How to get to Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi was only on my list because of the famous Erawan National Park and its seven waterfalls. It’s off the beaten tourist track so there isn’t a lot of information on the park or how to get around, so I’ve put together this guide for you. Don’t skip these waterfalls - they are stunning. However, beware that at the end of the dry season (April time), the water levels will be much lower than usual. I discovered this the hard way!

For more on Thailand, see my full month itinerary and guide here.

Waterfall 3

How to get to Erawan National Park

While a taxi is always an option, this is a very expensive one, as the drive from the city of Kanchanaburi is long. I took the public bus, and this is how I did it.

The bus leaves from the central bus station of Kanchanaburi. You probably arrived into it so won’t have much trouble finding your way back, but if not there’s only one so you can’t miss it. If you are staying further from the bus station, the bus might drive past you on its route. Your best bet is to ask the people working at your hotel/hostel for information on where it stops, and you’ll have to wave and flag it down so it stops for you. The bus you want is very clearly labelled with ‘Kanchanaburi’ and ‘Erawan’ written in big letters on the front. If you can’t find it at the bus station, ask someone and they will be more than happy to help.

The Kanchanaburi - Erawan Bus

The first bus of the day is at 8am and it costs 60 baht (approx. £1.35) for a one-way ticket. They charge you for the ticket on the bus when it starts moving or just before - someone will come around and ask for your money.

While still on the bus, you will buy a ticket at the park entrance for 300 baht (approx. £6.70). Someone from the Park authority will come onto the bus and ask for your money. You will then get dropped at the visitor centre where you start the walk to the waterfalls. 

Waterfall 1

It takes 1.5-2 hours to get from the bus station to Erawan National Park, and I managed to use the same ticket on the way back. I’m not sure if this is allowed, but I just showed it to the bus driver and he let me on. Otherwise, you can buy another one on the bus. The timetable for the buses on the way back is clearly marked at the bus stop in the parking lot of Erawan National Park, so you will know when the last bus back is.

Kanchanaburi - Erawan Bus Times

What to do when you arrive at Erawan National Park

There are seven waterfalls to see in Erawan National Park, and the furthest one is 2 km from the visitor centre. It is a tough uphill hike to get to the top one, so I recommend heading up there first and then making your way back down: it’s much more rewarding. Each waterfall is stunning, and the best stops to swim are at numbers 3, 5, and 7. Waterfalls 2 and 1 are the busiest, and there is barely anywhere to swim at 4 and 6. There are lots of fish in the water which do nibble at your legs and feet - it’s just a bit annoying but nothing to worry about. 

Waterfall 2

Unfortunately, regardless of your swimming ability, you also have to rent a life jacket for 20 baht, and you have to wear it in order to swim at any of the waterfalls. Be prepared to be whistled at and told to get out if you don’t.

You can get food in the park for fairly cheap, but there aren’t many options, especially veggie/vegan ones, so bring snacks or your own lunch. 

Waterfall 4

I hope this helps you plan a trip to see the stunning waterfalls in Erawan National Park. I was one of the only people on my backpacking trip that had gone there, and I don’t regret it at all. As always, please look after the places you visit, and remember to only leave your footprints behind :)