Updated: 30 October, 2024
Guide to visiting Erawan National Park, with everything there is to see, transportation alternatives, prices, tips and where to stay.
The Erawan National Park in the province of Kanchanaburi is one of the most spectacular places that you can visit a short distance from Bangkok, at the same time it will help you disconnect from the frenetic pace of the city.
In this article I tell you all the details but if you don't have time to read everything, this is the Erawan and Kanchanaburi excursion more popular.
What to see in Erawan?
The biggest attraction of Erawan National Park is its main waterfall 7 levels with crystal clear water pools turquoise in color, with jumps of different sizes but of singular beauty.
The park also has a variety of wildlife, including elephants, macaques, gibbons and deer.
One of the most notable are the barking deer, although it literally translates as "barking deer."
In Spanish, they are called muntiacus, they are a very small species of deer, which emit a sound similar to a bark to communicate.
The easiest animals to see are macaques, however, gibbons and deer are very shy animals that will be difficult for you to see.
There are also several caves, some of the most interesting are:
- Ta Duang Cave: It is very famous for its cave paintings.
- Pharthat Cave: It is the most visited because it is easily accessible, it is a cave about 200 meters deep and has formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Mee Cave: It has 5 connected galleries where it is believed that bears once lived, it is one of the most interesting although they are more difficult to access.
- Bahdan Cave: This one has bright stalactites and stalagmites at the bottom of the cave, where there is also a permanent stream.
Some places near the waterfalls and some caves, depending on the season, can be slippery, so I recommend wearing good hiking shoes or some grippy sneakers.
For these types of tours where the hiking routes are not too difficult, I usually bring this type of sport sandals from the link, these are the male version, they have grip, they are comfortable, you can get them wet and they can even be used to hit the town.
By the way, from level 2 of the waterfalls they will ask you to pay 20 baht per plastic bottle you carry. This is a way to prevent so much garbage in the park, especially plastic.
👉The entrance to Erawan National Park costs 300 baht (8.30 euros).
What to see in Kanchanaburi?
Kanchanaburi is a quiet town just 120 km from Bangkok.
If you are going to see the Erawan waterfalls, on a day trip I recommend at least visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai which is the most notable thing, even though it has a sad story behind it.
A little history
The construction of this section of the railway to connect with Burma was carried out by the Japanese during World War II.
In its construction, the labor of prisoners of war and Asian workers was used in harsh conditions.
It is estimated that About 100,000 people of different nationalities died, among them: Burmese, Malays, Americans, Australians, English. For this reason, it is known as the Death Train.
The bridge was destroyed by American bombing, then rebuilt. Today, it is standing, you can walk across it because it is located right in the town.
Movie: The Bridge on the River Kwai
There is a famous movie called The Bridge over the River Kwai based on the novel of the same name that recounts the events that happened there.
Although, you haven't seen the movie, maybe you're familiar with the melody that the prisoners whistled, it comes from the Colonel Bogey's March, a British military march that became popular thanks to this film.
You can listen to it in the video below. Did you know her?
🎥 You may also be interested in this other article about 7 Movies Filmed in Thailand.
Other historical places in Kanchanaburi
If you stay overnight you can take advantage of seeing the following places:
- Train journey: In addition to visiting the bridge, you can take a train ride from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok that costs 100 baht and takes about two hours. This way you will see a section of the tracks built by the prisoners.
- Death Train Museum: (Death Railway Museum) is in the same village and tells the story in detail, costs 50 baht.
- Allied Cemetery: It is right in front of the museum and you can see the tombstones of the prisoners who left their lives there.
How to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi? And move around the area?
1. Public Transportation
To go by public transport, you have a bus or train to the city of Kanchanaburi.
- By Bus: at the Mochit Station and Terminal Sur they have several exits, it costs 4 euros in exchange and takes 2 hours.
- Train: departures are from Thon Buri, it costs 100 bahts (2.72 euros) and takes 3 hours.
Unless you are staying near Thon Buri, the best option is the bus which takes much less time and the stations are more central.
To see the schedules and buy tickets you have to go to the stations or on this link website which is very practical so as not to move around.
Move around the area
Once you are in Kanchanaburi, it is best to rent a motorcycle, so you will have more flexibility to visit the area. Otherwise, to get to the national park you can go with local buses.
2. Driving
If not, you also have the alternative of driving there, the distance between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi is only 140 km and then you can move more easily.
To rent a car in Thailand I recommend this search engine that has the best prices.
3. Excursions to Erawan and Kanchanaburi
The most practical way to visit Erawan and Kanchanaburi waterfalls is with an excursion, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
This is the tour to Erawan and Kanchanaburi most popular, it is full day, includes tickets and has a very good price.
If you prefer to go with a guide in Spanish, it is this 2 day tour which includes one night's accommodation and transfers.
They take you to Erawan, to see the bridge in Kanchanaburi and the museum.
Also includes a visit to the floating market Damnoen Saduak and the market on the train tracks Mae Klong, which is one of the most interesting visits near Bangkok, with this excursion you kill 2 birds with one stone.
👉 You can See availability and book here.
⭐ You may also be interested in reading this article about Bangkok Railway Market and Floating Market with details of what to see and all transportation alternatives.
Where to sleep in Erawan and Kanchanaburi?
If you are going to stay overnight, you can do so in Erawan National Park, bungalows cost from 800 baht (about 22 euros) and must be reserved a maximum of 2 days in advance.
Tea I leave the link park reservations officer.
They also have a camping area where they rent tents from 150 bahts. In addition, they have sleeping bags, pillows and mats for rent.
However, from my point of view, the best place to stay is in the town.
The River Kwai Bridge Resort It is one of the best quality-price options and is next to the river, very close to the bridge.
Although if you are looking for a really nice place, I recommend the The Float House River Kwai Resort, about 60 km from Kanchanaburi.
They are traditional Thai style houseboats built above the river in a quiet area, waking up there is a real joy.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Erawan National Park is one of the essentials near Bangkok, at least if you are a nature lover and you like different places.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
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Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.