Erawan Falls has been on my list since I moved to Bangkok and I finally made the trip. As a British expat living in the city, I love using my weekends to explore as much of Thailand as possible, and Erawan Falls did not disappoint. Whether you are visiting from Bangkok or already staying in Kanchanaburi, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Erawan Falls and what to expect when you arrive.
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Why Visit Erawan Falls?
Erawan Falls is a seven tiered waterfall located within Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, around 200km west of Bangkok. Each tier offers something different – emerald green pools, jungle trails, and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Thailand. It is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the photos. The water is a striking turquoise colour, the forest surrounding the falls is lush and peaceful, and the whole experience feels worlds away from the chaos of Bangkok. If you are looking for a nature escape that is genuinely impressive and accessible from the city, Erawan Falls and Kanchanaburi province in general, belongs at the top of your list. Check out my full Thailand travel guide for more inspiration on exploring the country.
How to Get to Erawan Falls from Bangkok
If you are planning your Thailand itinerary and looking for a brilliant day trip from Bangkok, Erawan Falls is well worth adding to your list. There are several ways to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi before making the onward journey to the falls:
- Bus from Khao San Road: This is the route I personally took – it was straightforward and i booked in advance with Tara Tavel through 12Go. There are other bus stations which also run services to Kanchanaburi – check the official bus times here timetables and ticket prices across all departure points
- Train from Thon Buri Station: Take the Thon Buri to Nam Tok line – tickets cost just ฿100 (£2.30) and can be bought on the spot at the station.
- Guided day tour: The easiest and most hassle-free option – a guided tour from Bangkok combines Erawan Falls with other Kanchanaburi highlights like the Bridge on the River Kwai. I would recommend Get Your Guide to book your Erawan Falls Tour.
- Private transfer: The most flexible but most expensive option – ideal for groups or anyone wanting a fully tailored itinerary which you can book here.
For more day trip ideas, check out my guides on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok and the Damnoen Saduak floating market tour.
How to Get to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi
Once you are in Kanchanaburi, the journey to Erawan Falls is pretty straightforward. Here are your options:
1. Bus 8170 – The Cheapest & Most Practical Option
This is the route I took and the one I recommend for anyone looking for how to get to Erawan Falls on a budget. Bus 8170 departs from Kanchanaburi Bus Station and runs directly to Erawan National Park. Here is everything you need to know before you board:
- Cost: ฿80 (£1.84) one way, ฿160 (£3.68) return
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Bus style: Old style bus with fans and open windows, no air conditioning
- No toilet breaks on the journey – use the facilities before you board
- Get there early to guarantee a seat – the return buses from Erawan Falls fill up quickly.
- Ticket payment: You can buy a ticket at the bus station – cash only
I would strongly recommend the early morning departure – the later buses fill up fast and the heat becomes intense as the day goes on.
2. Taxi or Private Transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable and direct option, a taxi or private transfer from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls is available. This is a good option for groups or anyone who wants to travel at their own pace without worrying about bus timetables. Expect to pay significantly more than the bus, prices vary so always agree a fare before you set off. Ask at your hotel or guesthouse in Kanchanaburi for recommended drivers – they will usually be able to arrange something quickly and reliably. I would expect a private driver from Kanchanaburi to cost somewhere in the region of ฿2500 (£55)
Erawan Falls Entry Fees & Opening Times
Before you visit Erawan Falls, here is a quick breakdown of the costs and opening times so you can plan your day properly:
| Item | Cost (THB) | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Erawan Falls entrance fee (per adult) | ฿300 | £6.90 |
| Bus 8170 return | ฿160 | £3.68 |
| Locker storage (Level 2) | ฿20 deposit | £0.46 deposit |
Important things to know:
- Entrance fee is collected on the bus before you arrive – cash or Thai QR code only
- There is a second ticket check as you enter the car park – keep your ticket
- Toilets are located by Level 1
- Locker storage is available at Level 2 – cash only, ฿20 deposit
- No food or drink beyond Level 3 – there is a ฿1,000 (£22.99) fine if you are caught
- Levels 5–7 close at 3:30pm
- Levels 3–4 close at 4:00pm
- The park itself closes at 5:00pm
Make sure you arrive early enough to see all seven tiers, particularly if you want to reach levels 5 to 7 before they close.
The 7 Tiers of Erawan Falls
One of the best things about Erawan Falls is that there are seven tiers to explore – each one different from the last. The total distance from the visitor centre to the top is around 3km. Here’s what to expect at each level:
| Tier | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | The most accessible tier – toilets nearby, popular with families |
| Level 2 | Locker storage available – good swimming spot |
| Level 3 | Last point where food and drink are allowed. |
| Level 4 | Natural rock slides – one of the most fun and unique spots on the trail |
| Level 5 | Quieter and less crowded – stunning natural pools |
| Level 6 | Even quieter – beautiful scenery and fewer tourists |
| Level 7 | The top tier – the most peaceful and rewarding of all – closes at 3:30pm |
The lower tiers are busier and more accessible but the the upper tiers are quieter and well worth the extra effort to reach. I will be honest, it was a bit of a rush given the closing times, and I would not recommend leaving it too late to start climbing. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy each tier rather than racing to the top.
Essential Tips for Visiting Erawan Falls
Here are my personal tips for making the most of your visit to Erawan Falls:
- Go early: I cannot stress this enough – the earlier you arrive the better. The later buses fill up fast, the heat builds throughout the day, and levels 5 to 7 close at 3:30pm. Give yourself as much time as possible
- Bring cash: Both the bus fare and entrance fee can be paid on the bus, but cash is essential throughout the day for lockers, food and drinks at the lower levels
- Wear water shoes: The rocks around the pools are slippery – a good pair of waterproof sea shoes makes a huge difference. I recommend picking up a pair of SIMARI water shoes before you go.
- Protect your phone: The falls are wet and the trails can be slippery – a waterproof phone pouch is a must. I like the this particular waterproof phone pouch because it also floats in the water.
- Wear sunscreen: You are exposed to direct sun on parts of the trail – pack a good SPF and reapply throughout the day. Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is the one i would personally recommend.
- No food beyond Level 3: This is strictly enforced – there is a ฿1,000 (£22.99) fine if you are caught. Stock up on snacks and water at Level 3 before continuing upwards
- Wear comfortable clothing: Light, breathable clothing that you do not mind getting wet is ideal – most people end up in the water at some point
Is Erawan Falls Worth It?
Honestly – yes. Erawan Falls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Thailand and well worth the journey from Bangkok. The emerald green pools, the jungle trails, and the sheer variety across all seven tiers make it a genuinely impressive day out. That said, I would go back and do a few things differently. I would take take a later bus back, to give myself more time at each tier, and avoid the 12pm rush entirely. If you are planning how to get to Erawan Falls and want to make the most of your visit – start early, bring cash, and do not rush the climb. It is a long day but a really rewarding one. For more inspiration on exploring Thailand from Bangkok, check out my full Thailand travel guide and my guide on whether Thailand is safe for solo female travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions – Erawan Falls
How long does it take to get to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi?
Bus 8170 from Kanchanaburi Bus Station to Erawan Falls takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. The bus runs several times a day. I would strongly recommend the earliest departure you can manage – the later buses fill up quickly and the heat builds significantly throughout the day.
How much does it cost to visit Erawan Falls?
Visiting Erawan Falls is very affordable. The entrance fee to Erawan National Park is ฿300 (£6.90) collected on the bus before you arrive so make sure you have cash or a Thai QR code ready. The return bus fare on Bus 8170 costs ฿160 (£3.68). Locker storage at Level 2 costs a ฿20 (£0.46) cash deposit. In total, a budget day trip to Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi costs around ฿460 (£10.58) before food and drinks – making it one of the most affordable natural attractions in Thailand.
Is Erawan Falls suitable for solo female travellers?
Yes – Erawan Falls is a great destination for solo female travellers and I visited completely alone. The trails are well marked, the park is busy with other tourists throughout the day, and I felt completely safe and comfortable from start to finish. The group tour option from Bangkok through GetYourGuide is a particularly good option if you are travelling alone and want company on the day. For more on travelling alone as a woman in Thailand, read my guide on whether Thailand is safe for solo female travellers.
Abi is a UK travel blogger, currently living in Thailand, sharing destination guides, solo female travel tips, and insider advice on exploring Southeast Asia. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she helps women discover the world with confidence, whether they’re travelling solo or joining one of her hosted group trips.
