About 200 kilometers from the capital Bangkok, in the district called Kanchanaburi, houses one of the most beautiful and popular nature reserves in Thailand. Arwan Park is famous mainly for its spectacular waterfalls, including seven tiered pools with cool crystal water. The vegetation and wild life in the place are very impressive, in addition to pastoral hiking trails, mysterious stone caves and organized sports activities. All these make the park a fun and unforgettable experience for all ages.
When should you visit the park?
The months February to April Considered the hot and dry season in the region, during this time the temperatures may be high and it will be less suitable to conduct strenuous activities such as trekking. On the other hand, the months of May to October are the rainy season, which can also disrupt plans. If so, the ideal period for visiting the park is short and mainly concentrated in the months of November to January. Then Weather It is relatively cool and the amount of precipitation is not large, which allows for a comfortable and pleasant walk in the park.
How to get there?
by train: From the Thonburi train station in Bangkok there is a train line that goes directly to Kanchanaburi. From there there are frequent buses to and from the park.
by bus: From the South Terminal in Bangkok, public buses (line 81) depart every 15-20 minutes to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes about two hours.
by taxi or in a rented car: About two and a half hours drive from Bangkok, via road number 4.
Accommodation in the park area
If you have chosen to visit the park for more than one day, you will be happy to discover that there is a selection of lodging options in its vicinity, ranging from luxurious and spacious bungalows to camping sites in the field, which will make you experience nature up close. Prices for staying in bungalows range from 800 baht to 5,000 baht, depending on the conditions. For accommodation in the area the price is 150 baht for renting a tent for two people and 250 baht for renting a tent for three.
The nearby town of Kanchanaburi has a large selection of accommodation options, at different levels. Here are a few options:
For all the recommended hotels in Kanchanaburi, click here >>
attractions in the park
the falls
Undoubtedly the most favorite and spectacular attraction in the park. The magical waterfalls are on the eastern side of the park and contain 7 tiered pools, between which you can walk. As mentioned, this is a very popular place, so if you want a similar experience and a quieter place, you should go up to the Huai Mae Khamin waterfall, which is about 40 kilometers away from the Arwan waterfalls.
hiking trails
Throughout the park there are quite a few well-arranged paths (with steps and railings) for easy walking in the woods. A particularly recommended route is the Khao Hin Lan Pee Nature Trail. It is a five-kilometer trail that ends at the waterfalls and takes about two to three hours. Another and easier route is the Mong Lay Dry Evergreen Forest Nature Trail, which takes just under an hour.
caves
Several natural stone caves are hidden throughout the park, which contain authentic evidence of the people who lived in the area in the past. Most of the caves can be reached by climbing or through the well-maintained paths of the park (for this you should have the map that is distributed at the entrance). The caves especially recommended to visit are Phartat Cave, Ta Duang Cave, Mi Cave, and Reua Cave.
Jungle tours
Many animals live permanently inside the park, in the natural pools and among the treetops. Among other things, you can watch different varieties of birds, lizards, monkeys, fish and even elephants. All you have to do to witness these natural wonders is to be alert to the environment when you walk in the park, and of course keep your camera close at hand.
Park location:
