Thailand 2016 4x4 trip: Erawan National Park and Srinakarin Dam

"Step through new doors. Majority of the time there's always something fantastic on the other side..."

(Erawan Open Hills Resort)

After the busy festivities of Eid-Fitri we decided to take a good relaxing drive in our 4x4 Blackfoot pick-up into Thailand exploring the Erawan National Park and the Srinakarin Dam in Kanchanaburi. We covered a total distance of 3,300 km over 5 days and spent the nights in Phatthalung, Kanchanaburi, Chaam and Hatyai.

Day 01: 21 July 2016 (Thursday)
Route: Melaka – Phatthalung
Distance: 780 km

Our journey started around 2.00 pm from Melaka right after my nurse duty. It was raining heavily en route to Bukit Kayu Hitam border. We refueled at Simpang Pulai and changed some Bahts and bought insurance for the pick-up in Changloon. Border clearance was a little slow as there was a large crowd ahead of us. We drove direct to Phatthalung and checked in Chaikana Thani Hotel way after midnight.

(The usual coffee break at Simpang Pulai)

(Sunset driving to the Malaysia/Thailand border)

Day 02: 22 July 2016 (Friday)
Route: Phatthalung - Kanchanaburi
Distance: 850 km

Today we continued our driving towards north and hoped to reach Kanchanaburi before dark. There were massive roadworks along the route from Phatthalung to Cha-am. To save time, we made only a few necessary stops along the way for refueling and meals.

(A comfortable lodging at B700/night)

We checked-out early in the morning and had nasi lauk at a Muslim restaurant in front of Phatthalung Masjid Darul-Islam a short distance away from the hotel.

(Masjid Darul-Islam Phatthalung)

We made a stop for some photo shots at the cowboy town at Route 41 Phatthalung. It is a new landmark in south Thailand and is now a popular stop for bikers riding north.

(A western-themed R&R)

(A new establishment with complete amenities)

We had a late lunch of rice and soup at Khun Sarai R&R. There are Muslim stalls selling reasonable priced halal food, separated from the non-halal section. There are many stalls selling souvenirs, snacks and local produce. I bought my favorite dried salted fish from one of the stalls. There is ample parking area with clean toilets and bathrooms. It is a good half-way stop for travelers from Bangkok or Hatyai. 

(Local delicacies at the R&R)

(A large prayer room with clean ablution area)

Day 03: 23 July 2016 (Saturday)
Route: Kanchanaburi - Cha-am
Distance: 185 km

Luxury Hotel is our favorite hotel in Kanchaburi and we have been here many times during our Kembara trips. At B600/night inclusive of breakfast the hotel is cozy and clean, with free wi-fi and ample parking space. 

(A homely boutique hotel)

We checked-out after breakfast and decided to drive to Erawan National Park and explore the many attractions there. Before leaving town, we made a stop-over at the Bridge over the River Kwai for photo shots and bought some t-shirts for the four grand-kids.

(The infamous Bridge over the River Kwai)

(A must stop for a tall glass of iced cappuccino)

On the way to Erawan National Park we stopped at a few river and hill resorts along the way. Our first stop was a small resort by the River Kwai, followed by the Open Hills Resort and the Erawan Hub Resort.

(A floating restaurant in the background)

(Small cozy chalets by the lake)

(A newly opened hill resort)

(Tranquil and serene atmosphere)

(Vibrant colored chalets)

(A good coffee stop before the National Park)

(The Hub Erawan Resort)

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is located on West Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills of Kanchanaburi Province, it is one of the most famous national parks in Thailand.

The park consists of limestone hills with elevation up to 996 m above the sea level. The main attraction of the park is Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. The top tier of the falls is said to resemble the elephant's head. We had to pay a small fee to enter the National Park.

(The entrance to the National Park)

(The map of the National Park of Kanchanaburi)

Erawan Waterfall

Erawan Waterfall is located in the east side of the park in a convenient walking distance from the entrance. It is a 7-tiered waterfalls, each tier has a number of smaller falls. A series of trails and foot bridges lead visitors all the way up to 6th tier. One has to do some climbing up the cliffs to reach the highest tier.

(Outside food is not allowed in the area)

(A cemented pathway before the steep climb)

(Reaching the first level of the 7-tiered waterfalls)

(A smaller emerald pool of the falls)

After visiting the waterfalls, which we managed to reach only level one with blistered feet, we drove to a Muslim stall situated in front of the River Kwai Park Resort for a hearty fried rice lunch before we continued driving up the winding steep road to Srinakarin Dam.

(A Muslim Restaurant in Erawan)

(Delicious khaw Pod Thalay, seafood fried rice)

The Srinakarin Dam

The Srinakarin Dam is situated about 70 km from the town of Kanchanaburi. It is also known as the Srinagarind Dam. The main purpose of the dam is river regulation and hydroelectric power generation. Recently it is also seen as a landmark of Kanchanaburi province with many luxury resorts. Srinakarin Dam is the third largest dam in Thailand.

(The embankment of the River Kwai)

(Blackfoot arriving at Raya Buri Resort)

(The view of the dam from the terrace)

(The coffee shop is closed!)

(Fine dining at the luxury resort)

We visited Raya Buri Resort, one of the many luxurious resorts by the dam. We decided not to stay the night as it was nothing much to do here. It was already late afternoon when we drove out of Erawan National Park. We stopped at Erawan Masjid Darul-Salam for prayers then drove direct to Cha-am and stayed the night at Cha-am Villa Resort at B500/night.

(Balinese style decor welcoming visitors)

(The cute expensive chalets on water)

(A good view point of the Srinakarin Dam)

(Facilities for swimming and kayaking)

(Prayer break at Erawan Masjid Darul-Salam)

Day 04: 24 July 2016 (Sunday)
Route: Cha-am – Hatyai
Distance: 780 km

We checked-out the hotel very early in the morning and headed to one of the Muslim Restaurant for fried rice breakfast. We drove direct to Hatyai and had a few brief stops for refueling and light snacks.

(A short pit stop at the PTT)

We arrived at Hatyai in late afternoon. After checking in the Golden Plaza Hotel, we had a very late lunch or early dinner at Khaled Restaurant next door. Later we indulged in an hour of strong Thai Massage at Charawa Massage Center and then had the usual pulut durian and teh halia at Aji's stall.


Day 05: 25 July 2016 (Monday)
Route: Hatyai - KL
Distance: 535 km

We checked out after we had nasi kerabu and roti canai breakfast at Khaled's. The weather was bright and sunny. Border crossing was smooth and the drive back home was relaxing. We arrived safely at our Bidara House just before sunset.

Alhamdulillah....

👈Next Trip: 2016: Tg Balai & Batam, Indonesia

2016: Singapore Kembara Ramadhan👉