3-Day Itinerary for Kanchanaburi & Erawan Falls

Posted on May 2, 2025 | Julie J. |

We had seen the photos of Erawan Falls — the bright turquoise pools, the jungle backdrop — and knew we had to go.

While some travelers attempt to visit Erawan Falls as a day trip from Bangkok, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a lot of driving for a rushed experience. Instead, we gave Kanchanaburi a few days — and it ended up being one of the most balanced stops of our trip: part history, part nature, part river views and good coffee.

Taking the slow train west gave us a glimpse of rural Thailand, with stops at the Hellfire Pass and the famous River Kwai Bridge. By the time we hiked to the top tier of Erawan Falls and jumped into the cool water, it felt like the perfect reward after a few days on the road.

Here’s how we did it:

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Day 1 – Scenic Train Ride & Hellfire Pass

On the train from Bangkok to Nam Tok — Views from the train

Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre — Views from the train

We took the morning train from Bangkok to Nam Tok, and the journey itself was a highlight. It’s a slow ride, but the views get especially good toward the end as the train crawls across wooden bridges and follows the River Kwai. Definitely worth it if you’re not in a rush.

Once in Nam Tok, we grabbed a quick lunch at Bannok Noodles Restaurant (highly recommended), then caught a local bus to the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre (you can just stop a bus from the main road).

The museum is very well done, with audio guides and stories from former POWs. You can hike along the old railway track, but since we arrived later in the day, we didn’t have time for the full trail.

Tip: They have lockers at the center, so we left our bags there during the visit — super handy if you’re in transit.
Afterward, we headed into Kanchanaburi town for the night.

If you have extra time, you could spend the night in Nam Tok and visit Sai Yok Noi Waterfall right in town.

Day 2 – History, Views & Cafés in Kanchanaburi

Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi — Bridge over the River Kwai

JEATH War Museum / WWII Museum, Kanchanaburi — Bridge over the River Kwai

We spent our second day exploring Kanchanaburi town, which has more to offer than I expected. It’s compact and easy to walk or tuk-tuk around, and there’s a good mix of history and chill spots.

Highlights from the day:

Bridge over the River Kwai – Iconic and worth a stroll, even if it’s more touristy than moving. Many people wait for the train to pass by, there are little pockets on each side of the bridge where you can wait for it.

JEATH War Museum / WWII Museum – A bit chaotic in layout but informative, especially the reconstructions of POW huts.

Kanchanaburi Skywalk – A recent addition offering great views over the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers.

Pakprak Heritage Street – A short but charming street with colonial-era shophouses and a few local shops and cafés.

Tongkan Café, Kanchanaburi — Tongkan Café

We stopped for coffee and cake at Tongkan Café, right on the river — peaceful spot to cool off and watch boats drift by.

Day 3 – Hiking & Swimming at Erawan Falls

On our final day, we made our way to Erawan National Park, famous for its seven-tiered waterfall. It’s around a 1.5–2 hour drive from Kanchanaburi. You can take a bus from the main station or arrange a songthaew/van.

The buses leave frequently, but make sure to check the schedule beforehand or ask your guesthouse.

Once there, we hiked all the way to the top tier (#7) — it’s definitely a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but worth it. It takes around 2 hours with breaks, and the path gets harder to navigate as you go.

Each level is different: some have wide pools, others have narrow cascades and small fish that nibble your feet (yes, it tickles).

After reaching the top, we made our way back down slowly, stopping to swim in the pools — some of the most refreshing dips of our trip.

🚫 Note: Food and plastic aren’t allowed past tier #2. You can pack lunch, but you’ll have to leave it in the storage area there and return to eat. It’s well monitored, so don’t try to sneak snacks in. They might ask for a deposit for each plastic container/bottle you have.

You also can’t swim without a life jacket (you can rent one there).

Try to avoid going on the weekend if you can and arrive early to avoid the crowds.

We stayed until late afternoon before heading back to town — sun-soaked and water-logged in the best way.

Travel Tips for Visiting Kanchanaburi & Erawan Falls

Taking the Train from Bangkok

The morning train to Nam Tok departs from Thonburi Station (not the main Hua Lamphong Station) around 7:45 AM. It’s a scenic and slow journey — about 4.5–5 hours — so bring snacks and water.

Opt for the weekend tourist train if available — it includes commentary and photo stops, but sells out, so book early.

The train is non-air-conditioned with fans and open windows — comfy in the morning but warm later.

Getting Around

From Nam Tok to Hellfire Pass, local buses or songthaews are your best option. They don’t run super frequently, so ask around or be prepared to wait.

To Erawan Falls, public buses leave from Kanchanaburi Bus Station roughly every hour until mid-afternoon. Consider hiring a songthaew or minivan if you’re going with others for flexibility.

At Erawan Falls

Wear non-slip water shoes or sandals with grip — the trails and rocks can be slippery. If you’re planning on hiking past tier 3, wear hiking shoes.
Bring a waterproof bag or dry pouch for your valuables when swimming.
Don’t forget a swimsuit, towel, and mosquito repellent — it’s the jungle, after all.
The park opens at 8 AM — try to arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
Lockers are available at the base if you want to stash anything.

On the parking lot, you’ll find several restaurants and small shops.

Where to Stay

Stay in Kanchanaburi town if you want restaurant options and access to tours and transport. We stayed at Home of River Kwai, it was a bit run down but cheap, and the owners were nice.

If you’re visiting Erawan early, consider spending a night at one of the guesthouses or bungalows closer to the park. Long Live Riverside is a great pick with beautiful river views and is only a few steps away from the falls.

Money & Fees

Entrance to Erawan National Park is 300 THB per adult (as of now), 200 THB for children. If you come by car, the fee is 30 THB for a car and 20 THB for a motorbike.

Some museums and attractions in town may charge small entrance fees, so keep cash on hand, especially for rural buses or snacks.

Final Thoughts

Kanchanaburi offers a great mix of history and natural beauty, and Erawan Falls is best appreciated when you’re not rushing through it. If you have the time, skip the day trip and give this region two or three days. Between the train ride, river walks, war history, and jungle waterfalls — it’s a part of Thailand that really lingers with you.

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