Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Erawan National Park
- Where is Erawan National Park?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Erawan National Park
- What to See and Do in Erawan National Park
- Check out Erawan National Park’s iconic 7-tier waterfall
- Take a dip at the Erawan Waterfall’s pools
- Hike through the park’s fascinating nature trails
- Dip your feet in the fish-filled pools for a free pedicure
- Eat your way through the park’s food shops
- Have fun picnicking at the park
- Photograph Erawan National Park’s diverse wildlife
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Erawan National Park
- Bann Ton Nam
- Pee Jo’s Restaurant
- Baan Mook 5
- Where to Shop in and Near Erawan National Park
- Eleven PTTOR Erawan
- Suction Cob
- Robinson Lifestyle Kanchanaburi
- Where to Stay in and Near Erawan National Park
- Erawan National Park Campsite
- The Hub Erawan Resort
- Taramontra Resort
- FAQs about Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is a hiker’s paradise that you should include in your list of the best trails in Thailand. A beautiful nature reserve featuring lush jungle pathways to a 7-tier cascade, each tier offering unique hiking trails and cool swimming pools.
This national park has long been recognized for its awe-inspiring natural scenery, receiving awards for its deciduous and evergreen forests, diverse flora and fauna, and unmatched waterfall trail.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also the nearby Khwae Yai River and Srinagarindra Dam for more watery adventures.
Where is Erawan National Park?
Erawan National Park is around Kanchanaburi’s center point. It’s south of Srinagarindra Dam, also known as Srinakarin Dam, and to the left of the Khwae Yai River.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 34 574 222
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Costs: 300 baht (Adults), 150 baht (Kids)
How to Get to Erawan National Park
Day Tour: The best way to get to Erawan National Park from Bangkok is to book a day tour. It’s a convenient option since the tour’s shuttle service can pick you up from your hotel and there’s an option for a professional tour guide.
The day tour may also include a trip to other popular attractions like the Elephant Sanctuary or River Kwai which is a plus. You can book an Erawan National Park tour with travel agencies like Viator, Evendo, Agoda, and GetYourGuide.
Train: The train in Bangkok’s ThonBuri Station can also get you to Erawan National Park. This takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes, but the longer travel time is definitely worth the affordable fare.
The nearest drop-off point is Nam Tok Station in Tha Sao. So, you still need to ride a taxi to the park’s entrance, which can take around 50 minutes.
Bus: The buses at the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal are also a great way to get to Erawan National Park because of the cheap fare. They can drop you off at Kanchanaburi’s town center where you can find direct route buses to the park.
Expect to arrive at the national park in about 5 hours.
Taxi: Riding a taxi from Bangkok is the fastest way to get right to Erawan National Park’s entrance, taking only around 3 hours. This is also convenient because taxis are everywhere and they can be booked using apps like Grab and Bolt.
Rental Car: Another way to get to Erawan National Park is to self-drive a rental car from Bangkok. But this option is only viable for tourists with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit.
Start by driving west via Highway 338, continue north via Route 3004, and turn left to Highway 346. Keep going until you reach the Phanom Thuan Intersection, turn left to Highway 324, and turn right to Highway 367 at the Wang Saraphi Interchange.
Keep driving until you reach the Kaeng Sian Intersection and turn right to Highway 3199. Switch to the road with the blue sign for Erawan Waterfall, turn to the small road into the Srisawat Police Station, and follow more signs until you find the park’s entrance.
What to See and Do in Erawan National Park
Check out Erawan National Park’s iconic 7-tier waterfall
Media credit: travelinasia2023
Erawan Waterfall is the main attraction at the Erawan National Park, and it’s certainly worth checking out for its 7-tier cascade. Each tier features a unique stream, water pool, and jungle trail, so every tourist should definitely try to see them all at least once.
Getting to each level is straightforward since the path is marked and there are checkpoints along the way. Here, they check if visitors are carrying plastic bottles which you can only bring with you after paying a small deposit that you can claim afterward.
This lets the park manage plastic waste, keeping it clean and beautiful for the visitors and the local wildlife. Here are the waterfall’s seven tiers and their distance from the park’s visitor’s center:
- Hlai Khuen Rung (500 meters)
- Wang Macha (600 meters)
- Pha Namtok (700 meters)
- Oke Nang Peesau (1,050 meters)
- Buea Mai Long (1,550 meters)
- Dong Prucksa (1,750 meters)
- Phu Pha Erawan (2,000 meters)
Take a dip at the Erawan Waterfall’s pools
Media credit: multilingmo
Swimming is one of the most popular activities in Erawan National Park, thanks to its sizable and refreshing pools. Visitors can swim at the pools on each tier, so you can try all of them or pick your favorite ones.
Keep in mind that the pools on the lower-tier cascades are more popular due to accessibility, so they might not be your best option if you like to avoid huge crowds.
Wang Macha’s pool, in particular, is the most crowded since it’s the largest and prettiest.
Our favorite is Phu Pha Erawan because of its aquamarine pool and that not many visitors get to this part. It’s perfect if you want to cool down and swim in peace.
However, you can only stay there until 3 p.m. since everyone must return in time for the park’s closing hour.
Hike through the park’s fascinating nature trails
Media credit: miracle_on_adventures
Hiking is a big part of the experience in Erawan National Park. After all, you need to hike through the park’s nature and jungle trails if you like to see all of its cascades and swim in the pools.
But we also like that the park’s hiking trails provide stunning natural scenery and enough challenge to stimulate experienced hikers. For instance, the trails at the lower tiers are beginner-friendly so you can focus on the atmosphere and view better.
Here, you’ll see charming rock ledge steps with wood-shaped concrete handrails which add natural vibes and aesthetics. Meanwhile, the trails beyond Oke Nang Peesau become steeper and more slippery, making the climb more fun and exciting.
Dip your feet in the fish-filled pools for a free pedicure
Media credit: happyending0150
Interacting with the fishes in the pools of Erawan Waterfall is one of the park’s more unique experiences. These fish, also known as mahseer barb, are known to nibble on dead skin cells, so they’ll swim close by if you dip your toes in the water.
The park doesn’t charge visitors for this, so it’s a nice way to get a free foot treatment. Their nibbles only tickle which might make you uncomfortable at first, but don’t expect to feel any pain.
However, keep in mind that fish pedicure carries a potential risk of skin infection since they can spread bacteria between the people they’re nibbling on. Still, the waterfall’s stream should be a lot cleaner than the stagnant water fish spas use.
Eat your way through the park’s food shops
Media credit: onanongpoungsieng
Erawan National Park doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. In fact, the foodies on our team particularly enjoyed going through the lines of food stalls and eateries near the park’s entrance.
Here, you can find classic Thai dishes, grilled street food, snacks, drinks, pastries, ice cream, fruits, and more. We also like that they pack your food if you like to bring it to the waterfall or the campsite.
Just know that they will also ask for a deposit for your food containers at the checkpoint, so be sure to bring them on your way back.
Have fun picnicking at the park
Media credit: bbowiiy
Erawan National Park is known for its stunning natural scenery and soothing atmosphere, so it’s definitely one of the best picnic spots in Kanchanaburi. We particularly like picnicking at the park’s campsite for its mountain and river views.
It’s also less crowded during the day since most visitors hang out in the waterfalls or explore the hiking trails. Plus, the campsite has a dedicated cooking zone, so you can cook meals if you bring some fresh ingredients.
There are outdoor tables and benches as well, in case you didn’t bring a picnic blanket. It also has a floating boat dock where you can sit, relax, and dip your toes in the Khwae Yai River.
Photograph Erawan National Park’s diverse wildlife
Media credit: jen.kohns.photography
If you love animals, bringing a good camera for wildlife photography is an excellent idea. After all, Erawan National Park is home to numerous animals, from crab-eating macaques to barking deer, Asian elephants, gibbons, Indochinese serows, and more.
The streams of Erawan Waterfall also attract many butterfly species, so you have plenty of opportunities to photograph these colorful winged insects. But our favorite animals to watch here are the birds.
This place is a haven for serious birdwatches with over 200 recorded bird species. This includes endangered and threatened species like the green peafowl, rufous-bellied eagle, blossom-headed parakeet, grey-headed parakeet, wreathed hornbill, etc.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Erawan National Park
Bann Ton Nam
Media credit: i.luong
Address: 189 Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 85 324 0404
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Wednesday – Monday)
Good to know: Good for families and couples
Bann Ton Nam is a charming Thai restaurant near Erawan National Park. It’s only 8 minutes away and you pass it by the road to the park so you can stop by for a meal before or after your trip.
This place has a jungle-themed interior and large tables, perfect for family lunch and dinner. But we also like their open-air garden dining area which offers a more relaxing atmosphere and some cutesy photo spots.
Plus, their expansive menu includes numerous classic Thai dishes like tom yum goong, jungle curry, pad Thai, deep-fried fish, etc. Their interesting drink menu also includes Italian sodas which is a nice surprise.
Pee Jo’s Restaurant
Media credit: sprite_the_villain189
Address: 144 Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 61 245 9465
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours:
- 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
- 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget meals
Pee Jo’s Restaurant is a popular food spot for tourists going to Erawan National Park. They serve a wide range of authentic Thai dishes that you can enjoy from their humble dining area which overlooks the Khwae Yai River.
Their best-sellers are their grilled pork neck and chicken. But they’re marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce, so it might not be the best option if you prefer your grilled meat savory.
However, their affordable prices and large portions are definitely a huge plus.
Baan Mook 5
Media credit: lselsewhere
Address: Erawan National Park, Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 92 626 2414
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours:
- 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday – Sunday
Good to know: Good for budget meals
Baan Mook 5 is one of the best eateries inside Erawan National Park, so it’s certainly a solid option if you don’t want to head out for some food. They serve authentic Thai dishes, so expect staples like tom yum goong, som tum, pad Thai, crispy pork, etc.
But our top pick is their signature kai yang. It’s a savory and tender Lao-style grilled chicken served with a spicy chili sauce.
It’s worth noting that most of their dishes are spicy, but they can tone it down upon request.
Where to Shop in and Near Erawan National Park
7-Eleven PTTOR Erawan
Media credit: monmonster
Address: 3199 Tha Kradan
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for snacks and essentials
This 7-Eleven in Tha Kradan’s PTT Station is a fan favorite among Erawan National Park visitors. For one, it’s next to the gasoline station so you can refill your car while you’re here.
But it also has plenty of Thai snacks and all the essentials you’ll need for your trip to the park. In fact, it’s our go-to shopping spot for snacks, drinks, and self-care products before we set up camp at the park.
Suction Cob
Media credit: nan_cholada
Address: 194, 1 Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 92 559 5829
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget supplies
Suction Cob is a 20-baht shop near the Erawan Municipal Food Market. That means all the items they sell cost only 20 baht at most, perfect if you’re on a tight budget.
The products they sell include toys, accessories, toiletries, stationeries, kitchen utensils, and more. And it’s only a 5-minute drive from Erawan National Park which is a plus.
Robinson Lifestyle Kanchanaburi
Media credit: deawpongsakorn
Address: 110 Moo 9, Mueang Kanchanaburi Road
Phone: +66 34 603 211
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for families
Robinson Lifestyle Kanchanaburi is a large shopping mall with hundreds of stores, so it’s definitely one of the best places to shop for your Erawan National Park trip. There, you can buy clothes, groceries, self-care products, electronics, hardware tools, etc.
There’s also a cinema and numerous restaurants, so you can do a lot more than just shopping. But keep in mind that it’s 1 hour away, so it’s only a great option if you’re traveling from Kanchanaburi Town.
Where to Stay in and Near Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park Campsite
Media credit: alex.adventure.tour
Address: Erawan National Park, Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 34 574 222
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for nature lovers
This campsite is arguably the best accommodation since you don’t have to leave Erawan National Park. It’s also cheap, especially if you bring a tent since you only need to pay for your space and rent sleeping gear.
They also provide electricity all day which is convenient if you have a bunch of electronics. There’s also a cooking zone for campers who like to cook fresh ingredients or reheat their packed food.
There are shower and bathroom facilities on-site as well.
The Hub Erawan Resort
Media credit: super_travel_pattaya
Address: 229/1 Moo 4, Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 84 599 4591
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
The Hub Erawan Resort is a relaxing riverside accommodation near Erawan National Park. Their charming and spacious rustic rooms have modern amenities and small balconies with direct access to the Khwae Yai River.
We also like that their balconies have handrails in case you want to jump and swim in the river. But their rooms, river houses, and villas can only accommodate up to two guests, so they’re not ideal for families.
There’s also an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool if you don’t want to swim in the river.
Taramontra Resort
Media from taramontra
Address: Moo 4, 39 Tha Kradan
Phone: +66 97 001 8454
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for water activities
If you want a place close to Erawan National Park and with plenty of options for water activities, Taramontra Resort is the perfect choice. They offer floating rooms over the Khwae Yai River, so expect relaxing river and mountain views.
But that’s not all because their rooms are designed like a wharf, allowing you to dock and access the kayaks or SUP boards they provide within arm’s reach. They also have fishing equipment if you like to fish in the river.
