Camping under the Stars: Erawan National Park

If you are planning a trip to Thailand or are already here and want to experience a night or two sleeping under the stars this might just be the right adventure for you.
Thailand has many National Parks and certainly one of the most beautiful is Erawan National Park.

On this Camping adventure, you will experience the tranquillity of nature, hiking the waterfalls and just general relaxation.
The waterfalls are the main attraction of course and you can hike up to the seventh level if you are reasonably fit.
On the way up, there are a few natural pools where you can take a dip in refreshingly cool water.

The river is next to the campsite and adds to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
There are also fish in the pools and if you take a dip they will nibble on your legs but not to be feared. Just think of it as the natural version of a foot spa where you get nibbled for free 😃.

Erawan National Park is about 3  hours from Bangkok and could be busy during weekends and holidays as it is a getaway from the city for many.
We spend a weekend and although there were many other campers it did not bother us.

Everybody  is on the same mission anyway and that is to relax and enjoy nature.
 I do believe it is less busy during the week and would be even better to be there alone under the stars.

One of the many pools to swim in.

How to get there:
Bus
The cheapest way is to take the Bus to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok's North Bus Terminal. Once you arrive at Kanchanaburi bus station you board another bus to the Erawan National Park. The bus ticket from Bangkok would be around 150 bath and from Kanchanaburi bus station it is 50 bath for the bus to the Park.

Motorbike
If you are already in Kanchanaburi you can consider renting a motorbike for 200 to 300 bath per day but make sure that you wear a helmet and have travel insurance.

Entrance Fee:
All National Parks in Thailand has an entrance fee and for this one, the fee is 300 bath.

Campsite

Camping Experience.
You can hire a tent for 250 bath and this includes a tent, blanket, mattress and pillow. You will need to go to the accommodation office at the park to do this. The tent is a decent size and you can easily fit 2 to 3 people in.  The facilities are basic. Expect traditional campsite cold showers and toilets with external hand basins. There is an onsite restaurant where you can eat or buy food to take to your tent.
I loved the idea of just the basic things and getting in touch with nature again.
Sitting outside the tent at night looking at the stars and hearing the sounds of the jungle was a wonderful experience. It makes you reflect upon the joys of simplicity.

Hiking

Hiking the Waterfall
For hiking, it's best to get up early and enjoy the falls before all the day trippers arrive.  You can expect to be away from the campsite for quite a few hours.  There are plenty of signs to show the way and it is an easy walk with bamboo pathways and steps. There are also ladders the higher you go. Keep in mind the waterfall has seven levels. The first three levels are quite easy to access and the rest are slightly more demanding. However, I did not find the hike difficult at all and had a great time doing it. You do not need to be concerned about safety here. There are rangers at all levels.

Emerald coloured water 

Scenic views.
You will notice the water is a cloudy green emerald colour. As the water runs through the falls it dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone rocks thus giving it the green colour. There is also a lookout point with great views. A hike at these falls should not be rushed. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and the jungle experience. No need to take any package tour because it is so easy to do and you will definitely have a more authentic experience doing it on your own.

Part of the trail

What to wear.
You can probably wear your flip flops doing this. I wore my running shoes and it was quite comfortable. At the pools where we swam, I just took them off. As for clothes wear the most comfortable. I would advise being considered and wear modest swimwear. Modesty and respect is very much part of Thai culture.

Pristine Jungle

 Seven reasons why you should go.

• A good reason to consider camping is that it is very affordable compared to hotel or resort prices.

• You will have a complete body, mind and soul experience at the fraction of the price of going to a retreat.

• If you are a couple, sleeping under the stars is certainly one of the most romantic experiences to share with your partner.

• It is also a great experience for families travelling with kids. An easy hike and something the whole family can enjoy.

• Taking a short break for your busy travel schedule to reconnect with nature will give you the much-needed energy for the next part of your trip.

• You will have major bragging rights when you return home to tell your friends that you have camped in the Jungle of Thailand.

• You will be doing something different from the normal travel routine.

Relaxing at the riverside.

Final Words.
This experience appealed very much to my adventurous soul. I loved the simplicity of just having the basic things and sleeping under the stars.  I hope you are inspired to do the same and start to plan ahead for your next adventure in Thailand.


Happy adventures
M

The tent where we slept under the stars.

* You can click on this link for more information about Erawan National Park.

  Website Erawan National Park

The seventh level.

Scenic Viewpoint