Erawan or Huay Mae Khamin: Which is Kanchanaburi’s Best Waterfall?

Scribbled by Claire ◊ 15 Mar 2025

Faced with two of Kanchanaburi’s most beautiful waterfalls, which do you visit? The popular, crowded, but perfect azure-blue option, or the off-beat, empty, emerald-green one? Here, we’ve done the comparisons, so you can choose which suits you best!

Water flowing over a shallow ledge in the sunlight at Huay Mae Khamin Falls, Thailand.

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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For a more general guide, check out our two days in Kanchanaburi post, which has food suggestions, how to get around, a detailed itinerary, lesser-visited attractions and more.

IN THIS GUIDE //

Kanchanaburi’s Prettiest Cascades

WHICH FALLS IS BETTER?
1. ENTRANCE FEES
2. HIKE DIFFICULTY AND ACCESSIBILITY
3. CROWDS
4. SCENERY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
5. TRANSPORT AND DISTANCE FROM KANCHANABURI
6. FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
7. 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.

An infographic comparing two of Kanchanaburi's waterfalls, Erawan and Huay Mae Khamin, across a range of criteria.

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).

Or take a look at how to choose your ideal Thai island!
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RELATED POST | THREE WEEKS IN SOUTHERN THAILAND’S ISLANDS

Water flowing down multiple tiers into a shallow blue pool at Erawan Falls. — Erawan Falls

1. Entrance Fees

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!

Aerated white water flowing into the blue pools at tier three of Erawan Falls, near Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls tier three

Water flowing down multiple tiers of shallow pools at the Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls near Kanchanaburi. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls tier two

2. Hike Difficulty and Accessibility

The 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).

The Huay Mae Khamin 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.

A person stood beside a brown wooden sign at the top of Erawan Falls with Thai and English writing which says 'You are the conqueror'. — At the top of Erawan Falls

3. Crowds

Crowds at Erawan Falls

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.

Crowds at Huay Mae Khamin

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 one in the afternoon 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

A person wearing orange shorts and a life jacket while standing in the water at Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls

Water flowing over a ledge at the highest falls in Huay Mae Khamin Falls, with the spray catching the sunlight. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls

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 Huay 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 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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Water gently cascading down multiple tiers in the sunlight at the sixth waterfall. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls

4. Scenery and Photography

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 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

If you’re interested in photography, check out our favourite photo locations around Thailand. There’s loads of lesser-visited spots to consider for your trip!

A trio of trees with intertwined, exposed roots next to perfectly clear, blue waters at Erawan Waterfalls, near Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls

Water flowing gently over multi-tiers at Huay Mae Khamin Falls north of Kanchanaburi, Thailand. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls

5. Transport/Distance to Kanchanaburi

Erawan Falls Location

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.

The No. 8170 public bus departs multiple times a day from Kanchanaburi Bus Station and takes around 90 minutes to reach Erawan Falls. In addition to these buses are an uncountable number of tours that run to-and-from the site, which makes reaching the falls very straightforward.

Huay Mae Khamin Location

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

Check out your car rental options and availability with our favourite company – it has great insurance that actually pays out when somebody backs into you, or you get a chipped windscreen, or you wedge your car in an Italian alley (all real life stories).

Morning light cascading through the canopy above one of the waterfalls at Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls

A tree standing alone on a ledge within the seventh of the waterfalls. — Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls

6. Families with Children

Erawan With Kids

Erawan as 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 so getting out to Huay Mae Khamin Falls may not be as inconvenient as it seems. 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

Multiple sizes of fish swimming in the clear blue waters at Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls wildlife

A green and yellow monitor lizard basking in the sun on a mound of earth. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls wildlife

7. 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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Water cascading down into the blue water at the main swimming spot of Erawan Falls, before the crowds arrived. — Tier two of Erawan – where everyone swims!

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.

SUMMARY: 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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A tree with bare roots showing, growing in the shallows of a pool at Erawan Waterfalls, Kanchanaburi. — Erawan Falls hike

A tree bending over the water's edge at the Huay Mae Khamin Falls outside of Kanchanaburi, Thailand. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls hike

How to Visit Both Waterfalls 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 4pm, getting back to Kanchanaburi around 6-6:30pm.

It was a long, but not impossible, day.

Beautifully clear water flowing into the blue pools at tier five of Erawan Falls in the morning sunlight. — Erawan Falls around tier five

Water cascading down over a small waterfall ledge atHuay Mae Khamin Falls near Kanchanaburi, Thailand. — Huay Mae Khamin Falls around tier seven

Where to Next?

We hope this little comparison helps you make a decision for your trip to Kanchanaburi!

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.

If you want to visit both, the best option is to rent a car, so check out our complete write up on how to drive in Thailand – it’ll answer any questions you might have about safety, driving culture, and more.

Have a great trip!

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