RV River Kwai

RV River Kwai cruising on the River Kwai. It's the perfect way to see parts of Thailand that are otherwise inaccessible.

• 4 Days on the River (Upriver)
  Departs Monday morning from Bangkok: Phra Pathom Chedi, Khao Noi Cave Temple, Tiger Cave Temple, JEATH War Museum, Wat Tham Khaopoon, Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, Prasat Muang Singh historical park, Kilen Train Station, train to Saphan Tham Krasae, Sai Yok Elephant Village, Thai traditional massage, Mon dance performance, Kaeng Lava Cave, Hell Fire Pass, Sai Yok Yai waterfalls, boarding school for refugee children, make merit with the Bhuddist monks, Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, Donrak War Cemetery, Bridge over the River Kwai.

• 4 Days on the River (Downriver)
  Departs Thursday morning from Bangkok: Phra Pathom Chedi, Khao Noi Cave Temple, Tiger Cave Temple, Thai boarding school, Hin Dad Hot Spring, Pha Tad Waterfall, Sai Yok Elephant village, Krasae Cave, Wat Tham Khaopoon, Bridge over the River Kwai, Donrak War Cemetery.

Welcome to Cruise Asia, the owners and operators of the RV River Kwai. The RV River Kwai, the first inland cruise ship in Thailand, is a newly built colonial style river cruiser based on designs used by the original Irrawaddy Flotilla which was founded in Burma in 1865 and by the 1920s was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world.

CRUISE DESCRIPTION:

The RV River Kwai carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 teakwood cabins (single deck) and operates on a 4 days/3 nights year round schedule every Monday - Thursday and Thursday-Sunday on alternating Upstream and Downstream programs. The RV River Kwai opens up an entirely new area for river tourism in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok. Every morning and afternoon land excursions are offered to visit attractions along the river including temples, historic sites, Khmer ruins, waterfalls, war cemeteries, hot springs, the bridge on the River Kwai, and local attractions.

The RV River Kwai, the first inland cruise ship in Thailand, is a newly built colonial style river cruiser based on designs used by the original Irrawaddy Flotilla which was founded in Burma in 1865 and by the 1920s was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. 

RV River Kwai cruising on the River Kwai. It's the perfect way to see parts of Thailand that are otherwise inaccessible. Plenty of comfort and a "cruisy" schedule too.

The RV River Kwai carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 teakwood cabins (single deck) and operates on a 4 days/3 nights year round program every Monday - Thursday and Thursday - Sunday on alternating Upstream and Downstream programs.

Staterooms with plenty of comfort
Our staterooms off a bit of luxury aboard RV River Kwai. As well, the cozy aircon rooms provide a wonderful retreat from the heat and humidity. 

Up On Deck
Enjoy comforts and great food aboard RV River Kwai. Relax up on deck and watch the landscape pass by.

River Route
Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse countries in South-East Asia. The River Kwai, just a few hours from Bangkok, is rich with magnificent scenery, flora and bird life. It is the most picturesque of rivers, the scene and mood constantly changing. See map.
There are two river Kwais: the Kwai Noi, which we explore, and the Kwai Yai. Both rivers flow down from great lakes in the mountainous Burma border region. The two Kwais join in a confluence at the attractive town Kanchanaburi. They then form the Mae Khlong River that flows into the Gulf of Thailand at the bustling, colourful fishing port of Samut Songkhram. See pictures of the journey along the River Kwai. Going upstream, our river journey begins at the town of Kanchanaburi, 124 KM west of Bangkok, famous for its main attraction, the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Kanchanaburi
Above the lake one crosses the confluence at Kanchanaburi, famed for the Bridge immortalised in Alec Guiness's film. Despite its associations with the Death Railway, Kanchanaburi is now a typical Thai town, lively and cheerful, with many flower gardens. This area is a centre of pilgrimage for war veterans from all the countries involved in the Death Railway, including Japan. A must visit includes the newly opened Thailand-Burma Railway Center next to the Main Cemetary.

River Kwai Noi
Entering the Kwai Noi itself the scenery changes dramatically as the jungle closes in and the mountains rise about. The further up we go the narrower the river becomes, with dramatic gorges, deep pools and soaring rapids. Waterfalls cascade down into the river from crags above. Orchids and other flora trail from overhangs. The river journey becomes sensational.

Daowadung
Daowadung is as far as we can penetrate safely and from here we can continue by expedition vehicle to visit the lake above and the surrounding national park area. In this area the predominant ethnic group are the Mons, whose people may be found in both Burma and Thailand. We arrange for a Mon dance troupe to perform in the evening.
Though seemingly a remote, lost paradise, there are a number of sporting attractions to the Kwai valley. For example there are several well designed golf resorts so it will be possible to arrange a 'golf cruise' playing each day on a separate course. The river is a popular rafting and kayaking destination and well known amongst fishermen and photographers. The RV River Kwai can be chartered for such special interest groups.