Waterfalls in ThailandThailand

Thailand's best-known waterfalls run over limestone, where calcium-rich water lays down travertine ledges and fills pools that turn milky turquoise in the dry season. Erawan Falls, in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok, climbs through seven tiers of forest pools, named for the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology whose shape locals see in the top fall; its lower pools are among the country's most popular swimming spots, complete with fish that nibble at feet. Pha Charoen Falls, in Tak province near the Myanmar border, spreads down 97 shallow tiers in Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, right beside the winding road south-east of Mae Sot, and runs year-round. It sees far fewer foreign visitors than Erawan, and on weekends mostly draws Thai families.

When to go

The cool, dry season from November to February gives the clearest water, comfortable walking and the easiest roads, and suits swimming at Erawan. From March to May it is hot and flows thin. The monsoon, roughly June to October, brings the most water but also silt, slippery rock and occasional closures, and Erawan's upper tiers can shut after heavy rain.

Getting around

Kanchanaburi is about two to three hours from Bangkok by road, or longer on the train from Thonburi station. Local buses run from Kanchanaburi's bus station to Erawan, about 65 kilometres away, though many visitors join a tour or hire a driver. For Pha Charoen, fly or take a bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot, then drive or hire a songthaew roughly 30 kilometres south-east on the Umphang road.

Entry requirements

From 15 September 2026, US, Canadian, UK and EU citizens are allowed 30 days visa-free (down from 60), extendable once by up to 30 days at an immigration office. All foreign arrivals must also complete the free online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arriving.

Entry rules checked September 2026. They change without much notice — confirm with the official government source before you travel.