4 Days RV River Kwai Cruise - Upstream
4 Days RV River Kwai Cruise - Upstream
4 Days RV River Kwai Cruise - Upstream
4 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok
Visiting: Kanchanaburi, Sai Yok, Bangkok
Tour operator:
Tour code:
50397
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The RV River Kwai is Thailand’s first five-star inland cruise ship, opening up a new era for river tourism in Kanchanaburi province as it enables travel to previously inaccessible sights. Four and seven-day river and golf cruises operate, with supreme comfort on the colonial style vessel based on designs used by the original Irrawaddy Flotilla company in Burma in the 1860s – which until the 1920s was the largest privately-owned fleet of ships in the world. Guests enjoy exceptional luxury such as à la carte meals served al fresco on the sun deck. Inspirational tours take in prime riverside attractions such as the Bridge on the River Kwai. The ornate RV River Kwai carries up to 20 passengers across 10 teakwood cabins with full facilities. The cruises operate on a year-round programme, alternating upstream and downstream. Navigation along this idyllic waterway reveals a constantly changing landscape and the journey involves stimulating morning and afternoon breaks to enjoy a wealth of onshore activities such as temple exploration, browsing historical sites, or absorbing natural attractions including waterfalls and hot springs. See Kanchanaburi province from a totally different perspective on this splendid ship.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 | Bangkok – Ban Kao [ , L, D]
Location: Kanchanaburi
Accommodation Name: RV River Kwai Cruise
The journey is sometimes as important as the destination and this is true on today’s adventure as we visit a wealth of fascinating attractions. We leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, via Nakorn Pathom and stop at this location to view the tallest stupa in Thailand at Phra Pathom Chedi. The structure measures 127 metres in height and its creation inspired the development of the town. Next is the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi). This monastery sits on a hill and features Chinese architecture and cultural art, as well as splendid views of the mountainous horizon from an exterior viewpoint. We also make a stop at the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural art. On arrival in Kanchanaburi we visit the JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of a prisoner of war camp with bamboo huts which give an insight into the grim living conditions and atrocities endured by detainees who were forced to build the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We then board the RV River Kwai at Nong Ya Dock with lunch and dinner on board and the afternoon at leisure.
Day 2 | Ban Kao – Sai Yok [B, L, D]
Location: Sai Yok
Accommodation Name: RV River Kwai Cruise
Our relaxing river cruise continues upstream on the Kwai Noi River to Muang Singh. After breakfast we step ashore and visit a boarding school for refugee children built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. We then explore Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park containing Khmer architecture dating back 800 years. This site marked the Western border of the Khmer Empire in what is now Thailand and it serves as a potent reminder of the enormity of the Khmer domain. Muang Singh, the ‘city of the lions,’ was probably established as a trading post in this era. We then continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station, a site which holds significant relevance in the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We take a third class train to Saphan Tham Krasae and pass over the famed 300 metres-long trestle bridge that clings to the cliff side. On arrival, we proceed to the riverside Krasae Cave which houses a venerable Buddha image. We then continue by coach to Sai Yok village located on the river bank. Lunch and dinner are on board and the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 | Sai Yok – Ban Hin Dad [B, L, D]
Location: Sai Yok
Accommodation Name: RV River Kwai Cruise
Our final day of cruising takes in more amazing natural and man-made attractions. After breakfast we take a short stroll uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave, the area’s deepest cave at 500 metres in length. Inside are stalactites and stalagmites and mystical stone draperies and hidden chambers. We then continue by coach to Hellfire Pass, a notorious section of the ‘Death Railway’ that cuts through a towering stone mountain. We follow a trail that leads to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the horrors endured by the prisoners of war (POW) who built the railway under Japanese enslavement. The memorial complex, Hin Lek Fai, stands in honour of these Allied soldiers and conscripted labour from Burma, India, Malaysia and Thailand who died during the railway’s construction. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sai Yok National Park and take in the gushing Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls. The afternoon is at leisure on board, ahead of a farewell dinner.
Day 4 | Ban Hin Dad Bangkok [B, L, ]
Location: Bangkok
We start the day in traditional Buddhist style ‘making merit’ by offering food to monks at a nearby temple in return for a blessing and then return to the boat for breakfast. We then jump onshore again and head to Kanchanaburi to visit Wat Tham Khao Poon, an amazing subterranean world with nine caverns full of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The exterior of the temple has a marvellous viewpoint of the Kwai Noi River valley. We then visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, a facility that provides a detailed insight into the 415-km Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ built by enslaved Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts during World War Two. We then visit Don Rak War Cemetery where 6,982 Allied POWs who died building the railway are buried. We continue to the famed Bridge over the River Kwai, which inspired the war era film of the same name. We enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant overlooking the bridge and then head to Bangkok and transfer to respective hotels.
What's Included
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Accommodation on RV River Kwai with meals
Accommodation on RV River Kwai with meals as mentioned above including coffee/tea and drinking water.
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Transfers and sightseeing tours
Transfers and sightseeing tours with an English-speaking local guide. Other languages such as German or French are available upon inquiry and subject to availability.
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Entrance fees
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Accommodation on RV River Kwai with meals as mentioned above incl. coffee/tea & drinking water
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Transfers and sightseeing tours with English speaking local guide (together with other cruise members and other language such as German or French speaking guide inquiry will be subject to such language availability)
What's Not Included
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Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation
Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation at THB 50 per person per day.
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Optional tours
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Personal expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature for bar and laundry are not included.
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Gratuity to crew
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Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: THB 50 per person per day
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Expenditures of a personal nature for bar and laundry
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a combination of river cruising on the RV River Kwai and coach transfers, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through Thailand's historical sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable accommodation aboard the RV River Kwai Cruise, where you will be provided with meals, coffee, tea, and drinking water throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided on the RV River Kwai with meals included as mentioned in the itinerary.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are voluntary carbon offset compensation (THB 50 per person per day), optional tours, personal expenditures for bar and laundry, and gratuity to the crew.
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Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, transfers and sightseeing tours are conducted with an English-speaking local guide. Guides speaking other languages such as German or French are available upon inquiry and subject to availability.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
You will visit several historical sites including the JEATH War Museum, Prasat Muang Singh, Hellfire Pass, the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, and Don Rak War Cemetery.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, visit Phra Pathom Chedi, Wat Tham Khao Noi, Wat Tham Sua, and the JEATH War Museum. You will then board the RV River Kwai at Nong Ya Dock with lunch and dinner on board.
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What can I expect on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will visit a boarding school for refugee children, explore Prasat Muang Singh, take a train ride to Saphan Tham Krasae, visit Krasae Cave, and continue to Sai Yok village. Lunch and dinner will be on board, and the afternoon is at leisure.
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What natural attractions are included in the tour?
Natural attractions include the Kaeng Lava Cave, Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls, and the scenic views from various temples and locations along the Kwai Noi River.
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What is the significance of the Hellfire Pass visited on the third day?
Hellfire Pass is a notorious section of the 'Death Railway' that cuts through a towering stone mountain. It is a memorial complex honoring the Allied soldiers and conscripted laborers who died during the railway's construction under Japanese enslavement.
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What cultural experience is included on the fourth day?
On the fourth day, you will start the day by 'making merit' by offering food to monks at a nearby temple in return for a blessing. You will also visit Wat Tham Khao Poon, which has nine caverns full of Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The final destination of the tour is Bangkok, where you will be transferred to your respective hotels after visiting several historical and cultural sites in Kanchanaburi.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.