Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park Review

Some of the most spectacular scenery of Kanchanaburi Province can be found in Erawan National Park. The main attraction is Erawan Waterfall, which has seven tiers; the topmost supposedly resembles the mythical three-headed elephant (Erawan) belonging to the Hindu god Indra. You'll need to make a rather steep 2-km (1-mile) hike to get to the top (it should take about two hours). Comfortable footwear is essential, and don't forget to bring water! You can swim at each level of the waterfall (levels 2 through 5 are the most popular). The first tier has a small café, and there are several others near the visitor center. There are also accommodations (bungalows from B800 to B2,400, sleeping up to eight, or tents from B270, sleeping up to four) in two locations—the ones nearest the waterfall are quieter.

The park is massive; the waterfall is near the main entrance—so, too, are the visitor center and accommodations. Other highlights of the park include five caves. One of them, Ta Duang, has wall paintings, and another, Ruea, has prehistoric coffins. The caves are much farther away and are accessed via a different road. About 2 km (1 mile) from the park is Erawan Village; songthaews leave from its market and travel to the park entrance and the caves (B500-B600).

The bus (No. 8170) to Erawan leaves Kanchanaburi's bus station every 50 minutes; the trip takes 90 minutes.