Erawan waterfall. Erawan National Park

If you are in provinces Kanchanaburithen be sure to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand - Erawan (Erawan), located in the park of the same name, about 70 kilometers from the city towards Burma. It is believed that it received such a name because of the similarity of the most picturesque, seventh cascade, in shape with the mythical white three-headed elephant. Whether it is true or not is up to you to judge when you get to the upper cascade and can appreciate it with your own eyes!

The track of our walk along the seven cascades of Erawan waterfall

The track along the Erawan waterfall is designed for physically fit people

Hotels in Kanchanaburi - where to stay

Kanchanaburi is a very famous tourist destination, both among Thais and foreigners. Tourists from Pattaya come here, and, of course, independent travelers do not bypass the wild and pristine beauty of Kanchanaburi. If you don't have a hotel in Kanchanaburi yet, we advise you to book it in advance. Despite the huge number of guesthouses and hotels in Kanchanaburi, the best are in high demand. We have compiled a selection of the best hotels both in the city itself and on the River Kwai among the rainforest.

• The Float House River Kwai - assessment 8.7 ... This 4 * hotel on the River Kwai is located close to the main attractions of the province - Erawan and Sai Yok waterfalls. Spacious and chic waterfront rooms with river-view verandas surrounded by rainforest and mountains create a romantic atmosphere. Guests praise the restaurant and the starry sky. Book \u003e\u003e
• Felix River Kwai Resort Is another 4-star hotel near the bridge over the River Kwai. Located in a beautiful tropical garden, spacious, bright rooms in Thai style with modern technology. It features an outdoor pool, spa and tennis court. A pleasant plus - breakfast is included in the price. Many guests call this hotel an oasis and the best of their trip to Thailand. Book \u003e\u003e

Read also:

How to get to Erawan waterfall on your own from Kanchanaburi

The waterfall itself is in Erawan National Parkwhich was formed in 1975. In addition to the waterfall of the same name, there are several lesser-known waterfalls, caves (including those with rock paintings), the coast of the River Kwai, impassable jungles inhabited by exotic animals and rare birds, and even the Sri Nakarin dam. There are several guesthouses and lodges in the park, so if you are a lover of pristine nature, you can live here for a while.

You can come from Kanchanaburi directly to the entrance to Erawan waterfall by a small bus from the city bus station. He runs on a schedule once an hour and has a long break during the day, so check the schedule in advance. One way fare is 50 baht, and the travel time is about an hour and a half. If you go by car, then exit on the 323 highway passing through Kanchanaburi, and then turn onto the road 3199. The cost of an entrance ticket to the park for foreigners is 200 baht.

This post describes our second visit to Erawan Falls, and you can read about the first one.

To make it more convenient for tourists to inspect all the cascades of the waterfall, a well-equipped path has been laid along the river, with a concrete covering to the fifth cascade.

The path to the fifth cascade is equipped and poured with concrete

Walk in Erawan Park

The trail stretches along the stream for 1700 meters up the hill, and the climb when climbing to the seventh cascade of the waterfall is about 250 meters. The walk to the seventh cascade of Erawan waterfall is quite comfortable, the road passes in the shade of trees, and it will take about an hour and a half one way. But on a hot day, walking is quite difficult, so it is best to go to the very top as early as possible, before the air warms up so much.

Laying tiles with natural patterns

It is best to plan your visit to the waterfall in the early morning. It is worth arriving here before nine o'clock, until the national park is filled with crowds of tourists arriving by large buses starting at 10 o'clock. The morning is also good because at this time the monkeys that live along the waterfall in large numbers are still sleeping. Sometimes, when they want to eat or just have some fun, they pester tourists, so keep an eye on your belongings, they may suddenly be liked by dexterous hooligans!

Erawan waterfall cascades

Information about all seven cascades is presented on the information board at the beginning of the trail

1 stage - Lai Kuen Rung (or Hlaikeunlung, there are different nameplates), located at a distance of 20 meters

2 cascade - Wang Macha, 170 meters away

3 cascade - Pha Nam Tok, 220 meters away

4 cascade - Oke Nang Phee Sue, at a distance of 520 meters

5 cascade - Bue Mae Long, at a distance of 1120 meters

6 cascade - Dong Pruk Sa, located at a distance of 1420 meters

7 cascade - Phu Pha Erawan, 1520 meters away

The first two cascades are beautiful rapids on a mountain stream, and around them there are recreation and picnic areas. Thais love to come here on vacation, bring food and drinks for a picnic, take the best places and slowly while away the sultry day in the shade of trees, periodically taking water procedures.

Overflow first stage Erawan waterfall

Thais take the best seats in the morning and continue to sleep

To the second cascade a wide path leads, the ascent along which is not difficult. Although some particularly fastidious visitors for a certain fee are taken to the second stage in an electric car.

The first cascade is quite picturesque, and here you can take the best photos of the multistage cascade of rapids on the stream, provided there is good lighting and a small number of visitors, that is, in the morning

Part of the first stage

It's nice to walk barefoot here

Trees are incredibly rooted in rocks from which water falls

See what a beautiful view opens up from here! No wonder the Erawan waterfall is considered the most interesting in Thailand, and tourists from Pattaya and Phuket come here. Water from a height of about 10 meters falls into a huge bowl in the rock, adapted for swimming.

Wonderful view of the second cascade of Erawan

Pla Pluang, or Tor Soro Cuvier & Valeciennes, live in a bowl under the waterfall. These fish stick to the skin and scrape off the dead layer. It's called fishy fish peeling (Fish Piling). In beauty salons, for these purposes, very small fish are used, of another species - Garra Rufa, or a doctor fish from the carp family, they are about the size of a finger. And here they are completely different, larger, up to 30 centimeters in length.

Thais feed the fish with their feet. Want to try it too?

Massage with these fish is very exotic and extreme, it is simply impossible to spend a long time in their company, it becomes a little painful and ticklish at the same time. And swimming with them is still fun. But if you want to swim to the waterfall itself, then you have to take a risk and test yourself, it is not so scary, but rather unusual. The most important thing is not to sit in one place, otherwise rather large fish will fly at you with a whole school and it will be quite ticklish!

Photo of the second cascade of Erawan waterfall

Depository, here you need to leave a deposit for bottles. So take care not to litter

Here you will be labeled your plastic bottles with drinks, and for each bottle you will be asked to leave a deposit of 20 baht, which will be returned to you on the way back, subject to the presentation of the labeled bottle. We have met such a rather unusual service only in Erawan Park and nowhere else.

Labeled bottle, priced at 20 baht

Bamboo grows along the slope along which you go up. Some lovers of leaving a mark on history take advantage of the moment: in addition to the traditional “Anna and Roma”, there are “Hurray, Chita” and “Nakhodka”. Do not do this in any case, this is a national park, a nature conservation area. And although there are no patrols and rangers here, as in the US national parks, you still need to take care of nature.

Folk art in Erawan Park does not paint our compatriots

Third cascade also has a bathing bowl. But she's not very big and not very attractive. But fish for peeling are also found here.

Cascade number three usually pass by

If you really want to take a good swim, go straight to the fourth level.

Fork on the trail in Erawan Park

Here on fourth level usually the most tourists. Most of them stop here, as to the next cascade to go another half kilometer up the stairs and just along the paths. Therefore, many stay here and wait for their companions, and also leisurely continue to get acquainted with the Erawan Park. There is a really large and comfortable swimming pool, and the shady forest protects well from the sultry sun.

The most popular place in the park is actually very beautiful

Track on fifth cascade becomes steep enough, it is chained in concrete to make it easier to walk. And if you decide to go further, do not forget to check your drinking water supply, as the ascent can be quite exhausting, and then your walk in Erawan Park can be delayed. On the way, you will come across a large viewpoint, which offers a good view of the surrounding hills.

Viewpoint view of mountains in Kanchanaburi province

The longest transition to the fifth stage

When you finally reach Erawan Waterfall on fifth cascade, you will be amazed by the color of the azure water, from which two large stones, well smoothed by water, and named for their shape "Big Balls", protrude. It looks very similar. You can climb on them from the side and slide off like a water slide.

Whimsical figure - big balls!

Here live fish that love to bite on the heels

In the fifth cascade of Erawan waterfall, you can take a good swim

The path becomes more and more rocky and steep, and passes through the jungle, around huge trees, carefully propped up with sticks.

Caring support

On the way to the sixth level, you will need to be smart how to get through in the most optimal way.

Ahead is the path to the sixth cascade

The more and more narrowing path rests on a gentle rock, which must be climbed, choosing the most convenient route. It overlooks sixth cascade waterfall.

Natural steps are smoothed by water from a mountain stream

A stream of bizarre shape murmurs loudly

A small stream of water slowly runs down

The sixth cascade is overgrown with plants

Here the Erawan waterfall is overgrown with moss and plants, and the jungle surrounds it from all sides. But in the shade it is not as hot as in the open space.

The sixth cascade of Erawan is covered over

Around the waterfall - a real jungle

Huge leaves literally fall on your head! Who did not dodge - he got!

Natural mask for carnival

But going here is actually not that difficult, just a little tiring.

Path to seventh cascade Erawan waterfall begins with a steep wooden staircase, which turns into a somewhat difficult climb along the cliff

Climbing the cliff in Erawan Park along the steep wooden stairs will surely be remembered for you

On the way, there are depressions on gentle rocks inhabited by small fish

The natural pool with emerald water is inhabited by small fish. This unusual color is actually due to dissolved minerals in the purest mountain water.

Natural pedestal in the national park of Thailand

A couple more ladders, then you have to climb the roots of huge trees, and here you are!

Nature along the Erawan waterfall

The road to the highest level only sometimes becomes completely horizontal.

Seventh cascade Erawan waterfall will really give you its beauty and coolness if you are persistent and did not give up on the way. It will be a worthy reward for your hard work and perseverance!

The water on the seventh cascade rushes down the ledges of the picturesque cliff

The seventh cascade of Erawan waterfall is the most beautiful

It is very pleasant to swim here, and the opportunity to climb under the waterfall into a small cave will give you incredible pleasure!

The cave under the waterfall can accommodate several people

Here it is worth freshening up, gaining strength and getting ready for the return trip

An excellent hydromassage can be done under the streams of water!

If you came to upper level of Erawan waterfalls among the first, then on the way back you will meet crowds of people trying to conquer the next cascade, and asking you “Well, how is it, really interesting? And how much more to go? ", Hoping to get a negative answer and thus justifying your laziness and desire to stop the ascent as soon as possible, in order to get back into the cool bus and go watch the next one, see the Aviasales website \u003e\u003e

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Photo of Erawan waterfall - the main trophy of tourists who visited the Thai province of Kanchanaburi or who went on excursions from Pattaya to the River Kwai. This stunning emerald waterfall consists of 7 levels, and each of them is beautiful in its own way. We climbed to the very top and today we will show you photos of all seven levels of Erawan! And you can decide for yourself: is it worth climbing to the seventh level or devote more time to other, no less picturesque cascades?

Spoiler: the most beautiful level is not the seventh 😉

Photo of Erawan waterfall in Thailand: it is better to see once

As already mentioned, Erawan waterfall consists of seven levels. Therefore, we will also break our today's article into seven parts. Each of them will be dedicated to one of the levels of the Erawan waterfall - let's "go through" them in order, from the first to the seventh. We will show you breathtaking (and others do not exist in nature) photos of the Erawan waterfall and tell you a little about what is remarkable about each of its levels.

So, let's start climbing! Rather, to admire)) A minimum of words, a maximum of a photo of the Erawan waterfall - one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

Level 1 introductory

The first level of the Erawan waterfall is the lowest in every sense of the word. Not only because it is located at the foot of the waterfall: the water here falls (if such a big word is applicable) from a very low height. At other levels, the height of the cascades is much higher. But nevertheless, the water here is also of a beautiful emerald color, and the roots of age-old trees sticking out here and there only thicken the atmosphere of mystery before moving to higher levels. And the first level is also the noisiest: here you will surely meet a company of Thais, who have settled down on mats, who value Erawan only as a pretty backdrop for gatherings. So we quickly admire and move on.

Photo of Erawan waterfall, Thailand. Completed the first level!

If this is the least scenic level, then what lies ahead?

Level 2: the widest and most beautiful

Yes, friends, the most interesting thing awaits us in 170 meters from the first level! It is here that the widest and most picturesque cascade is, it is here that there are most tourists, it is here that the most biting fish are and it is here that the most beautiful photos of the Erawan waterfall are obtained. That's it, you don't have to go further.

The second level of Erawan is his calling card. In most of the photos of the Erawan waterfall, it is he who flaunts.

Do you still think that you will be alone at Erawan Falls? Then we are all coming to you!

Level 3: most useful

They say it's useful. Well, this is when fish bite you and bite off dead pieces of skin. At the resorts they take money for this, but here, it is worth lowering a leg (arm, head) into the water on the third level of Erawan, a crowd of fish will attack you completely free of charge, dreaming to make a peeling for you. It hurts a little, but health requires sacrifice. I suffered ten minutes - I saved a hundred baht.

By the way, the distance from the second to the third level of Erawan waterfall is only 50 meters.

The third level of Erawan waterfall, where an unforgettable fish peeling awaits you! It's also beautiful here.

Level 4: do you like to ride?

The fourth level of Erawan is located 300 meters from the second. It is notable for the fact that here the water does not fall down, but smoothly descends along two smooth stones. And not only water: riding off these stones is a favorite pastime of both Thai children and tourists.

The fourth level of Erawan waterfall is located exactly half a kilometer from the first.

Level 5: the quietest

On the fifth level of Erawan, like on the second, there is a calm backwater. At the same time, there are no high cascades and much less people, because from the fourth level to here as much as 600 meters, and from the beginning of the waterfall - 1.1 km! Therefore, if you have reached the fifth level, here you can relax and calmly swim. Some tourists even manage to bring water mattresses here - there is no better place to swim while enjoying the stunning views of nature on Erawan.

A kingdom of tranquility and relaxation.

The best photos of Erawan waterfall, level 5: It's time to rest before the last march to the very top!

Level 6: Weakest

I don't know how anyone, but the sixth level of Erawan impressed us the least. The water here flows down the stones, somewhat reminiscent of the boulders at level 4. Only the stones are higher, and the water flow is weaker than on the fourth. And where does so much water come from at the lower levels? However, they say that after the rains, the sixth level becomes much more full-flowing and spectacular.

The distance from the fifth to the sixth level of Erawan is 300 meters.

The sixth level of Erawan is not the most impressive. But only a hundred meters are left to the top!

Level 7: Coolest

Well, here we are! Behind - one and a half kilometers uphill and dozens or even hundreds of tourists, for various reasons, did not climb to the top to present themselves with a medal for endurance. On the seventh level of Erawan, the water falls from the mountains in a not particularly wide, but stormy and loud stream, in the noise of which one can clearly hear applause for the brave climbers. Unlike its predecessor, level 7 is quite spectacular and the photos are beautiful here. However, a photo of the Erawan waterfall at its highest point is the main and only goal of tourists who spared no effort and climbed to the seventh level. After completing this task, do not waste time and go down to the fifth or second level to cool off after the march to the top. Everest conquered! That is, Erawan.

Erawan Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Thailand. And even the most beautiful. Emerald water, seven steps, one more beautiful than the other - tourists adore this place and dream of getting here. In today's article, we will tell you how to do this independently and as part of an excursion, as well as share other important information.

Erawan waterfall in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand: location, ticket price and other important information

All the most important about the Erawan waterfall in Thailand

Where is Erawan waterfall

The emerald seven-step waterfall is located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province in western Thailand, near the border with Myanmar. There is no sea in this province, but even without it there are many interesting things: in fact, the Erawan waterfall, as well as the famous river Kwai, thermal radon springs, etc. And there are also very beautiful mountain landscapes. The main city of the province is also called Kanchanaburi. From Pattaya to him - about 270 km, from Bangkok - 120 km. Erawan Waterfall is located 70 km from the city of Kanchanaburi. Here are the main points on Google Maps:

The emerald seven-step Erawan waterfall, located in the national park of the same name, is the main attraction of Kanchanaburi province (after closing).

How to get to Kanchanaburi city from Bangkok and Pattaya

You can leave for Kanchanaburi from several places in Bangkok, including from Khaosan Street, by contacting any local travel agency. But still, the main transport hub connecting the Thai capital and Kanchanaburi is the Southern Bus Terminal (Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal or Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal). Here is it location on Bangkok map , you can get there by taxi or tuk-tuk. Dozens of buses also go here, from the city center (Khaosan district) to the South Bus Station you can get by routes No. 79, 201, 511, 556. Buses from the South Bus Station to Kanchanaburi go with an interval of 20-30 minutes, the journey takes two hours, the price ticket - 130 baht.

In addition to the bus, there is a very exotic way to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi - by train. Convoys of the third class (that is, only with seats, no air conditioners and seats without windows) start from the station Thonburi Train Station , it takes five (!) hours, the ticket costs 100 baht. The train leaves at 07:45 and 13:35, but the schedule is subject to change. On weekends, there is also a train to Kanchanaburi Province from Bangkok Main Station Hua lamphong , departure at 6:30.

And on how to get to Kanchanaburi from Pattaya, we have a separate article:

How to get to Erawan waterfall and Kanchanaburi province? Lovers of exotic can travel from Bangkok by train. But it's better to go by bus and admire the train from the side 🙂

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is not Bangkok or Koh Phangan, but it is still a very popular destination among independent tourists. Therefore, there are more than a hundred hotels in this small town! Many of them are located on the banks of the River Kwai and you can live in houses right above the water, as we love to do (and who doesn't?).

You can search for hotels in Kanchanaburi both on Booking and on other booking systems:

How to get to Erawan waterfall from Kanchanaburi

So you have come to Kanchanaburi. There are three ways to get from here to Erawan Falls.

1. By public transport. From the bus station of the city of Kanchanaburi, starting from 8:00 every hour and a half, there is a regular bus No. 8170, whose final stop is located a kilometer away from Erawan. On the way - about two hours, ticket price - 50 baht one way. Don't forget: The last bus from Erawan to Kanchanaburi departs at 16:00 or 17:00 depending on the day of the week! And even earlier, so it is better to clarify this point on the spot.

2. By taxi. It is also better to catch it at the bus station. Drivers usually charge a price of 1,000 baht or more. Therefore, desperately bargain, as world practice shows, it is quite possible to drop the price to 800 or even 700 baht round trip.

3. By rented transport. You can rent a motorbike for 200-300 baht per day in many hotels and rental offices in the city. obligatory: do not expect that the valiant Thai traffic cops, 140 km away, will never stop a pale-faced tourist to check documents.

How to get to Erawan waterfall from Kanchanaburi? If you don't have a Thai license, the best way is to take bus number 8170. The route is marked in large letters right on the windshield.

How much are entrance tickets to Erawan National Park

The price of entrance tickets to the national park (and, accordingly, to the Erawan waterfall):

• Adult ticket for a foreigner - 300 baht.
• Child ticket for a foreigner (with a height from 90 to 120 cm) - 200 baht.
• Children up to 90 cm tall - free.
• Adult ticket for Thais and Thai driving license holders - 100 baht.
• Entry to the park by motorcycle - 20 baht.
• Entry to the park by car - 30 baht.

Prices are valid at the time of publication.

The second level of Erawan is one of the most beautiful. This is what you will find in most of the photos of the waterfall.

Excursion to the River Kwai with a visit to Erawan: options and prices

Traveling on your own is great, but still, most Russian tourists visit the Erawan National Park and Waterfalls as part of a two-day excursion to the River Kwai from Pattaya. There are several options for such an excursion. You can order three programs from us.

The legendary river Kwai. It takes from 3 to 3.5 hours to the Erawan waterfall: you will have time to go through it from 1 to 7 levels, and swim, and relax, and take a lot of amazing photos. In addition to the Erawan waterfall, the program includes hot thermal springs, a floating market, rafting in vests on the Kwai River, elephant trekking and much more. Accommodation in a 4 * hotel on the banks of the River Kwai with a swimming pool, a beautiful area and a lounge area, houses - on the water or on land. The price is 2500 baht for an adult and 1500 baht for a child up to 120 cm tall.

River Kwai + Erawan waterfall + Ayutthaya. In addition to the main attractions of the Kanchanaburi province (including the Erawan waterfall), you will visit the legendary Ayutthaya - the great ancient capital of Siam. Tour price: 3190 baht.

Our contacts:

• WhatsApp / Viber: +66927323280
• Telephone: 0927323280

Signing up for an excursion to the River Kwai and other two-day programs - prepayment of 500 baht per person. If you are 1, 2 or 3 people, prepayment can be paid in cash in baht on the previous one-day excursion or by regular transfer to Sberbank in rubles at the exchange rate. For groups of 4 people or more, enrollment for excursions is only by prepayment by transfer to Sberbank in rubles at the exchange rate.

More details about these and other excursions - in our price list:

Dear readers, have you seen the beautiful Erawan waterfall - on your own or as part of an excursion to the River Kwai? Looking forward to your feedback! And in the next article we will publish beautiful (although there are no others) - each of its seven levels!

Erawan National Park.

Erawan National Park opened in 1975 and has become Thailand's 12th National Park. It is located in Kanchanaburi province and covers an area of \u200b\u200b550 square kilometers.

The main attraction of the park is Erawan Falls, the largest waterfall in Thailand. In addition, it is worth visiting: Phalun waterfall, River Kwai and its banks, Sri Nakarin dam, Ta Duang karst caves, Phra Tat, Wang Badan, Rua.

Karst caves are natural underground cavities that are formed as a result of the leaching of soluble rocks.

Fauna of the park: elephants, sambaras, monkeys, wild boars, deer, gibbons, pythons and many other rare animals and birds.

Time and cost of visit

Erawan Park is open to the public all year round. When choosing the time for the excursion, keep in mind that the rainy season lasts from May to October. But the showers here are short-lived and quite rare, the protection of the mountain ranges affects. The cold season prevails in the period November-January. This is the most favorable period for visiting the park. But from February to April it becomes hot here and uncomfortable for long walks.

The park is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm. After sixteen hours, above the second level of Erawan waterfall, you will not be allowed in. The entrance to the park is paid. For foreign visitors - 400 baht, children under 14 years old - 100 baht. For children under three years old - admission is free. There is a dressing room, shower, toilet nearby.

There are several shops in the park where you can buy souvenirs, other small goods, cozy cafes, food stalls. Various drinks and ice cream are sold at the bus stop. Those wishing to drink something stronger will have to refrain - drinking alcoholic beverages in the park is prohibited.

How to get there

Any travel agency can book an excursion to the River Kwai. At the same time, it is worth clarifying whether the Erawan National Park is in the program and how long you plan to stay in the park. A tour of less than three hours is pointless.

If you decide to go on the excursion on your own, you should get to the city of Kanchanaburi. The national park is located 65 km away. In the western part of Bangkok, in the Thonburi microdistrict, there is the Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal from the bus station, bus number 8170 departs every hour. The first flight is at eight in the morning, the last one at 17.20 in the evening. From Erawan, buses leave at 5.40, 6.20, 7.00, 9.00, 10.30, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00. Estimated price of 100 baht.

Route from Bangkok

There are also minibuses or songteos, departing from Khao San Road at 13:30 and 18:30. You can also take a taxi, but it's expensive. You can also use rented transport. Parking a car in the park will cost you 30 baht, a bike - 20 baht.

You should be aware that there are two entrances to Erawan National Park:One is located on the south side. You will get to it if you follow the road # 3199 from the Kanchanaburi side. The second is in the west, if you enter from the side of Sai Yok Park. Watch out for signs. After the village of Ban Pong Pat, turn left onto road 3457. From this intersection to the park - 30 km.

Where to stay

Traditional excursions to Erawan National Park are designed for a maximum of 3-4 hours. But it is impossible to bypass all the local beauties and enjoy the magic of this paradise in a day. Therefore, it is recommended to rent a house in the park. Your benefits in this case:

1. You will not have to pay for the entrance again.
2. Inspection can start in the morning, while there is no influx of tourists.

Accommodation options in the park:

Bungalows or comfortable houses with outdoor terraces. Two to eight people per room. Cost from 600 baht to 2400 baht per person per day, depending on the house.

There is a camping on the territory. You can come with your tent and stay here (30 baht). There is a tent rental service (from 100 to 300 baht, depending on the number of places in the tent). If you take a complete set: tent, mattress, blanket, pillow, prices start from 200 baht.

If you only want to spend the night, a bungalow will cost you 100 baht per person, and a space in a room is 50 baht. All necessary accessories are available for a fee. It should be noted that it gets chilly in the Erawan National Park in the evening, and there are many mosquitoes and all kinds of midges, which is not very pleasant. But you will definitely enjoy a picnic. It is arranged by the administration of the park for guests. To do this, you will have to go to the campsite. Grilled meat and various local delicacies are prepared here.

Erawan waterfall

The waterfall consists of seven cascades. The length is 1700 meters, the height is 831 meters. The lowest point is 165 m above sea level, the top one is 996 meters. The waterfall got its name because of the similarity of the seventh cascade with the head of the sacred mythical three-headed elephant - the Hindu deity - Erawan.

A number of rules are established for visitors to the waterfall:

• At the first level, you have to leave bags in special cells.

• If you come to the park with your beloved animal, you will have to leave it in specially equipped places. Animals are prohibited on the waterfall.

• Food cannot be carried above the second tier of the waterfall. You will only be allowed to bring one bottle of water per person. In this case, you will have to leave a deposit for it (20 baht), and when you return with an empty bottle, you will be given the money. This is done in order to preserve the natural purity of the waterfall.

Erawan is formed by the streams of two rivers, Monglai and Omtala. They originate on the western slope of the mountain range. The water contains particles of calcium carbonate, so you can observe changes in its color from turquoise to emerald. The slope on which the waterfall is located is covered with rich exotic vegetation. Mostly deciduous and bamboo thickets.

A trail has been laid to view the waterfall. Sometimes it is overlapped by rocks, and above the fifth cascade you will have to show dexterity and physically strain.

Be careful! There are many monkeys here, who strive to grab something from tourists. The shine of your phones, cameras, jewelry can provoke them.

A natural reservoir is formed at the foot of each tier. You can swim in it. Bathing levels are two and three. If you are not confident in your abilities as a swimmer, take a swimming vest on the second tier. You will have to leave a deposit for renting it. After swimming in the waterfall, there is an opportunity to take a shower and change clothes (you must have your own bath accessories).

In some places where water flows, be prepared to walk over a wooden bridge or a lying log. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The hiking trail ends at the sixth level. To get to the seventh, you have to climb a high cliff on a bamboo ladder.

Do not neglect your safety - the stones are very slippery and the falling water jets are very strong. There are no special entrances to the water.

I must say that the levels of the waterfall are unique. The stone blocks of the fourth level are shaped like a woman's breast. It is these stones that tourists and locals screech into the water like children in an amusement park. The fifth level is two-stage. Swimming on the sixth level is difficult, as there are almost no comfortable pools. Only a few make it to the seventh level.

In the reservoirs of Erawan there are Pla Pluang fish - this is a species of carp. The fish, when entering the water, begin their fish massage procedures, regardless of whether you ordered a peeling or not. Unlike salons, this procedure can be tried absolutely free. One has only to put your feet in the water.

To fully enjoy the bewitching beauty of this miracle of nature, it is better to start your walk early in the morning. Not hot yet and few tourists. It is as if you will plunge into another world located on another planet.

Caves and trails

Another attraction of the National Park is Ta Duang Cave. The entrance to the cave is located near the village of Ta Tung, on a mountain slope. Before its entrance, it will be necessary to climb to a height of about 800 meters. It is worth considering that rockfalls are not uncommon in these places.

The cave is interesting for ancient rock paintings depicting people and trees. During the exploration of the cave, pottery and some tools were discovered. This indicates the presence of ancient settlements in this area.

The entrance to this cave is located at an altitude of 720 meters. The cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In the center of this magnificent stone garden is an enormous stupa-like stalactite.

Mee cave

The entrance to the cave is near the village of Tap Sila. Pay attention to the signs, they will orient you on the ground. The villagers are sure that bears once lived in the cave. The cave is large and has five well-ventilated halls. Here you can see unusual stone formations.

Rua cave

Its depth is about 50 meters. The cave is notable for the presence of ancient relics. Here you can see several coffins made from the trunk of an ancient tree in the form of a boat. The lids are carved with images of human heads with noses, eyes and ears. The space of the cave resembles the scenery for filming a fairy tale.

Wang Badan cave

It is a limestone cave with a narrow entrance. A river flows through it. There are several halls with beautiful shiny stones that resemble mysterious mythological creatures.

Landmarks include the Mong Lai Trail. It is laid through an evergreen forest. Passing along it, you will overcome twelve natural zones. An hour's walk will give you the opportunity to enjoy the unique flora and fauna, breathe in amazingly clean air.

Be careful, there are many other trails that are not marked, and there are no guided tours.

Phalun waterfall is one-level. It is best to visit during the rainy season. It is then that Phalun will appear before you in all its glory. Khao Hin Lan Pii's five-kilometer trail ends at the fifth level of Erawan Falls. A walk along it will take you approximately three hours. The trails are marked, so it is impossible to get lost.

Additional Information

Address: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand
Coordinates: 14.460509, 99.131634

Erawan waterfall is located 65 kilometers from the city of Kanchanaburi (Thai กาญจนบุรี), in the Erawan National Park and is its main attraction. The length of the waterfall is 1700 m, the height is 831 meters (the upper point is at an altitude of 996 meters above sea level, the lower one is at an altitude of 165). The waterfall got its name as a result of the similarity of the 7th cascade in shape with the mythical three-headed white elephant Erawan (Thai เอราวัณ) or Airavata.

The Monglai and Omtala streams that form Erawan flow down from the western slope of the limestone and dolomite mountain range. The color of the water in the waterfall varies from emerald to turquoise due to the high content of suspended particles of calcium carbonate and other impurities. A similar effect can be observed in the basins of the lower tiers of another famous waterfall in Southeast Asia - Kuang Si in Laos.

Erawan is located on a slope covered with vegetation. The main type is mixed deciduous forest. There are also areas of dipterocarp and bamboo forests. The fauna is represented by several species of mammals, reptiles, freshwater fish and birds. Of the large animals, the Javanese and Rhesus macaques are the most common.

A path has been laid to inspect the waterfall, and wooden bridges have been installed at the intersections with the stream. The tiers at Erawan are considered to be from the bottom up. The first two cascades (Lu Kun Lung and Wung Macha) are popular with locals as a weekend destination. Carrying food and drinks (with the exception of one bottle of mineral water per person) above the second cascade (English Wung Macha) is prohibited by the rules established by the park administration.

The next cascade (English Pha Num Tok) has a vast basin in which large fish live. Cascades from the fourth to the sixth (English Oke Nang Phe Seah, Bua Mae Long, Dong Prouck Sa) are located in a dense forest, and are distinguished by the presence of side arms and secondary streams. The last cascade (English Phu Pha Erawan) can only be accessed by bamboo stairs leading to the top of the cliff. The entrance to the National Park is paid. The entrance ticket for foreigners is 200 baht. After 16.00, the ascent above the 2nd cascade of the waterfall is prohibited.

The area around the Erawan waterfall belongs to the Erawan National Park. This is Thailand's 12th National Park. It was founded in 1975 and has an area of \u200b\u200b550 sq. km. The park includes, in addition to the Erawan waterfall, Pha Lun Waterfall, part of the Khwae Yai River, Sri Nakharin Dam, Phra Tat karst caves That Cave, Mee Cave and Ta Duang Cave with rock carvings, as well as hundreds of sq. km. protected forest areas where chamois, Indian sambars, wild boars, gibbons, langurs, pythons and a number of rare animals live. During the existence of the park, more than 130,000 people have visited it. There are several guesthouses in the park where you can stay overnight.