Erawan National Park is Thailand’s most popular National Park, designated in June 1975, as Thailand’s 12th National Park. It covers an area of 550 square kilometers of high mountains and attractive valleys.
The eastern mountains were shear limestone cliffs. These mountains protect the park from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. The main feature of the Park is the stunning Erawan waterfall created by a profusion of small streams joining together before tumbling down the precipitous cliffs.
Deciduous forest covers the park with Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Hopea adorata, Afzelia xylocarpa and Spondias pinnata being some of the dominant tree species. There are also dipterocarp, dry evergreen and bamboo forests. Wildlife surveys of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians have been carried out. If lucky, one may catch a glimpse of elephants, gibbons, the Siamese hare, flying squirrels, eagles, white-eyes, king cobras or pythons. Fish, crabs and insects are abundant in the many streams.
Erawan Waterfall The 7 levels of this stunning waterfall drop down steep-sided cliffs. It is surrounded by beautiful forest with many types of trees and orchids. The 7th level is the top of waterfall. The climb is well worth the effort, for the sight of tumbling water, spraying off the boulders into the deep pool below. This fall resembles the head of the Erawan Elephant – the 3-headed elephant from Hindu Mythology – which gives the whole waterfall its name.
Wang Bahdan Cave is a big limestone cave 54 kilometers from the Headquarters. Its narrow entrance widens into a large hall festooned with strange limestone formations. Each room has many decorative stalactites and stalagmites.
Prathat Cave is a fascinating limestone cave 12 kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Strange-shaped stalactites and stalagmites fascinate the eye, and a huge rock garden.
Ta Duang Cave – Unfortunately boulders have collapsed in front of the mouth of this cave and it is no longer possible to enter. However, there are wonderful Stone Age paintings of trees, people and their way of life on the walls of this cave.
Mee Cave is a big cave with 5 rooms. It is rumored amongst local villagers to have been the home of a bear (Mee in Thai). The cave has many strange shaped rocks and striking coloured stalactites and stalagmites.
Rua Cave – The main feature of this cave is ancient boat-shape water-bowl carved out of a log. Sadly the condition of this ancient artifact is deteriorating due to being covered with bat droppings.
