MS Merlijn

RV River Kwai

What we truly appreciate about the RV River Kwai is how it redefines modern river expedition cruising in Thailand. As the country's very first inland boutique cruise vessel, this beautiful two-deck ship is modeled after the iconic historic designs of the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. Designed specifically to navigate the narrow bends, low-lying bridges, and fluctuating currents of the Kwai Noi River, it allows travelers to discover Kanchanaburi province from a rare and incredibly peaceful perspective. From its stunning teakwood construction to its intimate passenger capacity, the RV River Kwai offers a refined yet deeply immersive experience. Days are shaped by exploring culturally rich shore excursions—such as visiting the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, ancient Khmer temples like Prasat Muang Sing, and lush national parks—while evenings are spent relaxing on board with sweeping river views and thoughtful hospitality. Compared to more traditional and larger river ships, this vessel stands out for its ultra-private atmosphere (hosting a maximum of just 20 guests), its access to remote, untouched reaches of Western Thailand, and its expert-led historical storytelling. For our travelers who are less physically active or prefer a scenic journey, the open-air upper deck serves as a perfect moving sanctuary. You can comfortably watch rural Thai life drift by—from floating rafts and lush bamboo forests to dramatic limestone cliffs—while enjoying a cool breeze and refreshing local drinks, with no strenuous activity required.