The park's name refers to the Erawan, a three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology, which the seventh tier of the waterfall is said to resemble.
The distinct emerald-green color of the pools is caused by limestone particles reflecting sunlight in the water.
The park is home to a unique species of fish, the Mahseer barb, often seen in the lower tiers.
The limestone caves within the park complex feature intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.
The park's topography spans an altitude range from 165 to 996 meters above sea level.
Erawan National Park is a 550-square-kilometer protected area in the Tenasserim Hills of Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. It is defined by its seven-tiered waterfall, which features emerald-green pools formed by calcium carbonate deposits in the limestone bedrock. The park covers a catchment area for the Khwae Yai River and includes extensive dry evergreen and deciduous dipterocarp forests. A 1.5-kilometer nature trail provides access to the cascades, ranging from the first tier, Hra Wan, to the seventh tier, Phu Pha Erawan. The upper levels of the waterfall require navigating steep jungle paths and natural rock stairs. Wildlife in the park includes wild elephants, gibbons, barking deer, and a variety of endemic bird species. The limestone karsts in the region contain several significant caves, including Phartat Cave, located approximately 12 kilometers from the park headquarters. The park is managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The seventh tier, where the cascading water most clearly resembles the shape of a multi-headed elephant.
Bring non-slip water shoes, as the limestone rocks in the pools can be extremely slippery.
Pack a change of clothes and a towel, as swimming is permitted in most of the waterfall tiers.
Visit on a weekday to avoid significant crowds that gather at the lower waterfall levels on weekends.
Attempting the climb to the seventh tier in standard flip-flops or bringing plastic food containers that are subject to park fines.
The upper tiers of the waterfall are occasionally restricted during the late rainy season due to high water volume and safety concerns.
Maintain silence near wildlife, do not feed the monkeys, and avoid using soap or shampoo in the waterfall pools.
