Erawan waterfall
Waterfall Seven-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools in Kanchanaburi
Seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi draws day-trippers for hiking, swimming in limestone pools and the national-park trails that thread past emerald-colored cascades.
Erawan Waterfall is a multi-tiered limestone waterfall complex in Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi province, in western Thailand. It is best known for its seven distinct tiers.
A stepped series of cascades that create multiple turquoise pools, linked by trails and boardwalks; the lower tiers are the primary swimming spots and are closest to the park entrance. Reaching the higher tiers requires a longer walk along forested paths.
The falls are a natural karst formation and are protected within Erawan National Park. The name refers to the three-headed elephant Erawan from Hindu mythology and the site is a longstanding national attraction.
The waterfall sits in forested hills of Kanchanaburi province in western Thailand, with road access from the provincial road network and park facilities at the entrance area.
- Tiers: Seven distinct cascades form a stepped waterfall system with multiple emerald pools; the lower tiers are the most accessible for bathing.
- Best time to visit: The dry season, roughly November to February, generally offers clearer water and easier walking; heavy rain increases flow and slipperiness during the wet season.
What to See #
- Lower tiers: The lower cascades and pools nearest the park entrance are the most visited, with shallow turquoise pools suitable for bathing in designated areas.
- Upper tiers: Upper tiers lie along a forest trail and boardwalk, with steeper climbs and viewpoints above the cascades; some tiers are reached by a roughly 1.5 km path from the entrance area.
How to Get to Erawan waterfall #
Erawan National Park is about 65 km northwest of Kanchanaburi town. From Kanchanaburi, take Route 3199 toward the park entrance; local minivans and organized day tours from Bangkok and Kanchanaburi run regularly. The park is approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive from Bangkok.
Tips for Visiting Erawan waterfall #
- Start early (8:00-9:00am) to enjoy the lower crowds at the lower cascades.
- Bring swim shoes-the limestone steps are smooth and can be slippery.
- Carry cash for the park fee and food stalls; the final cascades require a short, steep climb.
Best Time to Visit Erawan waterfall #
Best visited November-February for comfortable hiking and pleasant water temperatures; early mornings help avoid day-trip crowds.
Weather & Climate near Erawan waterfall #
Erawan waterfall's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1406 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (260 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (235 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.