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Drimascus CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Erawan waterfall

Waterfall

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 Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsKanchanaburiErawan waterfall
In this guide

Erawan waterfall essentials

Address: Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Website: dnp.go.th
Hours: Daily 8:00am-4:30pm
Admission: Entrance: 300 THB for foreigners, 100 THB for Thai nationals (approximate; check official site)

About Erawan waterfall

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Erawan waterfall

Best visited November-February for comfortable hiking and pleasant water temperatures; early mornings help avoid day-trip crowds.

Cool, dry season
November-February · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Most comfortable for walking the trails; water flow can be lower but falls remain attractive.
Hot season
March-May · 28-38°C (82-100°F)
Hot days; swim at the cooler lower pools but expect stronger crowds.
Wet season
June-October · 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Lush surroundings and powerful waterfalls but trails can be slippery and access occasionally limited.

Weather & Climate near Erawan waterfall

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 76 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 17° - 30° 24° 6 mm some cloud 67% 0.7 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h
February Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 17 mm mostly sunny 60% 0.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.6h
March Very Good 20° - 34° 27° 45 mm some cloud 58% 1.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
April Very Good 22° - 34° 30° 92 mm some cloud 61% 1.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 22° - 32° 27° 180 mm overcast 75% 1.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.7h
June Good 22° - 30° 26° 156 mm overcast 82% 1.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.8h
July Good 22° - 29° 25° 180 mm overcast 83% 1.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.8h
August Good 22° - 29° 25° 181 mm overcast 85% 1.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
September Good 21° - 29° 25° 260 mm overcast 86% 0.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Good 21° - 29° 25° 235 mm overcast 86% 0.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.7h
November Excellent 19° - 29° 24° 50 mm partly cloudy 82% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
December Ideal 17° - 29° 23° 4 mm some cloud 74% 1.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.2h
Getting There & Around

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.