Wondering how to visit Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi? You’ve come to the right place!
Located about 70 km outside of Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls consists of not one but seven stunning waterfalls cascading through a lush forest.
And the best part is that each waterfall has its very own crystal-clear turquoise pool, perfect for a refreshing swim!
In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to get from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls for any budget, including what to expect during the hike, entrance fees, and other helpful tips.
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How to get to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi?
Public Bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls
The best and cheapest way to get to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi is to take the public bus.
One-way tickets cost around 60 baht per person and the journey takes 1.5 hours.
The bus is easily recognizable as it’s painted in bright blue with a big “Erawan Kanchanaburi” written in front and on the side.
You can wait for the bus anywhere along Sangchuto Road but make sure to flag it down or else it might not stop.
If you take the train from Bangkok, you can get off at Kanchanaburi train station and walk about 200 meters to get to Sangchuto Road.
In my case, I waited near the war cemetery since my hotel was located less than a 5-minute walk away.
The bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls normally departs every hour or so, starting at 8 a.m while the bus from Erawan to Kanchanaburi departs at 8.30 a.m, 10.30 a.m, 12 p.m, 2 p.m, 3 p.m, and 4.30 p.m.
You can find the updated timetable for the Kanchanaburi to Erawan bus at Kanchanaburi bus terminal or ask your hotel staff.
Before getting to the national park itself, the bus will stop at a checkpoint where you’ll have to pay the entrance fee. You don’t have to get off the bus here as the park ranger will come in to sell you tickets.
The bus will then take you to the actual Erawan Falls parking lot and you can get off there. You can wait for the bus at the exact same spot to get back from Erawan to Kanchanaburi.
Related post: Things to do in Kanchanaburi in 2 or 3 days
Guided Tour
Another way of getting to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi is to take a guided tour. This is ideal for those who don’t want to worry about the logistics of getting there.
During the tour, you’ll visit both Erawan Falls and Srinagarindra Dam viewpoint in the morning followed by a scenic train ride along the Death Railway in the afternoon.
Hotel transfers, entrance fees, water and an English-speaking guide are included in the tour price.
CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED TOUR OF ERAWAN FALLS
Alternatively, if you’re coming from Bangkok, you can book this tour instead.
It includes hotel transfers, entrance fees, water, and an English-speaking guide. You’ll also visit the war museum and the River Kwai Bridge along the way.
Note that the tour duration is about 14 hours and that includes a total of 7 hours of driving time which is why I highly recommend visiting Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi instead.
But if you’re short on time, it might be worthwhile to book a tour from Bangkok.
Private Taxi
If you don’t want to travel by bus or tour, I recommend hiring a private songthaew instead.
You’ll find most of the songthaew drivers near Kanchanaburi train station or just flag one down from the street.
Since this is a long trip, expect to pay over 1,000 baht.
Rental Car or Motorbike
The final option for getting from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls is to rent a car or motorbike. Rental cars cost about 800 baht per day while motorbike rentals cost about 250 baht per day.
Just make sure to bring your IDP to be able to drive in Thailand. Also, you need a proper motorbike license in addition to your IDP to be able to drive a motorbike in Thailand.
Note that there is a parking fee of 20 baht for motorbikes or 30 baht for cars.
Erawan Falls Entrance Fee
The Erawan Falls entrance fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children.
Note that there are also a few optional fees that you might need to pay.
For instance, it’s compulsory to wear a life jacket when swimming at Erawan Falls. You can rent one near the entrance for 20 baht for the first 2 hours. It then costs 20 baht for each extra hour.
Additionally, if you don’t want to walk from the entrance to the first waterfall, you can take a golf cart which costs 30 baht for adults or 15 baht for children.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Erawan Falls is during the rainy season as the waterfalls will be at their most powerful.
The rainy season occurs from June to October while November to May is the dry season.
Just note that you might not see the signature crystal-clear turquoise water if it has been raining heavily.
Also, if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays as opposed to weekends.
Related post: Best temples to visit in Kanchanaburi
Erawan Falls Opening Hours
Erawan Falls are open daily from 8 a.m to 4.30 p.m. Note that levels 5 and 6 close at 4 p.m while level 7 closes at 3.30 p.m.
Where to Stay?
If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend Thyme Xeriscape Hostel. It’s located about 400 meters from the main road where you’ll be waiting for the Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls bus.
They have both private rooms and dorms available. The hostel is very clean and water, tea, and coffee are provided for free.
Alternatively, you can stay at either Natee The Riverfront Hotel or Good Times Resort which cater to mid-range and luxury travelers respectively.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KANCHANABURI
Hiking to Erawan Falls Kanchanaburi
Now that you know how to get to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi, I’m going to tell you what it’s like to hike at Erawan Waterfalls.
Near the entrance is a small information center/gift shop. You’ll also see signs showing the way to Erawan Falls.
As mentioned above, there are golf carts that can take you to the first waterfall for a small fee. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk about 500 meters.
There are lots of signs all along the Erawan Falls hiking trail so you can’t get lost (well unless you go off trail which isn’t recommended anyway).
From my personal experience, the hike from the parking lot to level 7 took me about 1.5 hours one-way, including stops at each waterfall.
The hike to the first 4 waterfalls is quite easy with boardwalks and a few stairs but after level 4, the path becomes steeper and uneven with roots sticking out of the ground. For the best experience, I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.
Level 1: Hlai Khuen Rung
The first waterfall is called Hlai Khuen Rung. It’s very beautiful with crystal-clear water and plenty of fish that will try to nibble the dead skins on your feet!
They are harmless (from what I’ve heard) as lots of people swim there every day with no issues.
The path leading to Hlai Khuen Rung is paved and mostly flat. You’ll then reach a set of stairs leading down but luckily they aren’t too steep so you won’t struggle on your way back.
Level 2: Wang Macha
To get to level 2, also known as Wang Macha, you’ll have to walk an extra 100 meters up a series of steps.
This is the most popular level as it features a huge turquoise pool. You can even swim up to the waterfall and walk behind.
There are lots of benches here where you can have a picnic as well as a toilet/changing room.
Level 3: Pha Namtok
Waterfall 3 or Pha Namtok is found down another flight of stairs but requires only an extra 5 or 10-minute walk. Plan to get there early if you want to swim as this one is also very popular.
Level 4: Oke Nang Peesau
To get to level 4 or Oke Nang Peesau , you have to walk an extra 300 meters or so. It becomes slightly challenging here as the stairs are longer and steeper. It’s smaller but has a small pool at the base where you can swim.
Further away, you’ll see a sign saying that the trail from level 4 to level 7 is about to get steeper and thus requires a moderate level of fitness.
The sign also mentioned that the hike would take about 1 hour one-way but from my personal experience, it took only about 35 minutes, and that included stops at each waterfall.
The trail consists of a mix of wooden pathways and rocky terrain so as long as you’re wearing proper shoes and are moderately fit, you should be able to hike all the way to the top.
Level 5: Buea Mai Long
Level 5 or Buea Mai Long is quite small so I didn’t spend long there.
But as you make your way to level 6 you’ll find another waterfall about halfway through.
This one is bigger and more beautiful so I highly recommend checking it out.
Level 6: Dong Prucksa
Level 6 or Dong Prucksa is more of a viewpoint as you can’t swim there.
Level 7: Phu Pha Erawan
Finally, level 7 or Phu Pha Erawan is the last waterfall at Erawan. I visited toward the end of the dry season so the water was quite shallow and I could even walk to the base of the waterfall.
Keep in mind that the water level will be higher during the rainy season (June to October) so be careful if you want to get close to the waterfall.
Note: Level 7 closes at 3.30 p.m, so plan your visit accordingly.
How long to spend at Erawan?
I would recommend spending at least 3 or 4 hours to fully experience all the waterfalls and take a swim if you’d like.
Facilities at Erawan Falls
There are a few restaurants and souvenir shops near the parking lot as well as a toilet/changing room. There’s also another toilet/changing room on level 2.
At level 1 you’ll find a small café but it only sells drinks and snacks so it’s best to eat at one of the restaurants near the parking lot.
There are lifeguards on duty at most levels. The only place I didn’t see any was at level 6 as it’s only a viewpoint.
I hope you found this guide to visiting Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi helpful. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.
2 comments
Perfect, just the advice I was looking for. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Karen! :)