Erawan Falls is the finest place to swim in Kanchanaburi province: seven tiers of waterfalls and emerald-green pools deep in the forest. It lies about 65 km from Kanchanaburi town and can be done as a long day trip from Bangkok, as long as you set off early.
The 7 tiers of Erawan Falls
The waterfall is in Erawan National Park. It is named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology: the top tier is said to resemble its shape. A trail of about 2 km links the seven main tiers, from the visitor centre to the top.
Tiers 1 to 3: an easy stroll
The first three tiers are easy to reach along an almost flat path. The pools are shallow and suit children. This is where the crowds gather, especially around midday. An electric cart (about 20 baht) can take you roughly 700 m towards the first tiers.
Tiers 4 to 7: a short hike
After tier 4 the trail gets steeper: steps, roots, wet rocks and sometimes a rope to hold on to. There are fewer people and the pools feel wilder. Allow three to four hours on site to reach tier 7 without rushing and swim along the way. After heavy rain, rangers may close the upper section.
Swimming and fish
Swimming is allowed in most pools. The water is clear and cool. Most pools are shallow, but some have deep spots in the middle: if you are not a strong swimmer, stay near the edge. Changing rooms and toilets are near the first tiers.
You will not be alone in the water. The pools are full of fish, including small ones that nibble at your feet and legs. It does not hurt, it tickles. If it bothers you, keep your water shoes on.
Opening hours and entrance fee (prices checked in 2026)
- Opening hours: daily, from 8am to around 4.30pm, public holidays included.
- Last entry: around 3.30pm.
- Cut-off for the upper tiers: from around 3pm, rangers start sending visitors down from tier 7. To see the top, get in before midday.
- Entrance fee for foreigners: 300 baht per adult, 150 to 200 baht per child depending on the source (check on site).
- Vehicles: about 20 baht for a motorbike, 30 baht for a car.
Food is not allowed beyond tier 2, and bags may be checked. Plastic bottles are allowed against a deposit of about 20 baht per bottle, refunded when you come back down with the empty bottle.
How to get to Erawan Falls
From Kanchanaburi town
The simplest and cheapest way is local bus no. 8170 from Kanchanaburi bus station. The ride takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs about 60 baht per person each way. The first departure is around 8am, then roughly every one to two hours.
Watch the return: the last bus leaves Erawan at around 4pm or 4.30pm depending on the source. Check the timetable posted at the station that morning. Other options: rent a scooter in town (about an hour’s ride) or hire a private taxi for the day.
From Bangkok
It is about 200 km. First get to Kanchanaburi: a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), about 2 hours and just over 100 baht, or a train from Thonburi station, slower but very scenic. Then take bus 8170 to Erawan. Leaving Bangkok around 6am makes a day trip feasible, but ideally spend a night in Kanchanaburi. A private return taxi costs about 3,500 baht. Agencies also run day tours with a very early start. For more ideas, see our guide to day trips from Bangkok.
What to bring
- Swimwear, plus a T-shirt to swim covered up, which is more respectful.
- Water shoes or hiking sandals with a good grip. Flip-flops slip on wet limestone.
- A small towel and a dry bag for your phone and money.
- Water in a reusable bottle, which saves you the deposit.
- Sun cream and insect repellent, put on before you arrive so you do not pollute the pools.
- Small notes for the entrance, the cart and the bus.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Take the first bus at 8am: you will reach the upper tiers before the groups arrive.
- Walk up to tier 7 first, then swim on the way down. The lower pools are busier.
- Eat before you climb, near the entrance: food is banned beyond tier 2.
- In the rainy season the flow is stronger, the water often less clear, and the upper section may be closed. From November to February the weather is more pleasant. See also the best time to visit Bangkok.
- If you can, avoid weekends and Thai public holidays, which are very busy.
- Start heading down by 3.30pm at the latest so you do not miss the last bus back.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to visit Erawan Falls?
Allow three to four hours on site to climb to tier 7 and swim. Including the journey from Kanchanaburi, plan for half a day to a full day.
Can you swim at every tier?
Yes, swimming is allowed in most pools unless rangers say otherwise. Some pools are deep in the middle, so take care if you are not a strong swimmer.
Are the fish in the pools dangerous?
No. They are mostly small fish that nibble at the skin on your feet. It is surprising and can pinch a little, but it is harmless.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Secret Thailand – Where Nobody Goes – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
