Short answer
Phu Toei National Park in Suphan Buri and Srinakarin Dam and Sai Yok national parks in Kanchanaburi closed tourist sites and campsites on 26 and 27 September 2026 because of heavy rain and flash-flood risk. The rain gauge at Srinakarin Dam recorded 146 millimetres in 24 hours. The closures ran until conditions returned to normal. On 5 October the park service told staff at every waterfall to close at once if the water rises. Erawan National Park was not among the three.
What closed on 26 and 27 September
The Department of National Parks announced on 27 September 2026 that three parks had closed tourist sites and overnight stays temporarily. Phu Toei National Park in Suphan Buri closed every point in the park from 26 September. Srinakarin Dam National Park closed five sites from 27 September: Huai Mae Khamin waterfall, Pha Tat waterfall, the Mae Khamin hot spring and two campsites.
Sai Yok National Park closed its attractions in the service zone from 27 September: the Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, Lawa Cave and Dao Dueng Cave. The closures were to last until the situation returned to normal, and the parks said they would announce the reopening after checking trails, facilities and water levels.
Why, and what the park service ordered
The department cited heavy to very heavy accumulated rain after weather warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department. The rain gauge at Srinakarin Dam park recorded 146 millimetres in 24 hours. It said the steep terrain, streams and waterfalls at Phu Toei and Sai Yok make fast, strong currents and flash floods a high risk.
On 5 October the department's director-general inspected the Kroeng Krawia waterfall in Khao Laem National Park and the Sai Yok Noi waterfall. The director-general ordered staff at every natural attraction to watch water levels strictly and gave them the authority to close at once if the water rises, with rescue teams on duty 24 hours a day. Sai Yok Noi has staff along the stream and water-rescue equipment.
What it means for visitors
Waterfalls in these parks can close at short notice in the rainy season. We found no announcement of a reopening in the department's news up to 28 October 2026, so do not assume that the sites above are open: check the park's notice before you go.
The closures were in three parks. Erawan National Park, where our day swims, was not named in the announcement. The department's order of 5 October covers every natural attraction, so any waterfall can still be closed on the day if the water rises.
What it means for our Kanchanaburi day
Our River Kwai bridge and Erawan Falls day trip from Bangkok starts from $60 per person and takes about 13 hours. The minibus collects you in Bangkok between about 6:15 and 7:15 am, and you spend about 2.5 to 3 hours at Erawan. The Erawan park fee, 300 baht per adult as of June 2026, is paid in cash on the day.
The park is open from 8:00 am to about 4:30 pm and admits no one after about 3:30 pm. Times change with traffic and weather. If heavy rain is forecast for your date, message us on WhatsApp before you pay and we will check the park's notice with the operator. Our Erawan Falls day trip guide explains the walk and the fees.
Practical checklist
- Check the national park's notice for your waterfall on the day before you go.
- Message us on WhatsApp if heavy rain is forecast for your date.
- Keep 300 baht in cash per adult for the Erawan park fee on our tour.
- Arrive at Erawan before about 3:30 pm, when the park stops admitting visitors.
Questions and answers
Which Kanchanaburi parks closed in September 2026?
Phu Toei National Park in Suphan Buri and Srinakarin Dam and Sai Yok national parks in Kanchanaburi closed waterfalls, caves and campsites on 26–27 September 2026 for flash-flood risk.
Was Erawan Falls closed?
Erawan National Park was not named in the 27 September announcement of closures. Waterfalls can still close at short notice, so check the park's notice before you go.
Have the closed sites reopened?
We found no reopening announcement in the park service's news up to 28 October 2026. The department said it would announce reopening after checking safety and water levels.
How much is the Erawan park fee on our tour?
On our tour the Erawan National Park fee is 300 baht per adult as of June 2026, paid in cash on the day. Children pay a lower rate.