If you are in the western part of Thailand and in the mood for some light hiking in the lap of nature, here is a suggestion – head to Erawan National Park located in Tenasserim Hills. More than a park, I found it to be a walking path along a lovely waterfall that is actually like a tiered water body with many little falls connecting the various levels.
Our guide told us that the name of the park comes from Airawat – the famed elephant of Lord Indra. No wonder the logo of the park has the triple-headed elephant in it.
Erawan National Park Tour
The water in the fall is light sea green and absolutely clean. Not very deep, so you can dip your feet in the water and sit. I found a lot of locals here for a picnic and I loved the way some of them were sitting on a log in the water and chatting. In some places, water collects in a kind of natural swimming pool and you can jump into the water there.
Fish Spa treatment
The fish in the water will give you a complimentary spa treatment for visiting this lovely park. As you sit with your feet in the water, they come and nibble at your dead skin. In the beginning, you feel the tickle and an urge to take out your feet when a lot of them jump onto your feet suddenly finding a lot of food. After a while, both of you settle down and they gently nibble, go away, and send their friends, and you pull out your feet a few milligrams lighter and a lot cleaner.
Waterfall at Erawan National Park
The waterfall at Erawan National Park is in 7 tiers and calls for a mild hike of a couple of kilometers. The road to walk is well laid out with lush green trees all around. You can hear the waterfall from the side. It was too hot and humid to walk through. So a good idea is to take frequent breaks at the waterfalls. And spend some time there enjoying the water or simply clicking some lovely pictures. There are sitting places on the other side of the walking path for the walkers to relax.
You need good 2-3 hours for a relaxed walk through the Erawan National Park. Carry a lot of water with you, unless you are comfortable drinking the natural water there.
Sculpted Rocks
On the way to Erawan National Park, you can see a lot of sculpted rocks. At first look, they look like they are natural rocks but when you see them closely you realize that they have been carved. Some pieces had really intriguing shapes. I have seen thousands of sculpted pieces in Indian temples, still, to see just a few sculpted pieces fills me with awe.
In a country known for its beaches and shopping, it was a pleasure to discover a spot that is sheer nature.
Updates
Erawan National Park covers an area of approximately 550 square kilometers (212 square miles).
Key Attractions are:
- Erawan Waterfall: A famous attraction in the park, it is a series of seven tiers with beautiful turquoise pools. Each tier has its own unique charm. Can be reached by hiking along well-maintained trails.
- Phra That Cave: Contains a stalactite formation that resembles a pagoda, which is why it’s named “Phra That Cave.” Located near the waterfall area.
- Wang Bahdan: Viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
- Limestone Caves: Explore only with the help of guides.
- Hiking Trails: Features various hiking trails that take you through different types of forests and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Time Required to Visit and Explore: Depends on your interests and how much you want to see. Visit to the Erawan Waterfall alone can take a few hours, especially if you plan to hike to higher tiers and spend time enjoying the pools. To explore more of the park’s trails and attractions, a full day or even more might be needed. You can easily spend a full day in the park to fully appreciate its beauty and natural surroundings.
Facilities: The park has facilities like parking, restrooms, and a visitor center. Picnic areas near the waterfall where you can relax and have a meal.
Accessibility: Located in Kanchanaburi Province, the park is about a three-hour drive from Bangkok. It’s accessible by road, and tour options are available if you prefer organized transportation.
Entrance Fees: Charged, please check out the current fees. Before you visit ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information.
I recommend you to read the following Thailand Tourist attractions on my travel blog.
Bangkok Nightlife – 8 Things to Explore
Ratchaprasong Walk – Hindu Deities in the Heart of Bangkok
Grand Palace Bangkok – Photo Essay
I want to stay near waterfall in a jungle for a night or two – a dream.
I love the sound of waterfall specially in the night hours silence.
Hmmm..have never slept close to a waterfall. Worth a try I am sure. Have slept very close to the sea and hear it roar through the night, almost like the thundering of clouds.
Looks beautiful. Missed out while I was in Kanchanaburi.
Hi, pictures look very interesting…. What is the best time to go so that the weather is not very hot and humid.
Thanks Atul. December / January are the best bets to avoid heat and humidity.
Please tell About Pattaya
Maniraj, I am yet to go to Pattaya. Will write about it as and when I get to go there.
Watch out for the monkeys. A few of us were swimming in one of the waterfalls and there was a splashing sound and when we looked up the hill, there were several little monkeys throwing rocks at us!!
When you go from India, you are used to watching lots of monkeys in wild areas, probably that is why I did not notice them as much.