Guide to Erawan Plateau: Thailand’s Enchanting Safari

Located in the western region of Thailand, near the border of Myanmar, Erawan Plateau National Park is an enchanting natural haven. It is a place where lush forests, pristine waterfalls, and rare wildlife await adventurers. For nature enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Thailand’s scenic landscapes, this park is an undiscovered gem.

Erawan Plateau National Park is located in the Kanchanaburi Province, roughly 130 kilometers west of Bangkok. The park is a part of the Tenasserim Hills range and spans over 500 square kilometers. Here’s our comprehensive guide on Erawan Plateau National Park;

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Overview of Erawan Plateau National Park

Located in West Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills range of Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan Plateau National Park is home to one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. Founded in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th National Park, it spans 550 km². The park’s major attraction is the iconic 7-tiered Erawan Falls, known for its emerald green ponds.

In addition to the falls, the park boasts several impressive caves, some of which are deep within the park, while others are located along the roads surrounding it. Named after the three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology, the park and its falls are said to resemble the head of an elephant, particularly at the top tier of the waterfall.

Approximately 80% of the park is covered in mixed deciduous forests, with higher elevations hosting deciduous dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests. The park’s landscape features limestone hills, plains, and numerous streams, with elevations ranging from 165 to 996 meters above sea level.

Wildlife in Erawan Plateau National Park

Due to the limited number of trails, wildlife watching possibilities in Erawan Plateau National Park are fairly restricted. Only relatively common species found elsewhere in Thailand are present. The park lacks unique habitats that attract rare or specialized wildlife.

Among the more common mammal species, crab-eating macaques and wild boars are frequently seen. However, venturing deeper into the forest can yield sightings of more exciting animals like the rare Assam macaques, barking deer, sambar deer, Asian elephants, gibbons, and Indochinese serows.

The park is also home to around 120 bird species, including crested serpent eagles, kalij pheasants, grey peacock-pheasants, lesser shortwings, and great hornbills. Reptiles like the rare Kanburi pit viper, Burma smooth skin, and various other regional species are present. You’ll also encounter large water monitor lizards that can grow over 1.5 meters long.

Best Time to Visit Erawan Plateau National Park

The best time to visit Erawan National Park in Thailand depends on whether you want to see the falls in their full glory or swim in the pools. During the rainy season (June–October), the falls are at their most spectacular, with powerful cascades and lush surroundings.

However, the trails can be slippery, and the park may close temporarily due to landslides. For those seeking fewer crowds, weekdays during the rainy season can offer a more peaceful experience. On the other hand, the dry season (November–February) is ideal for swimming. During the season, the pools are clearer and cleaner, but the park tends to be more crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

Getting to Erawan Plateau National Park

You can get to Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi by various means like bus, train, shared taxi, private car, motorbike, or by booking a tour that includes transportation. If you prefer the bus, you can take a local bus from the Kanchanaburi Bus Station to the park. The journey takes about 90 minutes and costs around 50–60 THB.

Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic train ride from Bangkok to the park. It takes approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes and costs between 460–1600 THB. Shared taxis (Songthaews) are another convenient option. These can be found at Kanchanaburi Bus Station. They offer a quick 1-hour trip to the park for about 60–70 THB per person.

Other Activities in Erawan Plateau National Park

Hiking amongst the forest and along the waterfall is the primary reason that people visit the park. Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy swimming in the waterfalls’ refreshing pools. However, it’s worth noting that you must wear a life vest when swimming in the first and second waterfalls.

For nature enthusiasts, a large camping ground is located just a few hundred meters from the visitor center and parking area. Tents are available for rent starting at 150 Baht per day for two people and 250 Baht per day for three people. These typically come with additional camping essentials like sleeping bags, pillows, and mats available for a minimal extra cost.

Park Fess in Erawan Plateau National Park

The entrance fees for Erawan National Park are priced at 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children aged 3-14 years old. Visitors bringing vehicles will need to pay an additional 20 Baht for a motorbike and 30 Baht for a car. Thai citizens enjoy reduced rates of 60 Baht for adults and 30 Baht for children. The park is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm, including public holidays.

However, rangers begin clearing trails from the top tier around 3 pm. At that point, the rangers gradually ask visitors to leave as they move downward. Depending on the cleaning pace, the lower tiers may remain accessible until 5 pm.

FAQs

How long do you need to be at Erawan Waterfalls?

Visitors can complete a round trip to the top of Erawan Waterfalls and back in about 1.5 hours if time is limited. But ideally, allocating 3 hours allows for a more relaxed experience, including time to swim in the crystal-clear pools. The waterfalls are a stunning natural spectacle spanning seven distinct levels.

What is the best level in Erawan Waterfalls?

If you ever visit Erawan Waterfall, don’t stop at level 6—keep going all the way to the 7th level, and you’ll be glad you did! In my opinion, it’s the best level. The aqua turquoise water cascading over white rocks creates a stunning backdrop, and the gentle waterfall adds a serene ambiance that feels like stepping into a postcard-perfect paradise.

While the hike to the top might require a bit more effort, the breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere at the 7th level make it completely worth it.

Conclusion

Erawan Plateau National Park is a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trekking through lush forests, or soaking up the tranquil ambiance, this park promises an unforgettable experience.