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Length
7 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.
11:40 Continue to Kanchanaburi and visit to JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of a prisoner of war (POW) camp with bamboo huts which give an inkling of the grim living conditions and atrocities endured. On display are tools, bombs, photographs, original sketches, testimonies, pictorials and physical memorabilia dating from World War II.
12:45 Embark RV River Kwai at Nong Ya dock. Lunch on board while cruising on Kwai Noi River.
Afternoon at leisure!
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board.
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Breakfast on board and depart for Kaeng Lava Cave.
08:00 Walk uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave. From the landing a short trail leads to the cave which boasts admirable stone draperies and concretions in large chambers. The stalactites and stalagmites are a spectacular creation by nature.
10:30 Continue by coach 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.
12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant.
15:30 Back to RV River Kwai.
Afternoon at leisure on the boat.
19:00 Dinner and overnight on board.
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06:00 Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at nearby temple.
07:00 Breakfast on board.
08:00 Depart by coach to visit Vachiralongkorn Dam, an immense lake created from the waters of three rivers harnessed by the hydroelectric dam, which stretches to the far horizon. The thick jungle through which the railway line cut a swathe in recent times has been tamed and the surrounding fertile land now supports agricultural crops - sugar cane, tapioca, tobacco, maize and cotton. The admirable rugged scenery of the lake set against rolling hills on the distant horizon is ample reward for the long journey. Drive back to Thong Pha Phum and visit local market.
13:00 Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure.
16:00 Return to the RV River Kwai and cruise on Kwai Noi River.
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board.
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Hin Dad Hot Spring
Breakfast on board.
08:00 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.
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Ban Kao National Museum
Breakfast on board while cruising.
09:30 Depart by coach to visit Ban Kao National Museum, constructed beside a Neolithic burial ground. When Dr. Van Heekeren, a Dutch archaeologist was working as a prisoner of war on the construction of The Death Railway during World War II, he accidentally found numerous stone tolls in the Ban Kao area. When the war was over, the archaeological excavations were systematically conducted at the delta of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers. A large number of prehistoric skeletons, potteries, stone tools and ornaments were uncovered and exhibited at this museum.
11:30 Rejoin RV River Kwai.
12:00 Lunch on board while cruising along the river.
Afternoon at leisure!
16:00 Thai Cooking Class: There is no better way to learn Thai cooking than taking an authentic cooking class in Thailand. However this basic cooking class – on deck of RV River Kwai - will introduce you to the wonderful world of Thai flavors. During classes the school's instructional emphasis is focused on three things: traditional Thai technique, innovative use of ingredients and aesthetic presentations. Spend a few hours learning to prepare a traditional Thai cocktail (‘Mai Tai’), authentic Thai dishes (e.g. ‘Tom Yam Kung’ or ‘Chicken Green Curry’) and a Thai green papaya salad (‘Som Tam’). An experience not to be missed!
18:30 “Farewell Dinner” and overnight on board.
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06:00 Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at Chukkadon Market in Kanchanaburi.
Breakfast on the boat whilst cruising direction 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.
12:00Lunch at the local restaurant, near the confluence of the two rivers Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi.
13:15 Proceed to Bangkok.
18:00 Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok downtown.
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 2.1 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
Prasat Muang Singh Khmer Ruins
The Solemn Hellfire Pass
Hin Dad Hot Springs & Pha Tad Waterfall
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.
Our specialists consider this seven-day journey the premier river expedition in Thailand, seamlessly blending dramatic World War II history with untouched tropical nature. Sailing on the intimate RV River Kwai, you will explore ancient temples, poignant battle memorials, and remote river communities. The itinerary balances deep historical reflection with active, light adventures like bamboo rafting, cave exploration, and walking along national park trails.
Designed for discerning travelers, the journey requires moderate physical mobility to navigate forest paths and step on and off local boats. However, non-active guests will find plenty of rewards. You can easily opt to relax in the thermal hot springs, learn the secrets of local cuisine during an onboard cooking class, or simply watch the lush jungle canopy drift past your teak cabin window.