Want to see amazing waterfalls near the River Kwai? Erawan Waterfalls & Death Railway Museum

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Erawan Waterfall Kanchanaburi

Before the Death and gloom of the Railway museum, we opted to visit what is described as the best waterfall system in Thailand, and for my money I’d say it might have been one of the best in the world. Obviously there are epic water falls (such as Niagra, Victoria) there are super high waterfalls (Such as the 420M drop off on Hilo, Hawaii), but for the sheer number of beautiful and different waterfalls all within a 3KM round trip hike, Erawan Falls is very impressive.

Entry to the park is around 300baht ($10) p/p, there is a local bus from Kanchanburi, or you can negotiate getting in a Songathew (group truck).

Erawan falls consists of 7 main tiers, with smaller waterfalls in between. As you wind up the hill path towards the top you are free to swim in almost any of the pools that you wish. We were on a bit of a time limit but we managed to get in for a swim at 3 of the pools. The Water is stunningly turquoise blue and very inviting, if you are a fan of the “fish spa” experience (Where fish clean skin from your feet by eating it!) then you can get a free treatment in many of the pools where these fish hang out. If you are not expecting it (and even if you sort of are) its quite disconcerting when they start to nibble you unexpectedly, but as long as you splash your feet about they generally stay away.

The best thing about the falls was that each of the 7 tiers were very different. Each had its own unique character and look and of course being able to swim is a great bonus too. One of the biggest swimming areas was at Tier 2 (Left), but if you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early and head up towards the top fast, for a quieter swim.

There are many photo opportunities of course, Below is tier 3 (which has quite a classic look!) and a photo of Megs at tier 7 (which was quite a challenge to get to without getting your feet wet.)

One of the highlights of reaching the top is the increased number of monkeys. They are wild, and they are cheeky. This one (left) got closer than a meter to me which was quite amazing. Don’t taunt them, they will attack if the feel threatened, one little kid got quite a scare when it almost got a monkey beating.

Cheeky monkey thief!

This One (right) grabbed a Lady’s bag and ran straight up a tree with it. Proceeding to help itself to whatever it could find, first a DSLR camera came tumbling to the ground (luckily surviving the 4m fall, as the woman straight away started taking photos of the monkey thief, for the police I’m sure.) and then her phone fell straight into the nearest pool then pulling a toothbrush out and giving it a quick chew before realising that it was not food and that monkeys don’t brush there teeth, so tossed it out of the tree. Deciding that there was more in the bag than it could reach it tore through the bottom of the bag with its teeth!

One of many Anzac Memorials in the graveyard

If travelling to Thailand we highly recommend you get travel insurance before you leave. We use World Nomads insurance as they’ve always had our back!

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