Erawan National Park, in Si Sawat district of Kanchanaburi province, is home to the Erawan waterfall, a seven-tiered cascade that is the most visited natural attraction in the province. The short answer for planning: the Tourism Authority of Thailand lists a foreigner adult fee of 300 baht, the park is about 65 km from Kanchanaburi town, and the best way to do it is early in the day with swimwear, grippy shoes and a plan for each tier. You can do it as a long day trip from Bangkok, but a night in Kanchanaburi makes the day far easier.
Facts in this guide come from the TAT attraction listing and the national parks fee dataset (read on 2026-10-16). The parks authority sets fees, hours and swimming rules, and they can change, so confirm on the day.
What Erawan is
TAT describes Erawan National Park as a major national park that won the natural attractions category at the 6th Thailand Tourism Industry Awards in 2006. The waterfall runs from the Huai Mong Lai river down a mountain; TAT gives its length as 1,500 metres across seven tiers, each described as a swimming area. A nature trail of about 30 minutes loops through hill evergreen and deciduous forest. The listing also mentions a golf cart service for elderly and disabled visitors, homestays and tents for overnight stays, and contact numbers for the park.
The seven tiers are the point. The lower tiers are an easy walk from the entrance and busy with families. The higher you climb, the narrower and steeper the path, with roots, steps and wet rock. Most visitors stop at a middle tier; fit visitors with time continue to the top.
Entrance fees: what the sources say
The TAT listing gives a clear fee table. The national parks authority's 2023 entrance-fee dataset has the same foreigner adult fee but a lower child figure.
| Visitor | TAT listing (2026-10-16) | DNP dataset (2 Jun 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner adult | 300 baht | 300 baht |
| Foreigner child | 200 baht | 150 baht |
| Thai adult | 100 baht | 60 baht |
| Thai child | 50 baht | 30 baht |
Because the two sources differ for children and Thai visitors, carry cash for the higher figures and check the sign at the gate. Many national parks change fees, and the dataset is more than three years old. Parking and tents are charged separately. We found no official opening hours on the TAT page. Several third-party guides report that the park is open daily from about 8:00 to 16:30, but that is not confirmed officially, so check the park or the DNP site before you plan a late arrival; the lower tiers can be closed after heavy rain.
Fees and rules differ between Thai citizens and foreign visitors, and between sources. Do not rely on old blog fee tables. Pay at the park ticket window and keep the receipt.
Getting there from Bangkok
Kanchanaburi town is the practical base. From Bangkok it is roughly 120 km west, a few hours by road or train (see the Kanchanaburi guide for the town, bridge and Death Railway). Erawan is then another 65 km (TAT) from the town.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bus, minivan or train to Kanchanaburi | Compare in one search with the 12Go box on this page; Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is a regular route |
| Local bus or songthaew from Kanchanaburi | Cheap but slow, with limited departures; check the last return time before you go |
| Taxi, tour or private driver | Easiest for a day trip; confirm waiting time and park fees |
| Rental car or scooter | Flexible, but the road is long and busy at weekends; only if you are an experienced driver |
If you are starting from the airport, read Bangkok airport to the city first. For the route options in one place, Bangkok day trips compares Kanchanaburi with Ayutthaya, and Thailand getting around covers trains and buses. For a stay, see where to stay in Kanchanaburi.
What to wear and bring
- Swimwear under quick-dry clothes. Most visitors swim at several tiers. Check the park's rules on swimming and any posted closures.
- Water shoes or grippy sandals. Rocks and tree roots are slippery. Bare feet and flip-flops are a common cause of falls.
- Dry bag and towel. You will be wet and the path is long.
- Insect repellent and sun protection. The forest is shaded but humid.
- Cash. Parking, fees and food are paid on the spot.
- Respect the rules. Do not feed the wildlife and keep litter with you.
Best time to go
Water is fuller in and after the rainy season (roughly May to October) and at its most spectacular, though the pools can be cloudy and some tiers may close after heavy rain. The cool season from November to February is the most comfortable for the climb. See best time by region for months and weather. Go on a weekday and arrive near opening to avoid the crowds that build from late morning, particularly at weekends and Thai holidays.
A day plan from Kanchanaburi
- Early: Leave Kanchanaburi town by car, taxi or the first local bus. Aim to be at the gate near opening.
- First hours: Walk the lower tiers while it is quiet, then climb as high as you like.
- Midday: Eat at the food stalls near the entrance, rest, and swim.
- Early afternoon: Start the return so you are back before dark; check the last local bus.
- Evening: Dinner by the river in Kanchanaburi, or head back to Bangkok if you have a long ride.
If you want the history of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai on the same trip, read the Kanchanaburi guide and plan a second day. If you are building a longer route, the Thailand 2-week itinerary shows how Kanchanaburi fits with the north or south.
Safety
Slippery rock and sudden rain are the main risks. Do not climb in flood conditions, keep children within reach, and follow ranger signs. Emergency numbers in Thailand: 191 police, 1669 medical, 1155 Tourist Police. Carry travel insurance that covers outdoor activities; see Thailand safety, scams and health.
Booking
The 12Go button in the booking boxes on this page opens a Bangkok to Kanchanaburi search, which gets you to the town, not to the park. You then need a local bus, songthaew, taxi or tour for the last 65 km. The park fee is paid at the park. For other Bangkok-area trips see Bangkok day trips and the Ayutthaya day trip; the Kanchanaburi hub lists every guide.
FAQ
How much is the Erawan Falls entrance fee for foreigners?
TAT lists 300 baht for a foreign adult and 200 baht for a child. The 2023 national parks dataset lists 300 and 150. Confirm at the gate.
How far is Erawan from Kanchanaburi town?
TAT says about 65 km along Route 3199. Allow a long drive or bus ride each way.
Can I swim at Erawan?
TAT describes each of the seven tiers as a swimming area. Check posted signs for closures and rules on the day.
How many tiers are there?
Seven. The lower ones are easy; the upper ones need steps and slippery rock.
Can I do Erawan as a day trip from Bangkok?
Yes, with a very early start, a private driver or tour. A night in Kanchanaburi makes it easier.
What should I wear?
Swimwear, quick-dry clothes, and grippy water shoes. Bring a towel and a dry bag.
Is there an elderly or disabled service?
TAT mentions a golf cart service for elderly and disabled visitors. Ask at the park for current availability.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
