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The most renowned set of cascades in Thailand, the glistening blue Erawan Falls, is at the top of many must-see lists for visitors to the country. However, in recent years, it’s gained a bit of a reputation for being a zoo; full of loud, rowdy, and even sometimes obnoxious day-tripping tourists who take away from the outstanding natural beauty of the area.
Because of Erawan’s unfortunate popularity, it’s worth considering an alternative. The closest in similarity and location are the striking, emerald Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls, around a 45-minute drive north from Erawan.
Both sets of waterfalls are situated within Thailand’s national parks and are spectacularly beautiful, but one has an enormous number of visitors, whereas the other is practically empty.
So, which should you visit, if you only have time for one?
We’ve visited both and have made every direct comparison we can think of to help you choose, including price, transport, hike difficulty, crowds, beauty, location and more to ensure you get the best choice for your trip. We also discuss how to visit both waterfalls in one day (like we did) if you’re super keen!
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IN THIS GUIDE //
Erawan vs. Huay Mae Khamin Falls
WHICH FALLS IS BETTER?
ENTRANCE FEES
HIKE DIFFICULTY AND ACCESSIBILITY
CROWDS
SCENERY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
TRANSPORT AND DISTANCE FROM KANCHANABURI
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
SWIMMING AT THE FALLS
KANCHANABURI WATERFALLS MAP
SO, WHICH FALLS ARE BEST FOR YOU?
VISITING ERAWAN AND HUAY MAE KHAMIN IN ONE DAY
FINAL THOUGHTS
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Is Erawan or Huay Mae Khamin Falls Better?
This is a complex question with no obvious answer. The response depends on the experience you are looking for, the time of day you are visiting, how fit you are, if you love to take photographs or swim, amongst many other things.
The below graphic explains some of the straightforward pros and cons of each waterfall set. We elaborate in more detail later, so you can choose which suits you best.
For more specific information on Erawan Falls, check out our dedicated post. For a detailed account of our visit to Huay Mae Khamin Falls, check out its corresponding guide. If you’re driving to either falls from Bangkok, consider stopping at the crazy pink dragon temple – it’s on the way.
FIRST TIME VISITOR TO THAILAND?
If this is your first ever trip to Thailand, have a look at our monster-guide to visiting this beautiful country, which includes tips on money, food, transport, logistics, culture and more.
Also, if you’re landing in Bangkok, consider having a look at our overly ambitious one-day Bangkok itinerary (we live here, so we know it well).
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Entrance Fees: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Both waterfalls are found in national parks, with standard entry fees for non-Thai adult nationals of 300 baht.
The parking fees are also the same at both parks – 30 baht for cars and 20 baht for motorbikes.
Winner | it’s a tie!
Hike Difficulty and Accessibility: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Erawan Falls hike | this hike is definitely the harder one. The route is steeper, with more uneven, slippery steps and tree roots to avoid. Having said that, it’s not actually particularly difficult, just a continual upward slog for about two kilometres. After reaching the seventh tier you return back the same way you came up.
However, if you are not visiting Erawan Falls to see all the tiers and reach the top, the second falls are the most picturesque. These pools are very close to the entrance with almost no steps or hills to contend with. The water at the second tier is also the most popular for swimming. If that’s what you’d rather do, Erawan Falls is very low stress, physically. If you’re active, the whole hike is pretty fun.
Paths – partly paved, but mostly uneven, muddy routes and rocky steps.
There is also a ten-plus minute, meandering walk from the car park at Erawan to the beginning of the waterfalls. However, a small electric cart can shuttle you from the car park to the first tier, which saves walking (for 20 baht per person).
Huay Mae Khamin Falls hike | this hike is split into two, since the entrance and car park are in the middle of the seven tiers, instead of at the bottom. This means you walk one direction for three of the cascade tiers (about 1.6 kilometres there and back), and the opposite way for the other four (just under 2.4 kilometres as a round-trip). There are far fewer steps, and the walkways are much more even. It’s just less taxing, generally.
The car park is literally adjacent to the first waterfall, too.
Paths – well-made stairs and boardwalk on one half, a flattish narrow gravel path on the other.
Winner | Huay Mae Khamin Falls (although Erawan wins if you don’t want to go to the top or want an adventure).
Note | bluntly, neither of these waterfalls are particularly good for accessibility. If you struggle to walk on uneven surfaces or up steps, it’ll be difficult. It’s not good for wheelchairs or strollers.
Crowds: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Erawan Falls crowds | this place gets *busy*. I mean, absolutely packed. There’s no question that it can be a potentially awful experience if you arrive at the same moment as 238 tour buses. Especially with everyone queueing for their required lifejackets and swimming in falls number two.
I’m biased, but it’s not my vibe at all. In 2023, more than 450 thousand visitors descended on this relatively small, compact spot, meaning that it is unlikely you’ll experience much peace. However, we arrived at opening time, well before the first tour buses, and it was actually really lovely, for about an hour. We made it to the top without seeing another visitor, but on the way down it was suddenly heaving and we didn’t love it. So, if you self-drive from Kanchanaburi, it is possible to avoid the bulk of the day trippers.
Huay Mae Khamin Falls | I can’t find any reliable sources about how many visitors Huay Mae Khamin receives every year, but it’s definitely a tiny fraction of Erawan’s.
Simply put, we were the only car in the car park when we arrived at 1pm during high season in January. On our walk, we were accompanied by four adorable dogs which is more than the number of visitors we bumped into.
It’s a fantastic experience, exploring these jungly emerald waterfalls all on our own.
Winner | Huay Mae Khamin Falls – by a mile
ACCOMMODATION IN KANCHANABURI
Kanchanaburi is the nearest major accommodation hub to the Erawan and Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls. It’s a large-ish town with a plethora of overnight options and restaurants, both within and outside the city.
It’s a worthwhile place to stay overnight because it’s home to the famous River Kwai, and has lots of cool temples and things to do in the surrounding area.
Many visitors also choose to stay outside the city in a riverside lodge.
Our recommendations are:
Natee the Riverfront Hotel ($$+) | situated in central Kanchanaburi, we stayed in this hotel with friends for four nights and it was *surprisingly* nice. The clean, modern (but classic) rooms are huge and all come with expansive river views. The balconies are comfortable, the beds are comfy plus the included breakfast was top notch. The location is within a one-minute walk to many restaurants and bars, and around a 30-minute walk to the famous bridge over the river Kwai. The pool was genuinely exquisite too. The price tag was outstanding, especially since we stayed in the height of the peak season.
Lake Hill Resort Kanchanaburi ($$) | this riverside option is a great affordable choice for visiting Hauy Mae Khamin and Erawan Falls, and it cuts down the driving time to the parks significantly (or consider any of the other riverside options nearby). It’s located in a cute little village area that we explored during our trip, situated on some of the most beautiful segments of the river, surrounded by lush, verdant jungle.
The Float House River Kwai ($$$+) | we haven’t stayed here yet, but it comes *very* highly recommended from several people we know. Although the location is a little out of the way for the falls, it’s an astonishing-looking hotel, with high-end, but rustically designed huts, sat right over the river. We’d recommend reading the reviews – it’s a very fashionable option at the moment (you’ll see it all over social media – if that appeals to you).
River Kwai Resotel ($$$) | for a significantly lower price tag, you can stay right next door to the Float House in this contemporary, outstandingly well-reviewed hotel (we have this one booked for our next trip to Kanchanaburi). If you’re looking for a smart and comfortable riverside hotel at a reasonable price, this might be the one for you.
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Scenery and Photography: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Erawan Falls scenery | Erawan brings nearly half a million visitors a year for a reason. It is absolutely magnificent, and the water is that proper, clear, azure blue that comes from the travertine limescale in the ground. Also, because it just literally runs down the side of a relatively steep mountain, the waterfalls are a little larger and higher, too.
Personally, I really loved the fish in the water, it makes the falls way more interesting to photograph. Plus, the flora is a lot more interesting in Erawan, too. (I’m actually more excited about rogue, all-encompassing, dwarfing tropical plants than I am animals).
Huay Mae Khamin Falls scenery | these falls are so beautiful and, without being compared to Erawan, they provide an objectively outstanding day out. However, we *are* comparing the two sets of falls. So, although they are really worth a trip, the area is just not as pretty as Erawan. I personally think that sections of Huay Mae Khamin are as attractive, but on the whole it’s not quite as special (falls 1-4 are lovely, and falls 5-7 remind me more of a rustic river walk in California or something).
Having said all that, there’s an intrinsic beauty of nature when it’s not overrun with other humans, so bear that in mind. Plus, photography without other humans is almost always a big plus.
Winner | Erawan Falls
Note | maybe others will disagree, but it’s just echoing the words me and Nick said while we were there.
Transport/Distance to Kanchanaburi: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Erawan Falls distance | at around 70 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and 195 kilometres from Bangkok, Erawan is the easier of the two falls to reach as a day trip. There are public buses that run to the national park and uncountable tours that run to-and-from the site. This makes getting to the falls very straightforward.
Huay Mae Khamin Falls distance | at around 110 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and 235 kilometres from Bangkok, these waterfalls are definitely a bit more of a mission to reach. There are also no straightforward public transport options, nearby accommodation, or tours that run to the national park. It’s really remote (which, in my opinion, is only ever a good thing). However, it’s essential to rent a car or hire a driver you if you want to visit.
Winner | Erawan Falls
Families with Children: Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
Erawan with kids | has changing rooms, lifejackets, and lifeguards at the most popular swimming spots. The journey is also shorter, and transport is more straightforward. If you only want to take your younger kids to swim in the first couple of waterfall tiers near the base, then Erawan is probably the best bet for you.
Huay Mae Khamin with kids | although the journey is longer, self-driving can be more convenient with kids. You can take all your supplies in the boot of a rental car and stop whenever you want (if you child needs a bathroom break, for example, unlike on a large, organised tour). If you’re visiting in the dry season and your children are vaguely competent in the water, I wouldn’t be worried about the lack of lifeguards (personal opinion, having seen the pools). It’s quieter, with less strenuous hiking, and you won’t have to queue for the bathrooms. Plus, the initial walk from the car park to the nearest falls is far shorter.
Winner | it’s a tie, depending on your child
SWIMMING AT THE FALLS
You are permitted to swim at both falls, with very few restrictions.
Both seem to require any swimmers to wear a lifejacket (cost 20 baht per person). We were not asked to wear one because we showed our cameras and said no swimming.
Both falls have various spots where you can swim, although I think that the falls at Erawan are a little prettier (but maybe I’m just biased because of the crazy blue of the water?).
Erawan has swarms and swarms of those foot-eating fish (which I really don’t like). Huay Mae Khamin has none (that we saw).
Swimming at Erawan was more akin to a public swimming pool in the height of summer, due to the number of visitors and volume levels.
Swimming at Huay Mae Khamin is pretty peaceful, and you’ll be able to find a nice corner all of your own.
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Kanchanaburi’s Waterfalls Map
Below is a savable Google Map noting everything we’ve mentioned in this post.
Hit the star next to the title to save it.
SO, WHICH WATERFALL IS BEST FOR YOU?
Since you can swim at both waterfalls and they each have seven tiers of crystal-clear cascades, they do, on paper, seem kind of similar. So, here’s a very quick, simple breakdown:
If you want a more touristic experience that’s better suited to young children, with more-developed amenities, shorter travel times and easily bookable tours, go to Erawan Falls.
If you can’t rent a car, I’d definitely stick with Erawan Falls.
Also, as a photographer, I’d choose Erawan Falls, but only if you can arrive at opening time, on the dot.
If you want a more rustic experience, an incredibly pretty road trip, a bit of tranquillity, an easier hike and none of the touring crowds, then definitely choose Huay Mae Khamin.
If you want to camp at the park, I’d definitely choose Huay Mae Khamin, too, as the campsite next to falls number four has incredible views.
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Visiting Both Falls in One Day
If you want to visit both Erawan and Huay Mae Khamin Falls in one day, it’s totally doable. Our advice would be to:
◊ Rent a car | driving in Thailand is easy.
◊ Visit Erawan first | this avoids the crowds, plus it’s the nearer of the falls.
◊ Start early | aim to arrive at Erawan at opening time.
◊ Be aware of driving times | Google Maps is pretty accurate with its driving time predictions, but add in a buffer because you could get stuck behind a farm vehicle (like us).
◊ Take snacks and supplies | Huay Mae Khamin doesn’t have a lot around and you don’t want to be hangry on the two-hour plus drive home.
◊ Driving at night | we personally have no issue with driving at night in Thailand, but if you’re worried, ensure you leave the second waterfall with lots of time to spare before sunset.
◊ Accommodation | if you’re not keen to do so much driving in one day, consider choosing an hotel option near Erawan Falls. This cuts off so much driving time and there are all sorts of cute riverfront huts to choose from!
◊ Scooters | we do not recommend doing this on a scooter, even if you’re an experienced rider, just because of the length of the day. (Also, don’t listen to any bloggers who recommend you do this route without a valid motorbike license – they need to get in the bin for giving out such terrible advice).
◊ Our experience | we left Kanchanaburi in our rental car about 7am, arriving at opening time (around 8am) in Erawan Falls (to an empty car park).
We fought our way back through the crowds at Erawan’s upper tiers around 11am, reached the car before noon, had a break and snack. Then we drove to Huay Mae Khamin, arriving around 1:30pm. We left the falls around 4, getting back to Kanchanaburi around 6-6:30pm.
It was a long, but not impossible, day.
Final Thoughts – Erawan vs Huay Mae Khamin
We hope this little comparison helps you make a decision!
Honestly, I’m not big on comparing spots like this, because both waterfalls have benefits and there are so many mutually great things about them. However, I would implore anyone who wants to reduce their impact on the natural environment a little to consider the Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls. Splitting the visitors between the two sites would be far less damaging in the long run.
Also, for what it’s worth, we’d return to Huay Mae Khamin over Erawan on our next visit, unless we were looking to do a high-quality photography project (because Erawan is just that little bit more photogenic). I just prefer the sound of chirping birds and babbling streams over the jarring commotion from people.
Have a great trip!
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