7 Days 6 Nights
Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Ban Kao - Sai Yok - Yok Yai - Ban Hin Dad - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok

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.

The RV River Kwai carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 teakwood cabins (single deck) and operates on a 7 days/6 nights year round cruise program every Monday-Sunday.

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, etc.

The new option during the RV River Kwai is “RV River Kwai Elephant Driving Licence”.

Lecture of basic information on elephants will be given on the cruise followed by exam, then proceed to Elephant Camp to study how to sit, ride, feed and take care of elephant.  Feel the spirit and become an licensed Mahout!

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18:30-18:40

18:40-19:00

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Depart from Bangkok by coach to Kanchanaburi via Nakorn Pathom.
Short stop to visit the highest Chedi in Thailand called “Phra Pathom Chedi” which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
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.
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.
Embark RV River Kwai at Nong Ya dock.
Lunch on board while cruising on Kwai Noi River.
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.
Proceed by coach to visit Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, located in the Kanchanaburi Agriculture College.  It is known as "Stone Garden" covering 200 rai (96 acres), since most of its area is scattered with stones of different sizes and shapes, similar to animals.
Return to boat and continue cruising upriver to Wang Pla Moo Bridge.
(Optional: RV River Kwai Elephant Driving Licence - Extra: Baht 1900.- per person)
Basic information on elephants.

Lecture Part one
Break
Lecture Part two
Dinner and overnight on Board near Ban Kao

09:00-09:30
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11:00
11:47

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19:30

Breakfast on board while cruising upriver on the Kwai Noi River to Muang Singh.
Exam on theory
Visit "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.
Continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station.
Take a 3^rd class train to Saphan Tham Krasae passing over the long wooden viaduct.
Arrive at Saphan Tham Krasae and visit to Krasae Cave situated on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent view point.  The cavern houses a Buddha image.
Continue by coach and short stop at Sai Yok Elephant Village located right on the river bank, upriver from Wang Pho Bridge. (Optional: Enjoy half an hour elephant riding through the jungle and along the Kwai Noi River)
Training and practical exam for Elephant Driving Licence
Lunch on board while cruising upriver.
Afternoon at leisure on the boat.
Dinner and overnight on board near the Resotel.

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10:30








13:00

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16:30
19:00

Breakfast on board.
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.
Cruise upriver to Ban Haad Ngiu and 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.
Rejoin the boat at Kaeng Pa Lorm.
Lunch on board while cruising upriver, passing Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls.
Afternoon at leisure on the boat.
Visit a boarding school nearby the bank of Kwai Noi River built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Sirindhorn for refugee children.
Back to boat and cruising upriver.
Dinner and overnight on board near the Daowadueng Bridge

Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at nearby temple.
Breakfast on board.
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.
Rejoin RV River Kwai at Daowadueng Bridge
Lunch on board
Visit Daowadueng Cave, which contains fantastically shaped concretions.
Return to the RV River Kwai at Daowadueng Bridge and cruise downstream on Kwai Noi River.
Dinner and overnight on board at Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls.

Breakfast on board while cruising downriver.
Meet coach at Kaeng Pa Lorm and continue 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.
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.
Return to RV River Kwai at Kaeng Pa Lorm.
Lunch on board while cruising downriver to the Floatel Jungle Raft.
River rafting or canoeing downstream on Kwai Noi River.  If time allows, visit nearby the Mon Village.
(Optional: Enjoy one hour Thai traditional massage - not included)
Dinner and overnight on board near the Resotel.
(Optional: Enjoy 45 minutes Mon dances performance - not included)