Erawan Falls and Elephant Sanctuary Tour (From Bangkok)
A day in Kanchanaburi built around water and elephants, with no railway and no war history on the itinerary. You swim in the emerald pools of Erawan National Park in the morning, and spend the afternoon at an ethical elephant sanctuary, preparing food, hand-feeding the herd and going into the river with them at bathing time. There is no riding: nobody sits on an elephant’s back here.
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Water and Elephants: Erawan Falls and Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Bangkok
This is the Kanchanaburi day trip without the railway. The morning belongs to Erawan National Park, where a stream falls through seven tiers of limestone pools inside the forest. You walk part of the trail and you swim: the pools are clear, shallow and green, and the lower levels are the easiest to reach. Bring a swimsuit and shoes you do not mind getting wet.
The afternoon is spent at an elephant rescue center. There are no shows and no rides here: nobody sits on an elephant's back, and the animals are not made to perform. The mahouts who look after them explain where each elephant came from and how it lives now. You prepare fruit and vegetables, feed the herd by hand, and then go down to the river with them at bathing time, with buckets and brushes. Expect to get soaked, and to spend the afternoon on the animals' terms rather than your own.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFBKK20 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Private |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Adventure & Sport, Elephants (Ethical Sanctuaries), Nature & Trekking |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception in Bangkok. You meet your private guide and set off in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan towards the green province of Kanchanaburi, ready for a day spent outdoors.
The first half of the day is inside Erawan National Park. There is time to walk the shaded forest trail that follows the seven drops of the waterfall, and time to swim: the pools are known for their green color and are open for bathing. Take a swimsuit, and bear in mind that the higher levels involve a good deal more climbing than the lower ones.
After the walk and the swim there is a well-earned break to eat. Lunch is a plate of authentic Thai dishes at a small local restaurant in the area (drinks not included).
In the afternoon you reach the elephant sanctuary. The mahouts who care for the animals explain how each of them was rescued and how the center is run. You then prepare fruit and vegetables and feed the elephants by hand, which is usually the first close contact of the day. There is no riding and no performance at any point.
The last part of the visit takes place in the water. Together with the mahouts you walk into the river with the elephants, with buckets and brushes to wash their thick skin while they splash and drink. Wear something you can swim in and keep the camera in a dry bag: you will get wet.
After drying off and changing, you say goodbye to the herd and get back on the minivan for the drive home. Arrival at your hotel in Bangkok is expected in the early evening.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Price
| Participants | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person (EUR) | 295 € | 180 € | 140 € | 140 € | 125 € | 115 € |
| Price per person (THB) | 11,200 ฿ | 6,750 ฿ | 5,295 ฿ | 5,200 ฿ | 4,650 ฿ | 4,250 ฿ |
Note: prices in euro are worked out at the current exchange rate and are indicative. The final price may change because of currency fluctuations or updated operating costs at the time of booking.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance ticket to Erawan National Park
- Activities at the elephant center (food for the animals included)
- Lunch at a local restaurant (Thai food)
Not Included
- Tips
- Personal extras
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
