Thailand
On vacation in Thailand? Don't miss Erawan National Park, a prime wildlife-watching haven. Discover all the good reasons to go there!
The Land of Smiles is world-renowned as an ecotourism paradise. For proof of this, take a day trip to Erawan National Park. It's a two-hour drive from Kanchanaburi station, plus an hour's walk after a light snack at Srinakarind Market. Populated by numerous wild animals, the park is an absolute haven of peace on the outskirts of the capital, Bangkok. However, Erawan National Park's number-one attraction is its magnificent seven-level waterfall, which has earned it a place on the list of Thailand's best-known and most-visited protected areas. Trekking enthusiasts and swimmers alike will enjoy an unforgettable day here.
History
Created in 1975, Erawan National Park covers a total area of 550 km2. The park's name means “three-headed elephant” in the local language. It comes from the striking resemblance between the great waterfall and the white elephant of Hindu mythology, which carries the god Indra on its back. This animal can be found on Siam's coat of arms dating from 1939, as well as on flags from that era.
Erawan National Park today
Erawan National Park attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its impressive waterfalls. The Khao Phang waterfall is a particular attraction. Its upper level is said to resemble that of a three-headed elephant.
Erawan National Park and its great biodiversity
Naturalists will be in heaven when they visit this park, which is home to marvelous specimens of the animal and plant kingdoms. Primates are the stars of the show; they play, drink, or cool off near the waterfalls. For a photo safari, get there around 8 a.m. As long as the area isn't saturated with tourists, the monkeys make frequent appearances. If you see them coming, they hide behind the foliage.
As you make your way through the deciduous trees, keep an eye out for the mammal species that inhabit the park, such as elephants, tapirs, Siamese hares, and wild boar, to name but a few. In the feline group, tigers and clouded leopards roam around, but the company of a ranger is useful for tracking them. You'll probably have better luck with reptiles, as they are legion: the ringed bongara, the Asian python, the Indonesian spitting cobra, and the crocodile are just a few examples. Malayan monitor lizards, which can weigh over 60 kg and grow to a height of 1.5 m, roam freely in the bushes. They have a reputation for being harmless, but always keep a safe distance from them, bearing in mind that they are wild animals.
That said, most animals don't frequent waterfalls, apart from gibbons and wild boars.
A paradise for birdwatchers
Erawan National Park is a paradise for those interested in the world of birds. Nearly 120 species of avifauna have been recorded here. Expect to see Indian lapwing, bacha snake, chinqui spurge, white-crested khalij pheasant, two-horned hornbill, white-rumped shama, and much more.
Hike to Erawan waterfall
Tourists' favorite activity is bathing in the emerald-green pool at the foot of the great waterfall. The waterfall falls majestically in seven stages, and access to the last stage requires a strong soul. If trekking isn't your cup of tea, you can stop at the first three levels and enjoy a refreshing swim. However, it's from level 4 onward that the watering holes become spectacular. To finish all the way, arm yourself with stamina on a challenging and rugged 2-kilometer course. The panoramic view of Erawan Falls—the top level—with its triple-headed elephant shape, will reward your effort. It's well worth the effort.
Take a swimsuit with you, but be sure to stow your belongings before swimming, as the monkeys take great pleasure in stealing them. If you arrive early, you can be sure of having the swimming area to yourself. In the interests of the environment, it is strictly forbidden to take snacks from the second level up to Erawan Falls.
Follow the hiking trail to the caves
Hiking enthusiasts can take the marked trail along the Mong Lai River. The trail leads through forest to Phra That Cave, Wang Badan Cave, Mi Cave, Bear Cave, and Rua Cave.
Phra That cave
At the foot of a limestone hill, the cave lies at the end of a short path leading from a parking area.
Visit Wang Badan Cave
Don't be put off by the cave's narrow opening. Inside, you can contemplate dazzling limestone formations.
Mi, the bear cave
This cave used to be a shelter for wild bears. It has five rooms featuring stalactites and stalagmites.
Ta Duang Cave
The walls of this cave are covered with mysterious rock engravings. Tourists will look on pensively as they contemplate the way of life of these primitive people, whose only tools are stones and pottery and whose only food is game.
Climate
In the Erawan National Park region, it's hot almost all year. The rainy season often starts in May and ends in October. Rainfall is fairly moderate, as the park area is protected by mountains.
To take advantage of favorable weather, we recommend visiting between January and February.
How to get there
Erawan National Park lies some 200 km north-west of Bangkok, the Thai capital. If you take the regional bus from the Sai Tai Mai bus station, allow an average of two hours to get there. The bus to Kanchanaburi leaves at 4 a.m.
More demanding tourists can take a cab from the capital at a cost of 1,200 Baht (€33.77).
Opening times and prices
Erawan National Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission per person is 500 baht (€12.05) for adults and 200 baht (€5) for children.
Practical info
To avoid the crowds of tourists, don't go on weekends. It's best to visit the park on weekdays, so you can enjoy the waterfalls in peace and quiet.
Don't forget to bring hiking boots and a bathing suit for swimming at the foot of the falls.
If you'd like to stay in the park for a while, the site has a number of bungalows to accommodate visitors. Price per night: 800 to 5,000 baht.
