Erawan National Park

How the jungle changes part 1: a cascade of Erawan waterfall in 1998

How the jungle changes part 2: the same cascade of Erawan waterfall in 2008

The main features of this scenic national park are the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall and the Pratat cave with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

History

Erawan was founded in June 1975 as Thailand's 12th national park.

Geography and Climate

The limestone hills of Erawan National Park rise 165 to 996 meters above sea level. Many important streams flow from these hills. The hills protect the park from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. Rainy season lasts from May to October, when storms come from the southwest and the northeast. Cold season runs from November to January, when the weather is pleasantly cool. February to April is the hot time and temperature is quite high. The park is open all year.

Flora

The prevalent forest type in Erawan National Park is the mixed deciduous forest covering 81 percent of the park area. Other forest types are dry dipterocarps forest and dry evergreen forest community.

Fauna

The park contains 5 different wildlife habitats for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and freshwater fauna. The already enlisted animals are Indian elephant, tiger, sambar deer, wild boar, gibbon, langur, Siamese hare, red flying squirrel, pheasant, grey peacock pheasant and others.

What to See

Erawan Waterfall - the 7-tier Erawan, surrounded by a beautiful forest, drops some 1500 meters. A trail leads as far as the 6th level, from where you have to scramble up the cliff to reach the 7th level. The climb is well worth the effort, for the sight of tumbling water, spraying off the boulders into the deep pool below. The uppermost fall resembles the head of the Erawan Elephant - the 3-headed elephant from Hindu mythology.

Phartat Cave - at 12 km from the headquarters this impressive cave is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Limestone geology is clearly displayed on the walls.

Mi Cave - the name is derived from a local belief that the cave was once inhabited by wild bears. There are 5 chambers inside the cave with strange forms of stone, stalagmites and stalactites.

Wang Bahdan Cave - a large limestone cave with a narrow opening. There are several separated chambers inside the cave. On the bottom of the chambers there is a permanent stream. Each chamber contains glittering stalactites and stalagmites with names such as Man Phra-in (Indra's curtain) and Khem Narai (Narai's needles) which looks similar to a very large-size sewing needle. The cave is 54 km from the headquarters, the cave entrance being 1 km from Wang Badan Ranger Station.

What to Do

Trekking routes and a nature trail, birdwatching, caving, swimming.

Khao Hin Lan Pee Nature Trail - 5 km long, takes some 3 hours to walk. Deciduous, dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forests along the trail. The trail ends at the 5th tier of Erawan waterfall.

Mong Lay Dry Evergreen Forest Natural Trail - this trail snakes along the waterfall. The walk along the serene forest and 12 various interesting interpretation signs will take about 50 minutes.

Facilities

Headquarters - accommodation, restaurant, visitors center, parking

Accommodation

Bungalows within the park sleep 2 to 8 people, some have air condition. A camping site is also available at the headquarters. The park is easily accessible as a day trip from Kanchanaburi.

Transport

By car or public buse from Kanchanaburi. The last bus back to Kanchanaburi is around 4 pm. Bikes and pick-up trucks can be hired for transfers within the park.

More information

Department of National Parks - Erawan page - more detailed information on attractions, accommodation, online reservations, facilities etc.

Map of Erawan National Park