A Day at the Erawan Waterfalls – Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Want to stay cool, surrounded by jungle? Erawan Waterfall is the place.

Surrounded by lush, green jungle, this seven tier waterfall is a popular destination for Thais and foreigners a like.

Getting to Erawan

While there are many tour packages from Bangkok as well as buses from Kanchanaburi (you’ll see the signs all over the tourist area), I got to Erawan via rented motor-scooter. Less then five dollars, round trip, in gas and a Five dollar a day rental was all it took to cruise the open roads of Thailand (Erawan is a well marked destination so getting lost shouldn’t be a problem as you cruise the countryside).

On a bike you can enjoy the sights, stopping where you like as you pass temples, fruit stands and small villages rarely visited by foreigners (don’t worry, you’ll be able to find fuel along the way if you need to).

 Once You’re There

Once you arrive at Erawan, you’ll have to pay the foreigner entry price of 200 baht (<$7) + 20 baht for your motorbike (<$1) (Motorbikes park up front).

Erawan is beautiful. Each tier has pools of refreshing green and blue water (outside the rainy season when it’s brown), and are surrounded by shade from lush jungle. You might even see the occasional monkey.

Most Thai visitors at Erawan stay in either the first two tiers or the 7^th tier, most foreigners stay within the first 4.  If you enjoy a good hike, with a nice path (no need for a guide or tour). You really should explore ALL of Erawan to find the spot you like the best.  It feels great to take quick, refreshing dips as you make your way along the jungle path along the waterfalls.

While they are currently building paths up Erawan, the hike become increasingly difficult the further you climb (I was able to get to the 7^th in flip flops so it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re in decent shape).

Man Eating Fish at Erawan

All over Thailand people go to spas and pay to put their feet in fish tanks where little fish nibble off the dead skin. These fish are found naturally in Erawan.

Though a little strange (It feels weird, a cross between a pinch and a tickle), you can spend all day having your feet nibbled and softened, while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

The foreigner entry fee is about the same cost as just a few minutes in a fish spa.