Without our own mode of transportation during our stay in Kanchanaburi, we decided to book a tour to visit two local attractions: Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Our guide, Naa, was a bundle of energy and super keen to snap gajillions of photos for us (when did travel get so Instagrammy?). We made a quick stop at the Srinagarind Dam, which is used to regulate the flow of the Kwae Yai River and to produce hydroelectric power.
From there, we traveled a short distance to Erawan National Park to explore the Erawan Falls. The 5-kilometer roundtrip hike includes seven tiers of waterfalls.
Naa said we were on a tight schedule, so we prioritized hiking over swimming. She figured we would only have time to get to the 5th level, but clearly she didn’t realize there was no way I would leave without getting to the top! She posed us for a couple shots before sending us off on our own.
Apparently some hikers leave traditional Thai clothes as an offering to the forest spirits and ghosts.
We were impressed with the well-maintained paved trail, which Naa told us was built during the pandemic. Previously, hikers had to make the trek on slippery dirt paths. The hike was hard enough with the luxury of steep stairs; I can’t imagine doing this in the mud!
By this point, I would have loved to jump in the water. Tony and I were dripping with sweat, but I was determined to reach the 7th waterfall.
I did it! Tony stopped just short of the top. (Who does that?!) We had to hustle to get back down the hill in time because I still wanted to stick my feet in the water.
We agreed that this fabulous place deserved a whole day. Next time, we’ll pack a lunch, rent the required life jacket, and pause for a dip at each of the pools.
Back down at pool #3, a little school of fish waited patiently for some delicious foot skin to chomp. I had previously visited a fish spa, where tiny guppies nibbled at my heels. This was different. Look at the size of those guys! It felt awesome until they went for my arches, which tickled enough to trigger a shriek.
At the end of our hike, we met Naa and grabbed some lunch. Tony and I changed into dry clothes, and then we took off for the next part of our tour: the Death Railway.
