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Length
4 Days
Ship category
Premium
Ship type
Small Ships
Capacity
20 Passengers
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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 Ri … Read more about RV River Kwai
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Bar
Visiting
Observation Lounge
All meals
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
English guides
Dining on board the RV River Kwai reflects regional Thai flavors paired with international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are typically served al fresco on the open-plan upper deck, allowing you to dine with panoramic river-bend views. The menus regularly feature traditional dishes that highlight local herbs like lemongrass, holy basil, and fresh ginger, alongside tropical fruits sourced directly from local fruit orchards visited during excursions. The onboard chefs are exceptionally attentive and readily accommodate flexible dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, with prior notice.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
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Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
06:00 Depart from Bangkok by van / coach to Kanchanaburi via Nakhon Pathom.
09:00 Short stop in Nakhon Pathom to visit the highest Chedi in Thailand called “Phra Pathom Chedi” which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
10:30 Visit to Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) located on the west bank of the river. The monastery was constructed on a hill, decorated in the form of Chinese architecture and cultural art. From the top of the monastery observe the beautiful scenery of Kanchanaburi and its mountainous horizon. Also visit to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) nearby, built in the form of Thai cultural art. The great Buddha image and pagoda placed in the temple are respected by all Buddhists.
11:30 Continue to Kanchanaburi.
12:30 Lunch at local restaurant.
13:30 Proceed to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through the stone mountain.Trails lead to Hin Tok Bridge and Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the ordeal of Australian and British POW’s who undertook the hazardous work in precarious conditions at the aptly named pass. The memorial complex (Hin Lek Fai) is intended to honor the Allied Prisoners of War and conscripted people from India, Burma, Malaysia and other countries who died during construction of the railway, as well as all who suffered as a consequence of the hardships.
16:00 Embark RV River Kwai and cruise along Kwai Noi River.
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast on board while cruising along Kwai Noi River.
08:00 Morning relaxation with greenery and local community scenery viewing experience.
09:45 Continue by coach to visit Hin Dad Hot Spring, formerly called Kui Mang. It was accidentally discovered by Japanese soldiers who were supervising the construction of the Death Railway. The natural hot spring features two large pools and private baths. The mineral in the spring is believed to cure many diseases, e.g. beriberi (lack of vitamin B), arthritis, etc.
10:30 Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River.
13:30 Lunch at local restaurant.
15:00 River rafting or canoeing downstream on Kwai Noi River. If time allows, visit nearby the Mon Village. Then, return to join RV River Kwai.
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board. Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River.
13:30 Lunch at local restaurant.
15:00 River rafting or canoeing downstream on Kwai Noi River. If time allows, visit nearby the Mon Village. Then, return to join RV River Kwai.
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast on board while cruising along Kwai Noi River.
08:15 Short visit at Sai Yok village located right on the river bank.
11:45 Lunch on board while cruising to view greenery and mountainous scenery at its best.
13:00 Board the coach to visit the Krasae Cave situated on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent view point. The cavern houses a Buddha image.
13:36 Take a 3 rd class train to Tha Kilen Train Station passing over the long wooden Wang Pho viaduct.
13:51 Arrive Tha Kilen and continue by coach to "Prasat Muang Singh", historical park with Khmer architecture from the late Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago. The extensive ruins of the temple beside the River Kwai Noi are a potent reminder of the vast expanse of the Khmer empire. The ancient border town of Muang Singh, "City of the Lions", was probably established as a trading post.
15:00 Return to the RV River Kwai and cruise along Kwai Noi River.
Afternoon at leisure on the boat.
18:30 “Farewell Dinner” and overnight on board.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
06:00 Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at Chukkadon Market in Kanchanaburi.
Breakfast on the boat whilst cruising to Nong Ya.
09:30 Disembark and return to Kanchanaburi by coach. Visit to Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple which served as a big camp of World War II. There is a middle cave containing stalactites and stalagmites and many remarkable Buddha images. Behind the temple enjoy a marvelous view down the valley of the Kwai Noi River.
Continue by bus to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, an interactive museum which provides a remarkable research and information center dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway. Then, visit to the well maintained Don Rak war cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the infamous “Death Railway”. Its tranquility still reminds visitors of the war and its aftermath.
Finally, visit to the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai. The sturdy Iron Bridge spanning the River Kwai Yai, which was a crucial part of the Death Railway, was built in some 16 months by Allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts. The bridge was destroyed in Allied bombing raids towards the end of World War II and was later rebuilt by the Japanese as war reparations.
12:00 Lunch at the local restaurant, near the confluence of the two rivers Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi.
13:15 Proceed to Bangkok.
18:00 Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok downtown.
NOTE: above program may likely be adjusted to suite the alteration of embarkation/disembarkation point due to water level condition at short notice by a coordination between the Cruise Manager, Captain and the tour guide but all sight seeing will completely be done for guests in final.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
Accommodation on RV River Kwai, meals as mentioned above, coffee, tea & drinking water.
Transfers and sightseeing tours with English, French or German-speaking local guides (together with other cruise members). (other language i.e., German or French speaking guide inquiry will be subject to such
language availability).
Entrance fees.
Optional tours.
Expenditures of a personal nature for bar and laundry.
Gratuity to the crew.
Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 1.2 t CO₂e on this trip. Rivertours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
Price
Upon Request
The Bridge over the River Kwai & Death Railway
Khmer Ruins of Prasat Muang Singh
Si Nakharin Dam National Park
Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
River Cruise Specialists: We focus exclusively on river expeditions, with recommendations grounded in first-hand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly supports rainforest conservation project.
We are thrilled to present this classic 4-day, 3-night downstream expedition along the historic Kwai Noi River. Perfect for both active and non-active travelers, this voyage seamlessly blends cultural history, deep WWII insights, and moments of pristine natural wonder. Guest comfort is balanced beautifully with active exploration, featuring experiences that range from poignant walks through Hellfire Pass to refreshing river rafting and therapeutic hot-spring bathing.
Having designed and evaluated numerous premium journeys across Southeast Asia, our product specialists confidently rate this itinerary as the absolute best way to experience Kanchanaburi province. While standard day-trippers from Bangkok must rush through crowded landmarks, our guests experience the peace of the river at sunrise and sunset, enjoying exceptional regional cuisine on board and gaining a deep, unhurried appreciation for one of Thailand’s most evocative waterways.
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