Erawan is the waterfall that puts Kanchanaburi on postcards, and it lives up to the billing. Set inside Erawan National Park about an hour and a half northwest of town, it climbs through seven distinct tiers over roughly two kilometres of forest trail, each level with its own emerald-green plunge pool. The colour comes from the limestone-rich water, and small fish nibble harmlessly at your feet when you swim. The lower tiers are easy strolls and get busy; the upper levels, especially the seventh, named for its supposed resemblance to Erawan the three-headed white elephant of Hindu myth, involve a proper scramble over roots and rocks and reward you with the quietest, prettiest pools. Wear water shoes, carry as little as possible, and start early. The park limits how late you can begin climbing to the top tiers, so do not dawdle. Beyond the falls, the wider park holds caves and forest trails if you want to linger.
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