Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi

Erawan is the waterfall people come to Kanchanaburi for, and the one most day tours from Bangkok build around. Seven tiers step up through Erawan National Park over about two kilometres, each with its own pool, and the limestone gives the water its blue-green colour. Tiers one to four are an easy walk and swimmable; five to seven need scrambling. Go on a weekday if you can.

Huay Mae Khamin is the quieter alternative to Erawan, deeper into Khuean Srinagarindra National Park on the far side of the reservoir, and the drive is long enough that most day trips skip it. Seven tiers again, wider and less manicured, with pools you can have largely to yourself midweek. Worth it if you have a car and a full day.

Sai Yok Yai sits right off Highway 323 inside Sai Yok National Park, which makes it the easiest of the Kanchanaburi falls to reach: there is parking at the top and only a short walk in. It drops straight into the River Khwae Noi rather than into a pool, so it is a look-at rather than a swim-in waterfall, and longtail boats run from the bank below. Expect company at weekends.

Pha Tad falls in seven tiers a little over an hour north of Kanchanaburi town, inside Khuean Srinagarindra National Park. The lower pools are shallow enough for children, and small fish come in around your feet. The path up between tiers is steep and unshaded in places, so it asks for reasonable fitness. There is an entry fee collected at the gate.

Jokkradin drops into a single clear pool that is one of the better swims in the province, reached by a well-made 300-metre trail and a footbridge. It is a long drive north of Kanchanaburi town, out past Thong Pha Phum, which keeps the numbers down. Come during or just after the rains, when there is enough water in it to be worth the trip.

Kra Teng Jeng is behind Khao Laem National Park, and the walk in runs through proper rainforest rather than along a made path. Nine tiers spread over about four kilometres, so seeing all of it is a half-day rather than an hour. Start early: the gate closes in the late afternoon and the last tiers are the furthest in.