Thailand Cruise on River Kwai

   
 
 

Grand Thailand Cruise on the Kwai Noi River

Bangkok to Chang Mai Cruising the Kwai Noi River

11 Days / 7 locations in Thailand

Bangkok - Thailands bustling capital has always been a stopover favorite. But now, with the opening of the inland waterways along the Kwai Noi River and the addition of the northern capital of Chiang Mai, Thailand is becoming an exciting destination onto itself. Floating markets, river rafting, working Elephant camps can now be experienced first hand giving our travelers a unique combination of the urban and the rural for a truly genuine Thai experience!

Cruising the Kwai Noi River

Long thought to be too narrow and seasonally shallow to navigate, the Kwai Noi was finally conquered in 2003 with the completion of the RV River Kwai! With a draft of only 90 centimeters, this vessel was also constructed by the Irrawaddy Shipping Company of Burma. Although small and holding a maximum of only 20 passengers in 10 twin cabins, the ship lacks nothing in the quality and level of a first class floating hotel!

The whole ship, including the cabins, is accented with rare Burmese teak throughout. The Main Deck cabins feature comfortable raised twin beds allowing for storage space under them, a table and chair, full air conditioning and a private bathroom with a separate tiled shower enclosure. Two sliding doors offer both beautiful views from the windows and give privacy when needed. The Upper Deck is open and covered with a collapsible awning (for passing under low lying bridges). There is ample space for sunbathing, a small bar and entertainment center, comfortable couches and lounge chairs and a separate dining area with one seating for all. A crew of 10 plus a multi-talented Cruise Manager take care of all of the passengers needs from serving full buffet breakfasts, sit down lunches and candlelit dinners to escorting you on exciting trips on shore, to providing a cool drink and a wet towel when needed, you will want for nothing! So do not let the casual dress and laid back ambiance fool you. The service and the genuine friendliness of the staff and crew will satisfy your every need!

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Bangkok
Accommodation: Century Park Hotel

Due to various arrival times, the day is free of activities and meals are on your own.

Century Park Hotel or similar.

 
Day 2     Bangkok
Accommodation: Century Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Your morning tour of Bangkok will include the Grand Palace Complex, home to the three famous Buddhas, the Alabaster, the Jade, and the 5 ton Gold Buddha! In the evening you are treated to a Welcome Thai Dinner with a dance performance.

 
Day 3     Bangkok
Accommodation: Century Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Today is reserved for an excursion to one of the last remaining authentic floating markets. On arrival to the village of Damnoen embark on a 15-minute speedboat ride through the canals utilizing the renown Thai Long Boats. Next transfer into small sampan boats which will thrust you directly into the small channels filled with merchants selling everything from fresh bananas to snake wine! Then stop for lunch at a delightful open-air riverside restaurant. Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon and spend the evening exploring Bangkok's famous night-life!

 
Day 4     Bangkok - Kanchanaburi
On Board the RV River Kwai
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After an early breakfast, depart by coach toward Kanchanaburi to begin your magnificent safari cruise adventure! Along the way you will stop at numerous attractions such as Phra Pathom Chedi (the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia), Khao Noi Cave Temple, Tiger Cave Temple, and WWIIs War Museum. After embarkation and lunch, continue your sightseeing to such places as the Stone Garden at Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park. In the evening enjoy a welcome meeting with cool cocktails, followed by your first romantic candle lit dinner.

 
Day 5     Ban Kao - Sai Yok
On Board the RV River Kwai
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

n the morning visit Prasat Muang Singh, an historical park with 800 year old Khmer Temples reminiscent of Cambodias Angkor Wat. Embark on a restored 1943 train for a short (but exciting) ride over a long wooden viaduct. Upon arrival in Saphan Tham Krase, visit a riverbank cave and continue on to the Sai Yok Elephant Village. As well as watching them perform, you may also take an optional elephant ride through the jungle or take your drivers license exam. After lunch on board, relax the day away, floating up the river to Jungle Lodge where you may want to experience an optional Thai traditional massage this evening!

 
Day 6     Sai Yok - Ban Hin Dad
On Board the RV River Kwai
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A visit to Kaeng Lava Cave reveals spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. Later a motor coach will take you to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through a stone mountain. A memorial honors the allied prisoners of war and all those who died during the railways construction. After lunch on board and a quick rest, visit a local boarding school for underprivileged children built under the patronage of H.R.H Crown Princess Sirindhorn. (A great place for you to donate school material such as crayons, childrens books and educational toys). The afternoon is free to take a dip under the waterfalls prior to your farewell Captain`s dinner.

 
Day 7     Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Early morning is reserved for a unique experience – “offering food to the Monks”. As is Buddhist custom, each morning local folk line up with small parcels of rice, soup and food and await a procession of local monks who accept the food and bless the people. Back on board, it is time for a final breakfast. Then, bid your singing crew farewell as you depart for the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai and the Thailand-Burma Railroad Center. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, transfer to your hotel, Hotel Plaza or similar.

 
Day 8     Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your morning city tour will include the Wat Phra Singh Temple and the Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai built by King Mangrai. Lunch is at a local restaurant. In the evening enjoy a unique Kantoke Dinner featuring the cuisine and ancient dances from northern Thailand.

 
Day 9     Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
Accommodation: Legend Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast take off to Chiang Saen, former capital of the first Thai Kingdom, situated on the Mekong River at the border of Thailand and Laos. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Visit Wat Ohra Dhat Jom Kitti prior to boarding long tail speedboats for a ride upriver toward the infamous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. Continue on to Chiang Rai and enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel. Hotel Legend or similar

 
Day 10     Chiang Rai - Bangkok
Accommodation: Century Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on a tour of Chiang Rai which includes the Temple of Wat Phra and en route visits to local hill tribe villages. Then continue on to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Bangkok where you will spend one more night. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore as you wish.

 
Day 11     Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Everything good must come to an end. Services end after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

 

Notes

Port Charges $42 Per Person
Price Includes
Daily Breakfast
Meals As Mentioned
Dinners As Mentioned
Hotel Accommodation As in Itinerary With Daily Breakfast
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Entrances Per Itinerary
Tour Escort
Transportation
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
Domestic Airfare Per Itiniterary
Price Does Not Include
 International Airfare
 Port Charges
VWT-1269
1.28.15.WP26