choose Tier 3 for the classic waterfall shot, Tier 2 for swimming photos, and Tier 5 for a jungle adventure look.
- Tier 3: This is the official postcard view. You can catch the park's highest, most dramatic waterfall, the emerald pool, and the jungle all in one shot.
- Tier 2: If you want that classic picture of you floating in crystal-clear water, this is the spot. The water here is the clearest and most stable blue, and the pool is the biggest.
- Tier 5: Want a moody, adventurous photo with nobody else in it? Hike up to Tier 5. The crowds thin out fast here, and you get smaller cascades tumbling over rocks surrounded by dense trees.
Best Swimming Spots at Erawan Waterfall
If you are just here to swim and splash around, I highly recommend Tier 2 and Tier 4. Both have big natural pools.
- If you're traveling with little kids, Tier 2 is the most convenient choice. It's the only place around the waterfall where you're allowed to eat. What's more, you can easily find the restrooms, changing rooms, and a picnic platform next to the waterfall.
- If you're with energetic teenagers or older kids, go to Tier 4. It's less crowded, and there is a slick natural rock slide that lets you slide right into a deep pool. Kids can stay entertained here for hours.
For a Jungle Hike
For a quieter and more peaceful experience, continue climbing to the upper tiers, especially Tier 7. You'll get a real jungle hike with far fewer people.
But fair warning: Tiers 5 through 7 are the roughest part of the trek, and the trail turns muddy. If you have kids under 8 or anyone with bad knees, we recommend stopping at Tier 4.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season vs Wet Season
If you want the best overall experience at Erawan Waterfall, go between November and February.
The water is at its bluest, the weather is cool, and the waterfall is rushing. But it's also the busiest season and always gets packed on weekends, so go on weekdays for a quieter experience.
In the hot season (March to May), swimming here is the perfect way to cool off.
But stick to the lower tiers before Tier 4, since the upper cascades thin out. If you want to hike to the top, start before 10 a.m. to beat the brutal midday heat (35°C /95°F).
If travelling in the rainy season (June to October), be flexible for the rainiest September and October.
The heavy rain can turn the pools into muddy soup and close the top tiers. So don't expect the turquoise color if heavy rain falls the night before your visit.
However, June to August is still a great time to visit.
The jungles are lush green, crowds are low, and you can comfortably swim in the pools. Just prepare for the slippery trails on the upper tiers after short afternoon showers.
The secret to seeing the bluest pools:
The bluest pools appear after sunlight reaches the water. So don't arrive too early. Before 9:00 a.m., the shade makes the water look dark green and gloomy.
The sweet spot is 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. when sunlight hits the water directly for the brightest blue, and you beat the big tour groups.
How to Get to Erawan Waterfall from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi
There is no direct public transportation from Bangkok to Erawan Waterfall.
If you plan to use public transport, you must travel to Kanchanaburi first and then make another transfer to reach the waterfall. Doing all that switching can easily eat up half your day.
1. Getting from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, trains and buses are two common choices. Both of them take about 3 hours each way.
For most visitors, buses are the easier choice. They are air-conditioned, run throughout the day, and are much easier to fit into a day trip schedule.
Take the train only if you want to enjoy the rural scenery along the way, but expect very basic facilities. There's no A/C, the seats are hardwood, and you also have to wake up for the only 7:45 AM departure in the morning.
2. Getting from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Waterfall
Once you are in Kanchanaburi, you will need to catch a local bus to Erawan Waterfall from the Kanchanaburi Bus Station. These local buses do not have air conditioning and usually wait until they are full before departing, which can cause delays.
To avoid the hassle of multiple transfers, book a private transfer.
What Most People Don't Expect Before Visiting
1. If you don't swim, Erawan may feel less special.
The waterfalls are beautiful, but a big part of the fun is cooling off in the pools. Without swimming, it's more like a scenic jungle walk with nice waterfalls along the way.
2. The lower tiers (especially 1–3) get very busy on weekends. For a more peaceful experience, visit on a weekday and try to arrive before 9 AM.
3. You'll get a free natural fish spa!
Fish will gently nibble at your feet when you're standing still. During my visit, it surprised both me and my friend. We jumped a little, then laughed when we realized what it was.
4. Don't expect a huge 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 at Level 1, make sure to rent one before going up if you plan to swim. Otherwise, it's a long hike back down.
6. Watch out for monkeys and snakes.
You'll mostly see monkeys near the lower tiers. They're usually not aggressive, but they may grab food or small items. To avoid any hassle, lock your valuables in a locker at the visitor center. It's also a real jungle with the occasional snake on the path, so just watch your step.
Planning a Kanchanaburi trip around Erawan Waterfall?
If you're trying to fit it into a Kanchanaburi itinerary, we can help you design a route that feels smooth and well-paced.
Explore our customizable Thailand tours or talk to one of our travel specialists for ideas.