Location: Kanchanaburi Province, 65 km (40 mi) North- west of Kanchanaburi Map
Area: 550 km²
Tel. 0-3457-4222
Info: TAT, Kanchanaburi Tel. 0-3451-1200
Erawan National Park It is a national park located in Si Sawat District Kanchanaburi Province. During the period Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat held the position of Prime Minister. The Cabinet passed a meeting resolution on October 7, 1959, for the Ministry of Agriculture to (Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives at present) established the Salob Mountain Forest in Kanchanaburi Province and other forests in various provinces, totaling 14 forests, as national parks. The Forest Department therefore sent officials to conduct a survey to find preliminary information from 1961-1972 using the Erawan Waterfall area as the center of the survey. It was found that the Salob mountain forest area Kanchanaburi Province It has exceptionally beautiful nature. and has abundant natural resources However, because the area is in a restricted land area according to the Royal Decree. restricted land area In Mueang District, Wang Khanai District is now Tha Muang District, Ban Thuan District is now Phanom Thuan District, and Wang Ka District is now Sangkhla Buri District. Kanchanaburi Province by the Minister of Defense and the Ministry of Interior Has a duty to maintain the royal decree. The Forest Department then reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Notify the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior Request to revoke the restricted area of some land that is the Salob mountain forest. To be a national park area The National Park Committee has resolved to approve the establishment of a national park with a royal decree revoking the said restricted land announced. In the Royal Gazette on June 19, 1975, and there was a Royal Decree specifying the area of Khao Salop forest land. In the area of Sai Yok Subdistrict, Tha Sao Subdistrict, Lum Sum Subdistrict, Sai Yok District, Nong Ped Subdistrict, Tha Kradan Subdistrict. Si Sawat District and Chong Sadao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province made it a national park in 1975 and used the name "Erawan National Park" according to the popularity and familiarity of people who know Erawan Waterfall very well. With an area of approximately 549.9 square kilometers or 343,735 rai, it is the 12th national park in the country.
Best Time to Visit
Cool/dry season (November–February): Ideal for
clearer, turquoise water, comfortable hiking (around 30°C), and
full-flowing falls. Crowds peak on weekends/holidays.
Rainy season
(May–October): More dramatic water volume but murkier color from
sediment, slippery trails, and possible closures. September–December
offers a good balance for some.
Hot/dry season (March–April): Lower
water levels (some tiers may disappoint), intense heat/humidity. Avoid
if possible.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday and arrive at opening (8 AM)
to beat crowds and heat. Upper tiers may close from ~3 PM as rangers
clean. Park is open daily 8 AM–4:30 PM.
Entrance Fees and
Practical Costs (as of recent info)
Foreign adults: 300 THB (~$9
USD); children ~150–200 THB (varies slightly by source).
Thai
citizens: Lower rates (e.g., 60–100 THB).
Parking: 20–30 THB
(motorbike/car).
Life jacket rental (mandatory for swimming): 20 THB.
Plastic bottle deposit (beyond tier 2, to reduce litter): 20 THB
(refunded on return).
Bring cash — cards may not always work in rural
areas. Food/drinks available at the entrance/parking area (affordable
but check prices). No food beyond tier 2.
How to Get There
From Kanchanaburi (most common base, ~1–1.5 hours): Public bus #8170
(~50 THB one way, regular departures). Return buses run until ~4–5 PM.
Motorbike rental (~250 THB/day + gas) or private taxi/driver.
From
Bangkok (~3–4 hours): Bus/minivan to Kanchanaburi first, then onward; or
direct day tours (often combined with River Kwai sites). Private
car/tour recommended for flexibility.
Inside the park: Short walk or
golf cart (20 THB) to the trail start. Bikes rentable for lower tiers.
Day trip feasible from Kanchanaburi; allow 3–5+ hours on-site.
Overnight options exist (camping or bungalows).
The 7-Tier
Waterfall Trail: What to Expect
The trail is well-marked with
concrete paths/stairs at the start, becoming steeper, uneven, and rocky
higher up. Moderate difficulty overall—challenging in heat/humidity.
Many reach tier 5 easily; tiers 6–7 require more effort (steep stairs,
scrambling, possible wading).
Tier 1 (Hlai Khuen Rung, ~500m):
Easy, flat paved path. Shallow pools, family-friendly.
Tier 2 (Wang
Macha, +100m): Popular swimming, spacious pools, fish nibbling feet.
Last toilets/food checkpoint.
Tier 3 (Pha Nam Tok, +100m): Tall drop,
nice pools.
Tier 4 (Oke Nang Pee Sau, +350m): Steeper stairs, scenic
views, swimming spot with rock slide potential.
Tier 5 (Buar Mae
Long, +500m): Tiered cascades, photo ops, longer stretch. Monkeys
possible.
Tier 6 (Dong Prucksa, +300m): Rugged, boardwalks, beautiful
cascades (less swimming).
Tier 7 (Phu Pha Erawan, +250m): Steep final
push, elephant-head-like top. Shallow pool, rewarding views.
Time: 1.5–2 hours up (faster), longer down with stops/swims. Plan 3–5
hours total. Go up quickly, swim/enjoy on descent.
Wildlife notes:
Fish spas (harmless but ticklish), monkeys (don’t feed, watch
belongings), snakes (rare but present—be cautious on rocks), water
monitors.
What to Bring and Wear
Footwear: Sturdy trainers or
water shoes/sandals with grip (no basic flip-flops—trails get
slippery/wet).
Clothing: Swimwear underneath, quick-dry/breathable
clothes, hat.
Essentials: Plenty of water (1L+ per person),
microfiber towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, dry bag/waterproof pouch
for phone/camera, cash, snacks (if not buying on-site).
Optional:
Life jacket (if not renting), GoPro for water photos, change of clothes.
No lockers—guard items or leave at lower levels with care.
Swimming and Safety Tips
Life jackets often required/strongly
encouraged.
Water refreshing but cold; fish nibble dead skin.
No
swimming in strong currents; watch depths/rocky bottoms.
Stay on
trails, don’t litter, respect no-food rules.
Heat/humidity is the
biggest challenge—hydrate, take breaks, go early.
Rare incidents
(e.g., snake bites) reported; rangers helpful.
Check for trail
closures (maintenance/rain).
Other Activities and Overnight
Caves: Phra That Cave (hike + explore, less crowded).
Wildlife/Other
Trails: Limited but possible with ranger (e.g., Khao Hin Lan Pee).
Camping/Bungalows: Available in-park (tents ~150–250 THB; bungalows
800–5,000 THB). Book via DNP site if possible.
Combine with
Kanchanaburi sights (River Kwai Bridge, Death Railway, Hellfire Pass).
Additional Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
Crowds: Weekdays + early
arrival = better experience. Avoid Songkran (water fights).
Eco
Rules: Take trash out, no feeding animals, respect deposit system.
Photography: Emerald waters shine in morning light; waterproof gear
helpful.
Health: Mosquitoes in jungle—use repellent. Sunscreen even
in shade.
Accessibility: Lower tiers easier; upper ones not ideal for
limited mobility or young kids.
Alternatives: If too crowded,
consider Huai Mae Khamin Falls nearby.
Name Origin and Mythological Significance
The park and its
flagship attraction derive their name from “Erawan” (or Airavata in
Sanskrit), the three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology who
serves as the mount of the god Indra. According to legend, Erawan (known
in Thai as Chang Erawan) helped Indra bring rain and fertility to the
land. The name was chosen because the uppermost tier of the main
waterfall features three rock formations and spouts that visually
resemble the heads and trunks of this mythical elephant. This cultural
and religious tie to Hindu-Buddhist cosmology (widely revered in Thai
tradition) adds a layer of spiritual significance to the site, blending
natural beauty with mythological heritage.
Pre-Establishment
Context (Before 1975)
Detailed historical records of the specific
area prior to 1975 are limited in public sources, as the park’s
documented history as a protected entity begins with its designation.
The region formed part of the broader forested landscape of the
Tenasserim Range (a limestone karst mountain system stretching along the
Thailand-Myanmar border). Elevations range from 165 m to 996 m, with
mixed deciduous forest dominating (about 81% of the area), alongside
smaller patches of dry evergreen and dry dipterocarp forests.
Like
much of Thailand’s western forests in the mid-20th century, the area
likely experienced pressures from logging, shifting cultivation, and
local resource use. Thailand’s national park system itself was still
young: the first park, Khao Yai, was established in 1962 amid growing
national awareness of deforestation and biodiversity loss during the
post-WWII economic boom. By the early 1970s, rapid industrialization and
agricultural expansion prompted the government (under the Department of
National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, or DNP, and its
predecessors) to accelerate park creation. Erawan was declared
specifically to protect its “picturesque natural beauty and precious
natural resources,” with the Erawan Falls as the centerpiece.
No
major pre-1975 archaeological, military, or settlement history specific
to the core park area is prominently documented (unlike nearby
Kanchanaburi sites tied to WWII, such as the Death Railway). The focus
was conservation of the pristine karst landscape, waterfalls, caves, and
biodiversity rather than cultural monuments.
Official
Establishment and Early Years (1975 Onward)
The park was formally
gazetted on 19 June 1975, making it the 12th in Thailand’s growing
network. Its creation aligned with a national push to safeguard unique
hydrological and scenic features while preventing further human
encroachment on ecologically sensitive zones. The primary motivation was
to preserve the Erawan Falls—a cascading series of seven emerald-green
pools fed by mountain streams—and the surrounding limestone hills,
caves, and forests.
Initial management focused on basic
infrastructure: a visitor center, trails to the falls (the main 1.5 km
path climbs through all seven tiers), and ranger stations. The park’s
boundaries encompassed subdistricts in Sai Yok and Si Sawat districts
(with minor extensions into Mueang Kanchanaburi). It borders other
protected areas, including Sai Yok National Park, Khuean Srinagarindra
National Park, and Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, forming part of a
larger western forest complex.
Boundary Modification in 1995
In 1995 (specifically referenced in official records around August of
that year), the park’s area underwent a formal modification. While exact
details of the boundary changes are not extensively publicized in
English-language sources, such adjustments are common in Thai national
parks to resolve overlapping land claims, incorporate additional
ecologically valuable terrain, or exclude certain developed zones. The
core size has remained approximately 550 km² since. This tweak reflected
evolving land-use policies and improved mapping during the 1990s.
Development of Attractions and Infrastructure
The park’s fame
rests on its natural features, many of which gained prominence after
protection:
Erawan Falls: The seven-tiered cascade (each with its
own name and distinctive shape) became the star attraction almost
immediately. Swimming is permitted in the mineral-rich, turquoise pools
(home to Garra rufa “doctor fish” that nibble dead skin).
Caves:
Several limestone caves were highlighted post-establishment, including
Phra That Cave (544 m long, with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and
a Buddhist “sacred relic” connotation) and Wang Badan Cave (closed to
visitors, ~740–744 m). These karst formations underscore the park’s
geological history spanning millions of years.
Trails and Other
Sites: Nature trails like Khao Hin Lan Pee (leading to the fifth tier of
the falls) and access to Khao Nom Nang (“breast-shaped hill”) were
developed for eco-tourism.
Management by the DNP has emphasized
sustainable tourism, with facilities upgraded over decades to handle
growing crowds while protecting the ecosystem.
Conservation,
Biodiversity, and Modern Management
Erawan protects diverse habitats
supporting 14 mammal species, over 237 bird species, reptiles,
amphibians, and fish. Flora includes flowering plants like Phlogacanthus
pulcherrimus. Climate is monsoonal, with a rainy season (May–October)
feeding the waterfalls and a cooler dry period.
Challenges over the
years have included balancing tourism with conservation—high visitor
numbers (519,235 in 2024) bring revenue but also pressure on trails,
water quality, and wildlife. The DNP enforces rules (e.g., no feeding
fish, trail limits) and has participated in broader initiatives like
ASEAN Heritage Park recognitions for similar Thai sites.
Legacy
and Significance Today
Since 1975, Erawan has evolved from a newly
protected forest into a globally recognized eco-tourism destination
while retaining its core conservation mandate. Its history reflects
Thailand’s broader environmental awakening in the late 20th century:
shifting from resource extraction to preservation amid modernization.
The park’s enduring appeal lies in its seamless blend of natural
splendor, Hindu-Buddhist mythology, and accessible wilderness—drawing
locals and international visitors alike to experience a living piece of
Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Erawan National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติเอราวัณ) is a protected
area in western Thailand, located in Kanchanaburi Province within the
Tenasserim Hills (part of the broader Tenasserim Range that forms a
natural border with Myanmar). Established in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th
national park, it covers approximately 550 km² (212 sq mi or 343,735
rai) across subdistricts in Sai Yok, Si Sawat, and Mueang Kanchanaburi
districts. The park lies roughly 50 km northwest of Kanchanaburi town
and borders Sai Yok National Park to the northwest, Khuean Srinagarindra
National Park to the east, and Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary to the
south. It forms a core part of the larger Western Forest Complex, one of
Southeast Asia’s most extensive contiguous protected forest landscapes.
Topography and Landforms
The park’s geography is defined by
rugged karst limestone topography typical of the Tenasserim Hills.
Elevations range from about 165 m to a maximum of 996 m (3,268 ft) above
sea level, with an average around 380–400 m in many areas. The terrain
consists of steep limestone mountains, cliffs, rocky outcrops, narrow
valleys, and flatter plains in lower sections. Key peaks include Khao
Chong Pun, Khao Kro Krae, Khao Mo Thao, Khao Nong Phuk, and Khao Plai
Dinsor. A distinctive feature northeast of the main waterfall is Khao
Nom Nang (“Breast Mountain”), a breast-shaped hill rising to about 752 m
whose profile resembles a reclining woman.
This limestone-dominated
karst landscape has been shaped by dissolution and erosion over
millennia, creating dramatic cliffs, solutional valleys, and underground
drainage systems. The hills act as a partial barrier, influencing local
microclimates and hydrology.
Hydrology and Iconic Water Features
Streams and waterfalls are central to Erawan’s geography. Numerous
perennial and seasonal streams originate from the limestone hills,
feeding both local cascades and larger reservoirs like Srinagarind Dam
downstream.
The park’s flagship feature is the seven-tiered Erawan
Waterfall (Nam Tok Erawan), named after the three-headed white elephant
of Hindu mythology. Fed primarily by Huai Monglai and Huai Amatara
streams, the waterfall cascades down a roughly 1,500–2,100 m stretch of
mountain slope (depending on measurement from source to base), forming a
series of travertine (calcium-carbonate) terraces and natural pools. The
water’s striking emerald-to-turquoise color results from dissolved
limestone minerals. The uppermost tier features three spouts resembling
an elephant’s heads. Lower tiers create wide, shallow pools ideal for
swimming, often inhabited by Garra rufa fish (popular for natural “fish
spas”). A 1.5–2 km trail (with some steep sections and stairs) leads to
the upper levels from the visitor center.
Other notable streams
include:
Huai Nong Kop and Huai Sa Dae (flowing into Srinagarind
Dam)
Huai Khao Phang and Huai Tap Sila (sources of Khao Phang and Sai
Yok Noi waterfalls)
The park’s hydrology is highly seasonal, with
higher flows during the rainy period carving and polishing the limestone
bedrock into smooth, stepped formations.
Caves and Subsurface
Karst Features
The limestone geology has produced several significant
caves:
Phra That Cave (544 m long, accessible via a concrete path):
Features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a large first chamber
(about 40 m high); bat colonies inhabit deeper sections.
Wang Badan
Cave (744 m long): Contains a permanent stream in its final chamber but
is currently closed to visitors.
Other caves include Mi and Rua.
These caves highlight the park’s mature karst system, with
underground rivers and speleothems (mineral formations) formed by slow
groundwater percolation through limestone.
Climate
Erawan lies
in a rain shadow created by the surrounding hills, resulting in lower
average rainfall than areas farther west. It experiences a tropical
monsoon climate with three main seasons:
Rainy season (May–October):
Influenced by southwestern and northeastern monsoons; heaviest rains
typically September–October.
Cool/dry season (November–January):
Pleasantly mild temperatures.
Hot season (February–April): High
daytime temperatures.
The park remains open year-round, though
trails and waterfalls are most dramatic (and slippery) during or just
after the rains.
Vegetation and Landscape Context
Forest cover
reflects the topography and climate: mixed deciduous forest dominates
(~80–81% of the area), transitioning at higher elevations to dry
evergreen forest (~14%) and smaller patches of dry dipterocarp forest
(~2%). The limestone substrate and seasonal dryness support a mix of
deciduous trees, bamboo, and understory plants that shed leaves in the
dry season.
Flora: Forest Types and Plant Diversity
Erawan’s vegetation
reflects its seasonal, drier tropical climate and varied topography.
Three main forest types dominate:
Mixed deciduous forest (about
81% of the park): The primary type, featuring a mix of trees that shed
leaves during the dry season. Common species include Afzelia xylocarpa,
Terminalia spp., Vitex spp., and bamboo (Bambusa spp.). These forests
provide a seasonal canopy that allows light to reach the understory,
supporting diverse shrubs and herbs.
Dry evergreen forest (about
14%): Found in higher-elevation or moister pockets (e.g., along nature
trails like Mong Lay). These retain more foliage year-round and include
species like Shorea spp. and Polyalthia spp.
Dry dipterocarp forest
(about 2%): The smallest component, typically on drier ridges, with
characteristic dipterocarp trees such as Shorea and Xylia spp., adapted
to fire-prone, seasonal conditions.
Additional notable plants
include flowering species like Phlogacanthus pulcherrimus (a shrub with
attractive blooms). Understory and riparian zones near streams feature
ferns, orchids, and climbers. The forests also include Phyllanthus and
Chukrasia species.
The park’s limestone hills and seasonal streams
create specialized niches, with trails like Khao Hin Lan Pee offering
opportunities to see these plant communities up close. Biodiversity here
supports food sources and shelter for fauna, though the deciduous nature
means visibility (and thus animal sightings) can vary seasonally.
(Images above illustrate the lush mixed deciduous and evergreen forests
typical of the park, with dense canopies, bamboo undergrowth, and
flowering plants along trails and waterfalls.)
Fauna: Mammals,
Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquatic Life
Erawan supports five
main wildlife habitats (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and
freshwater fauna). While large carnivores like tigers are present in the
broader Western Forest Complex, sightings within the park are rare due
to the accessible trails and visitor activity. Focus instead on
primates, deer, and birds near the falls and trails.
Mammals
(Approximately 14+ recorded species)
Mammals thrive in the deciduous
forests and near water sources. Common and easily spotted species
include:
Crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and wild boars
(Sus scrofa) — frequently seen around trails and waterfalls.
Deeper
in the forest: Assam macaques (Macaca assamensis, rare in Thailand),
barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Asian
elephants (Elephas maximus), Lar gibbons (Hylobates lar), and
Indochinese serows (Capricornis maritimus).
Other notable species:
Northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina), Burmese hare (Lepus
peguensis), Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and red giant flying
squirrel (Petaurista petaurista).
Primates (macaques and gibbons)
are vocal and active in the canopy, while deer and serow prefer forested
slopes. Elephants and rarer ungulates are more elusive but leave signs
like tracks.
Birds (121–237 species recorded, depending on
sources)
The park is an excellent birdwatching destination, with
species from 64 families. Notable groups and examples:
Pheasants
and allies: Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), kalij pheasant (Lophura
leucomelanos), grey peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum).
Raptors: Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), shikra (Accipiter
badius).
Hornbills: Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Oriental pied
hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris).
Kingfishers, bee-eaters, and
barbets: Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), green bee-eater (Merops
orientalis), blue-throated barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus).
Passerines:
Bulbuls (e.g., stripe-throated bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni), drongos,
flycatchers, and laughingthrushes.
Birds are most active around
the waterfalls, streams, and forest edges. Species like lesser
shortwings and various bulbuls are common in the understory.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Herpetofauna is diverse, with limestone
habitats favoring geckos and snakes.
Lizards: Water monitors (Varanus
salvator, commonly seen at waterfall pools, up to 1.5+ m long and
harmless if not approached), Erawan rock gecko (Cnemaspis auriventralis
— endemic to the park/area, diurnal and rock-dwelling), Kanchanaburi
spotted bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus monilatus), tokay gecko (Gekko
gecko), and various skinks (e.g., Burma smooth skink Scincella
punctatolineata).
Snakes: Rare Kanburi pit viper (Trimeresurus
kanburiensis), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), kraits (Bungarus spp.),
reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus), and harmless tree snakes
(e.g., golden tree snake Chrysopelea ornata, Oriental whip snake
Ahaetulla prasina).
Amphibians: Limited records but include Smith’s
spadefoot toad (Leptobrachium smithi), Asian rice frog (Fejervarya
limnocharis), and black-spined toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus). These
are more active during the wet season near streams.
Water
monitors and geckos are frequently encountered by visitors.
Aquatic and Invertebrate Life
The emerald-green ponds of Erawan
Waterfall teem with fish, notably Garra rufa (doctor fish or pedicure
fish, which nibble dead skin) and larger Mahseer barbs. Crabs and other
freshwater invertebrates inhabit the streams. Butterflies are abundant
and colorful, adding to the visual appeal along trails and near water.
Conservation and Visitor Notes
Erawan’s biodiversity benefits
from its protected status and connection to the Western Forest Complex,
home to globally significant populations of tigers, elephants, and other
species. However, visitor pressure at the popular waterfalls requires
responsible behavior (e.g., no feeding wildlife, maintaining distance
from monitors). Deeper trails offer quieter wildlife experiences.