Hello! Today I'm going to share my experience trying to plan a 2-day, 1-night trip for under 500 baht. However, thanks to some incredible luck, I ended up spending only 180 baht! ;D
The actual goal was to visit Erawan Waterfall, but many unexpected events occurred.
Where did I go? How did I get there? What did I do?
Let's see how the story unfolds.
This trip began with me taking the free train from Thon Buri to Nam Tok, departing at 7:50 AM.
The cost of food is not included in the trip.
This is because everyone has different eating habits. 555
And I didn't take many pictures of the food I ate. Sorry about that.
7:50 AM, let's start our journey.
This train is not very crowded.
There are plenty of comfortable seats.
Enjoy the breeze and the view! 555
Food and drinks are available for purchase on the train. Don't worry if you're hungry, it's affordable! 55
If your destination is Erawan Waterfall, it is recommended to get off at this station as there are buses to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, which is the starting point for buses to Erawan Waterfall. However, as I wanted to visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, I did not get off at this station.
The bridge over the River Kwai is now complete. It is a beautiful steel bridge with a long history. More information about this historic route can be found elsewhere.
Let's take a look at the surroundings first, haha. 5555
After that, we'll figure out how to get to Erawan Waterfall, right? 5555
First, follow the train tracks out.
Keep walking straight and stop at....
We have arrived at the bus stop. To reach Big C, turn left and wait for the bus across the street.
I'm in the area, and a blue bus with a front like the picture below will be coming soon.
The bus will look like this and will pass by. It says Kanchanaburi - Erawan Waterfall. The fare is 50 baht. However, I did not take this bus because something fortunate happened.
While waiting, I met a police officer. We chatted while waiting, and to my surprise, he offered me a ride in his car! So far, my trip has cost me 0 baht.
The story doesn't end here, haha.
Initially, I had hoped to camp in the park, where tent rentals start at 90 baht. You can check out the camping atmosphere beforehand. They have everything for rent, including pillows, sleeping bags, and more.
However, I am not sleeping.
He let me sleep at his house! 5555
Lucky, right? 55
And that's not all,
He also lent me his motorcycle!
Where will I drive? Let's see.
Roarrrrrrr! 55
On the way, there will be a bridge called "Saphan Chao Noen" with a beautiful view like this. 5555
As a geologist, I noticed exposed rock faces along the way to the dam. I stopped to examine them, as these rocks will be used at my final destination.
We have arrived! It's not far, only about 2 kilometers between Erawan Waterfall and Srinakarin Dam.
Those with cars will find it very convenient. I recommend visiting because the dam crest is incredibly beautiful. Here are some sample photos for you to check out.
That's all for today. It's getting late, and I'm starting to get scared of the dark. 555
So I drove back to the police station and played football with the officers.
P.S. There's a 7-Eleven before you reach the waterfall and dam, for those who are worried about not having anything to eat late at night.
Yawn... ZZZZZ
A new day has begun. Let's go find the real goal of this trip.
This is the place! The entrance fee to the park is 50 baht for children and 100 baht for adults. For foreigners, it is 200 baht for children and 300 baht for adults. I heard that student cards can get a discount. However, from what I observed, there are many more foreigners than Thais, about 75% foreigners and 25% Thais.
The venue opens at 8:00 AM. I arrived very early, practically the first person here. It's a bit lonely walking around by myself, but for the sake of capturing stunning photos, I'm willing to endure the solitude.
Even slugs have partners!
Before we start walking, let's check the distance first. Erawan Waterfall has 7 levels.
The first waterfall is 500 meters from the entrance.
Note: There are golf carts available for 30 baht that will take you to the first level.
Note 2: There are shops on the first and second levels.
Note 3: There is a luggage storage area on the third level, but only water is allowed beyond this point.
Waterfall Levels:
- Level 1: ไหลคืนรัง (500 meters)
- Level 2: วังมัจฉา (600 meters)
- Level 3: ผาน้ำตก (700 meters)
- Level 4: อกนางผีเสื้อ (1,050 meters)
- Level 5: เบื่อไม่ลง (1,550 meters)
- Level 6: ดงพฤกษา (1,750 meters)
- Level 7: ภูผาเอราวัณ (2,000 meters)
My Experience:
It took me 1.5 hours to reach the 7th level, starting at 8:00 AM and arriving at 9:30 AM. This includes walking at a leisurely pace and taking photos at each level.
Review:
The photos I took are beautiful, but the actual view is even more stunning in person.
This is not the first layer yet. Just a teaser along the way.
Please be aware of the following before entering.
As per the sign.
Please refrain from littering or vandalizing the natural environment.
This is a common observation in many areas.
Don't be selfish.
Remember that.
"Leave only footprints, and take only memories."
Let's go!
The first level, "Return to the Nest," is perfect for family picnics. It features bamboo chairs for relaxing and dining by the waterfall. There is a designated smoking area, shops, and restrooms available on this level.
The Second Level of Wang Matcha
The second level of Wang Matcha features a crystal-clear pool teeming with vibrant fish. The water is so transparent that you can see every detail, making it a truly mesmerizing sight.
The pool is a mesmerizing shade of blue, with cascading waterfalls flowing over limestone formations. The large size of the pool makes it perfect for swimming and enjoying the refreshing water. However, be aware that the depth can vary, so it's recommended to wear a life jacket if you're not a strong swimmer. Life jackets are available for rent.
As previously mentioned, please refrain from bringing food or drinks beyond the third floor.
This is to maintain cleanliness and prevent any damage to the property. We kindly request that you refrain from writing or drawing on any surfaces.
This will ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of this space as we have.
Level 3: Waterfall Basin
The waterfall basin on the third level is as beautiful as the story describes. It's a large pool of water, almost like a swimming pool! It's perfect for those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Almost halfway there! I'm not feeling too tired yet, haha. Still feeling relaxed.
We'll be starting a slightly more challenging section now. Are you ready?
The stairs are high, haha.
There will be a rest stop with a scenic view and chairs for you to relax before continuing.
The view will be something like this.
Along the way, there is a nature trail for those who are interested in exploring. However, I did not go myself.
The fourth layer, the "Moth's Breasts," is aptly named, resembling two butterfly wings. It is the bosom of the Ocean Moth.
Be prepared for a long trek, as the fifth, sixth, and seventh layers are quite a distance apart. The climb from the sixth to the seventh layer can be particularly tiring, even for seasoned hikers.
Let's continue walking.
But I assure you that when you get there, it will be worth the effort you put in. With the beauty that you will encounter.
Walking around in circles. 55555
Level 5: Shallow and Relaxing
Level 5 features a series of cascading waterfalls that form shallow pools, perfect for soaking and enjoying the cool water.
The abundance of pla pluang fish (garra rufa) provides a natural spa-like experience as they nibble on your skin. (See the video for a glimpse of this!)
For me, after Level 7, Level 5 is the most enjoyable.
It is a sight to behold.
Truly magnificent.
Note that there is background noise from other people, as I was taking photos and was caught up in the moment. 555555555
This is a bonus: a 5.5-tier waterfall. It's a small waterfall located on the way to the 6th tier.
You can take cool photos like him.
I got caught up in the moment and took too many photos. 5555555
The sixth floor of Dong Phrueksa is only 300 meters away from the fifth floor. There are many waterfalls in various corners of the forest. However, it seems that there is not enough water, so the waterfalls are not very visible.
And here we are! I have finally conquered the seven levels of Erawan Waterfall. It was quite a tiring journey, but it was definitely worth it. I'll show you more later, but for now, just look at this stunning turquoise water!
Note: The actual view is approximately 40 times more beautiful than the photos I took. 55555555
It's truly stunning.
As I mentioned, the total travel and photography time was 1.30 hours.
Experience the heavenly atmosphere of the 7th floor.
As I walked back, people started to arrive.
If you want to take beautiful photos without people, you have to go early in the morning.
Warning: Avoid wearing flip-flops as much as possible. I've lost my flip-flops about four times already. Haha! It's such a hassle to put them back on. 5555
Traveling back to Bangkok is straightforward.
Upon exiting the park, you will find blue buses, similar to the ones you took to arrive, for 50 baht to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal.
From there, you can take a van for approximately 100-130 baht, depending on your desired drop-off location within Bangkok.
Summary of expenses
Planned :
- Free train 0 baht
- Round trip bus to the bus station - Waterfall 50 baht per trip, two trips = 100 baht
- Food expenses (as you wish)
- Minivan fare back to Bangkok: 130 baht
- Accommodation fee: 90 Baht.
- Park entrance fee 50 baht
Total: 370 baht
Actual cost (after the aforementioned good fortune)
- Free train 0 baht
- Round trip bus to the bus station - Waterfall 50 baht per trip 1 trip = 50 baht
- Food expenses (as you wish)
- The van fare back to Bangkok is 130 baht.
A total of 180 baht, haha. 555.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has followed me to this point.
If you enjoy my travels and would like to follow my other trips,
please like, share, or chat with me at
https://www.facebook.com/KonbaTravel/
You can also like, follow, or chat with me on my page.
It's a small page, but I love to travel. ;D
Thank you.
Paphaphot Amornpattarakit
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:17 AM