Sail along the River Kwai on this Thailand cruise to see amazing historic and religious sights, and learn about World War II in the country, including a visit to the Bridge Over the River Kwai. There is plenty of leisure time where you can enjoy river rafting or canoeing, get a traditional Thai massage or join a traditional Thai cooking class.
After a 2-night hotel stay in the lively city of Bangkok visit the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia and the temples at Khao Noi Cave and Tiger Cave. Learn more about World War II at a reconstructed POW camp and a Buddhist temple which was used a big camp during World War II then embark your ship RV River Kwai. After a visit to Prasat Muang Singh historical park to see the Khmer architecture take a train to Krasae Cave, home to a Buddha image. Admire the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites at Kaeng Lava Cave then see the Death Railway memorial at Hell Fire Pass and visit a local boarding school.
Visit healing hot springs and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, see prehistoric remains from a local archaeological dig and visit the infamous Bridge Over the River Kwai, a crucial part of the Death Railway. This incredible holiday concludes with an overnight hotel stay in Bangkok.
RK250 Operated by Cruise Asia
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The River Kwai Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Bangkok (Thailand)
Fly from the UK overnight to Bangkok.
Days 2-3 - Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Shangri La Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Your time in Bangkok is at leisure. This lively city has much to offer, from spectacular Buddhist temples to superb restaurants serving Thai cuisine and shops selling colourful silks. Perhaps discover golden temples and palaces, the Emerald Buddha and the mystical Wooden Pavilion.
Day 4 - Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Ban Kao
Check out of the hotel and travel to Kanchanaburi. On the way, call at Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, Khao Noi Cave Temple and Tiger Cave Temple. Learn about the WWII prisoner of war camps on a tour of JEATH War Museum and a visit to Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist Temple which was used as a big camp in WWII. Embark your ship RV River Kwai and enjoy lunch on board whilst cruising along the Kwai Noi river. Dinner on board this evening.
Day 5 - Ban Kao - Sai Yok
After breakfast on board visit Prasat Muang Singh historical park to see Khmer architecture dating back 800 years. Take a coach to Tha Kilen Train Station where a 3rd class train will take you over a long wooden viaduct to Saphan Tham Krasae. Here there is a visit to Krasae Cave which houses a Buddha image. After a short stop at Sai Yok Village re-board the ship for lunch on board followed by an afternoon at leisure while cruising upriver. There is the option to enjoy a Thai traditional massage (extra cost). Dinner on board this evening. There is the option to enjoy a 45-minute Mon dance performance (extra cost).
Day 6 - Sai Yok - Sai Yok Yai - Ban Hin Dad
Enjoy breakfast on board then walk up the hill to Kaeng Lava Cave, home to spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Continue cruising to Ban Haad Ngui and travel by coach to Hell Fire Pass where the Death Railway cuts through the mountains. A memorial complex here commemorates all those who were forced to build the railway in hazardous conditions. Rejoin the ship at Kaeng Pa Lorm for lunch on board whilst passing Sai Yok Yak Waterfalls. Visit a boarding school built for refugee children then enjoy dinner on board.
Day 7 - Ban Hin Dad - Thong Pha Phum - Ban Hin Dad
Offer food to monks at their nearby temple in exchange for blessings before returning to the ship for breakfast. Travel by coach to Vachiralongkorn Dam, where the immense lake is surrounded by thick jungle, fertile farming land and rolling hills. Rejoin the ship at Daowadueng Bridge for lunch on board followed by a visit to Daowadueng Cave. Rejoin the ship and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 8 - Ban Hin Dad - Sai Yok Yai - Sai Yok
Cruise downriver whilst enjoying breakfast on board. Travel to Hin Dad Hot Spring which was discovered by Japanese soldiers and is believed to cure many diseases. Take the trip to the beautiful Pha Tad Waterfall in Si Nakharin Dam National Park then return to the ship for lunch on board while cruising downriver to the Floatel Jungle Raft. Try river rafting or canoeing, and if time allows there will be a visit to the nearby Mon Village. There is the option to enjoy a Thai traditional massage (extra cost). Dinner on board this evening. There is the option to enjoy a 45-minute Mon dance performance (extra cost).
Day 9 - Sai Yok - Ban Kao
Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing on board. After lunch travel to Ban Kao National Museum which houses prehistoric skeletons, pottery and stone tools which have been unearthed nearby. Rejoin the ship and join a Thai cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Thai cocktail, authentic Thai dishes and a green papaya salad. Tonight there is a Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 10 - Ban Kao - Kanchananburi - Bangkok
Relax over breakfast on board then take a coach to see the world-famous Bridge Over the River Kwai which was built by Allied POWs and Asia conscripts. The Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum presents the story of the Death Railway and the Donrak War Cemetery contains the remains of 6,982 POWs who perished during its construction. After lunch on board, disembark ship and transfer to the Shangri La Hotel (or similar) in Bangkok for an overnight stay.
Day 11 - Bangkok - UK
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.