Erawan Falls

Erawan Falls consists of seven distinct tiers, each with its own character, shape, and pool. The seventh and highest tier is named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, Erawan, because the rock formation at the top is said to resemble the elephant's trunk.

Erawan Falls is located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand, about 200 kilometers from Bangkok. The park covers an area of approximately 550 square kilometers of limestone hills and tropical forest along the Myanmar border.

Yes, swimming is permitted in many of the pools at the lower tiers, and it is a popular activity for visitors. However, the pools are occasionally closed to swimming during periods of heavy rain or when the current becomes too strong, typically during the rainy season.

The trail to the seventh tier is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and involves a moderately steep hike through the forest. It typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top, with bridges, steps, and resting points along the way.

The striking emerald and turquoise hues come from dissolved minerals in the water, particularly calcium carbonate from the limestone bedrock. The mineral content also creates smooth travertine surfaces along the cascade, similar to other famous mineral-rich waterfalls.