Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Erawan National Park
Famed for its impressive seven-tiered waterfall,
Erawan National Park
(admission 200B;
8am-4pm)
is an extremely popular weekend spot for locals. The
Erawan waterfall
gets its name
as the top level is said to resemble Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mytho-
logy. Walking to the first three tiers is easy, but after that good walking shoes and some
endurance are needed to complete the 1.5km hike. Bring a bathing costume as you will
appreciate the cool water after reaching the top. Levels 2 and 4 are impressive, but be
wary of monkeys who may snatch belongings while you're taking a dip.
Elsewhere in this 550-sq-km park,
Tham Phra That
is a cave with a variety of limestone
formations. Guides carrying paraffin lamps lead visitors through the gloom, pointing out
the translucent rocks, glittering crystals and bat-covered caverns. Geologists find the
caves of interest due to a clearly visible fault line. You will need your own transport or a
guide to reach the cave, which is 12km northwest of the park entrance, or you can negoti-
ate a ride with park staff. The approach road is a dirt track and there is a stiff walk up to
the cave entrance. Another 5km north is the enormous and scenic
Si Nakharin Reservoir
.
Around 80% of Erawan is forest, and many of the park's various trees can be seen
along three nature trails, which range from 1km to 2km. Bird-watchers try to spy horn-
bills, woodpeckers and parakeets from the camping areas and observation trails. Tigers,
elephants, cobras and gibbons also call the park home.
Park bungalows
( 0 2562 0760;
www.dnp.go.th
; bungalows 800-5000B, camping 150-300B)
sleep between
two and 50 people. If you bring your own tent, there is a 30B service fee.
Buses from Kanchanaburi stop by the entrance of the Erawan waterfall (50B, 1½ hours,
every 90 minutes from 8am to 5.20pm). The last bus back to Kanchanaburi is at 4pm.
Within the park, you can rent bicycles for 20B to 40B per day.
