The most spectacular natural formation in Kanchanaburi are the Erawan Waterfalls which lie within the Erawan National Park. The river cascades down the side of a hill forming a set of seven waterfalls that are connected by deep blue plunge pools. These pools are the natural habitat of the dead skin eating fish. The waterfalls of Erawan are described by tour guides as the greatest natural phenomenon of Thailand, and they could well be.

The 7 tier waterfalls are regarded as the best natural phenomenon in the region and are highly recommended to visit while in Kanchanaburi.

The Erawan waterfalls

The Erawan waterfalls are part of the Erawan National Park which is open between 8:00 and 16:30 every day. The entrance fee is 400THB and 200THB for children. The Erawan waterfalls are 65km north west from Kanchanaburi on Route 3199 that heads to the Myanmar border.

The pools and waterfalls of Erawan National Park

The bus journey from Kanchanaburi takes approximately 2 hours and costs 50THB. The first bus of the day from Kanchanaburi is at 8:00 while the last return bus leaves early at 16:00. The climb to the uppermost waterfall from the lowest waterfall takes 20-30 minutes and is approximately 2 km from the park entrance.

The Erawan Waterfalls cascade down the side of a steep stepped hill and this has given rise to the natural phenomenon of seven connected waterfalls. Each of the seven waterfalls plunge into deep pools which are coloured either vivid blue or emerald green due to the chalk underlying rock. If the Erawan waterfalls can be experienced before the arrival of the mass tourist coaches and organised tours the waterfalls can be an enchanting and magical location.

Each of the seven waterfalls of Erawan is unique with the constant flowing water carving out numerous channels to flow down the hill side. The river which forms the Erawan waterfalls is a tributary to the Mae Nam Khwae Yai River.Life is teaming in the deeper pools and the pools are the natural environment of the feet eating fish. This gimmicky form of pedicure has spread the world over but it is here that the fish will naturally eat the dead skin from between your toes, or more depending on how much you wish to submerge yourself. Some of the Erawan pools are deep enough to allow for bathing and swimming and if part of an organised tour remember to bring swimming outfit and towels. The water falls derive their name from the apparent shape of the seventh pool which is said to resemble the Hindu god Erawan. Erawan’s form is of a three headed elephant and I must be honest I have never really seen the resemblance, must have been looking from the incorrect vantage point!

 

A common activity of the Erawan waterfalls is to climb the semi-permanent path all the way to the top and the largest pool (the Erawan shaped pool) and waterfall. This climb (or hike) takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on the number of visitors and the level of the oppressive humidity and is approximately 2km from the main entrance. The climb is a great method to leave the crowds of tourists and some of the later falls are spectacular but caution must be also consider while climbing wet rocks with some very nasty drops. Every year there are tourists who risk a little too much and end up paying with either a major injury or even their life, Thailand has a very blunt approach to health and safety.