I’m not a huge waterfall person—and not just because I’m so sick of millennials and elder Gen-Z people referencing the 1994 TLC hit whenever one is invoked. You can’t “chase” a stationary object, just FYI.
No, if I’m honest, I find most waterfalls to be disappointing. There are obvious exceptions to this rule—Iguazú; Niagara; Victoria, to name a few—but they are few and far between in my experience (which is vast, I say without bragging at all).
The good news? Thailand’s multi-tiered Erawan Falls is impressive, even by my own admittedly high standards. The not-as-good news? It’s difficult to do Bangkok to Erawan Falls as a day trip, though it is technically possible.
Spoiler Alert: It’s Best to Spend the Night in Kanchanaburi
I don’t do baiting and switching; I’m going to provide you multiple ways to do a Bangkok to Erawan Falls day trip. However, I will also tell you from the get-go that it’s best to spend at least a night in Kanchanaburi. And not just because of how much stress getting all the way to Erawan Falls and back will cause you, although that will be substantial, I warn you.
No, Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand’s most underrated provinces—there’s plenty to do there. From outlying temples like Wat Tham Suea and Wat Ban Tham, to picturesque Srinakarin, to the “Death Railway,” to all the charmiing activities along the river (including the Bridge Over the River Kwai, which is admittedly mis-named), I’ve never met a traveler who regrets having stayed overnight in Kanchanaburi.
How to Visit Erawan Falls in a Day (if You Must)
Organized day tour
If you have your heart set on visiting Erawan Falls on a day trip from Bangkok, the best way is to take an organized tour. Some hotels with offer this, though you can also do so via Viator below (and, in the process, help me earn a small commission. Kob khun krab!).
Taxi all the way
What if an Erawan Falls tour is not appealing to you? If money is no object, I encourage you to go all the way by private car. If you don’t have your own private car (and most foreigners don’t), you can either hail a taxi yourself, or arrange a transfer via your hotel in Bangkok.
Bus(es) or train all the way
Buses and minivans depart Bangkok’s southern bus terminal for Kanchanaburi at least once per hour; connecting buses and minibuses are available from there to the falls. Alternatively, limited tourist trails go all the way from Bangkok to Namtok, which is just a short taxi ride (or slightly longer walk) to the falls.
Train to Kanchanaburi, bus from there
A more common way to execute an Erawan Falls itinerary is to take a train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, then walk to the Kanchanaburi bus station and get a local bus or minibus from there all the way to the falls. This saves you from having to take one of the very limited trains that goes all the way to the falls.
Train or bus to Kanchanaburi, taxi from there
An even more flexible option is traveling by bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, and getting a taxi the rest of the way. This can be a bit more expensive (or a lot more expensive, if you’re bad at haggling), but saves you from having to wait for local buses to the falls.
Is Erawan Falls Worth Visiting?
As I mentioned in the intro to this piece, I think Erawan Falls is far above average for Thailand (and the world) in terms of beauty. And size: It has seven tiers spread out over more than a kilometer, which means that there’s a diversity to its beauty and also, that there are many opportunities to find your own spot to relax, rather than one single area to swim or chill.
On the other hand, I believe that trying to take an Erawan Falls day trip (as opposed to staying overnight in Kanchanaburi, which is why I ultimately recommend) is setting yourself up for disappointment. Your expectations will be higher, having endured the long journey all the way from Bangkok, than they might’ve been if you’d simply needed to take a short car ride from central Kanchanaburi.
Other FAQ About Visiting Erawan Falls
How do I get to Erawan Waterfalls?
There are a few ways to get to Erawan Falls. The easiest way is via private car (either your own or one arranged for you, with a driver), whether you begin in Bangkok or, more advisably, Kanchanaburi. You can also travel most of the way with public transport (train or bus), though in this case I do suggest staying at least one night in Kanchanaburi.
Is Erawan Falls worth it?
Erawan Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in Thailand and in Southeast Asia, and arguably one of the region’s best. On the other hand, unless you stay overnight in Kanchanaburi, the stress of reaching the falls from Bangkok in a day can counteract much of their appeal as a destination.
How do I get from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Waterfalls?
The easiest way to get from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls is to take a taxi or car, whether the car is your own private car or one arranged by your hotel. However, there are also buses from Kanchanaburi Bus Station to the falls entrance, as well as very limited train services.
The Bottom Line
I don’t recommend taking a day trip from Bangkok to Erawan Falls, although you can if you absolutely. Instead, spend at least a night in Kanchanaburi, taking in the province’s temples, towns and other treasures at a more relax pace, instead of rushing to the waterfall and back. No matter what form your trip ends up taking, I think the waterfall will impress you—with a couple of exceptions, it’s probably the most immediately satisfying one in Thailand, and certainly the Kingdom’s most accessible “good” waterfall. Need personalized help putting your trip together? Consider hiring me to plan it!