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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.
RV
River Kwai cruising on the River Kwai. It's the
perfect way to see parts of Thailand that are otherwise
inaccessible. Plenty of comfort and a "cruisy"
schedule too.
The RV River Kwai carries a maximum of 20 passengers in
10 teakwood cabins (single deck) and operates on a 4
days/3 nights year round program every Monday - Thursday
and Thursday - Sunday on alternating Upstream and
Downstream programs.
Staterooms
with plenty of comfort
Our staterooms off a bit of luxury aboard RV River
Kwai. As well, the cozy aircon rooms provide a wonderful
retreat from the heat and humidity.
Up
On Deck
Enjoy comforts and great food aboard RV River Kwai.
Relax up on deck and watch the landscape pass by.
River
Route
Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally
diverse countries in South-East Asia. The River Kwai,
just a few hours from Bangkok, is rich with magnificent
scenery, flora and bird life. It is the most picturesque
of rivers, the scene and mood constantly changing. See
map.
There are two river Kwais: the Kwai Noi, which we
explore, and the Kwai Yai. Both rivers flow down from
great lakes in the mountainous Burma border region. The
two Kwais join in a confluence at the attractive town
Kanchanaburi. They then form the Mae Khlong River that
flows into the Gulf of Thailand at the bustling,
colourful fishing port of Samut Songkhram. See pictures
of the journey along the River Kwai. Going upstream, our
river journey begins at the town of Kanchanaburi, 124 KM
west of Bangkok, famous for its main attraction, the
Bridge on the River Kwai.
Kanchanaburi
Above the lake one crosses the confluence at
Kanchanaburi, famed for the Bridge immortalised in Alec
Guiness's film. Despite its associations with the Death
Railway, Kanchanaburi is now a typical Thai town, lively
and cheerful, with many flower gardens. This area is a
centre of pilgrimage for war veterans from all the
countries involved in the Death Railway, including
Japan. A must visit includes the newly opened
Thailand-Burma Railway Center next to the Main Cemetary.
River
Kwai Noi
Entering the Kwai Noi itself the scenery changes
dramatically as the jungle closes in and the mountains
rise about. The further up we go the narrower the river
becomes, with dramatic gorges, deep pools and soaring
rapids. Waterfalls cascade down into the river from
crags above. Orchids and other flora trail from
overhangs. The river journey becomes sensational.
Daowadung
Daowadung is as far as we can penetrate safely and
from here we can continue by expedition vehicle to visit
the lake above and the surrounding national park area.
In this area the predominant ethnic group are the Mons,
whose people may be found in both Burma and Thailand. We
arrange for a Mon dance troupe to perform in the
evening.
Though seemingly a remote, lost paradise, there are a
number of sporting attractions to the Kwai valley. For
example there are several well designed golf resorts so
it will be possible to arrange a 'golf cruise' playing
each day on a separate course. The river is a popular
rafting and kayaking destination and well known amongst
fishermen and photographers. The RV River Kwai can be
chartered for such special interest groups.
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