4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (↟)
Four days, three nights, and a river that carries you into another world. Just a few hours west of Bangkok, the RV River Kwai casts off upstream into Kanchanaburi. It is a short escape with a remarkable amount of history, nature and calm.
The journey opens on a grand scale. You visit Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand's tallest stupa, and the cave temples of Khao Noi and Tiger Cave, with sweeping views across rice fields and mountains. On the second day you walk through the 800-year-old Khmer ruins of Prasat Muang Singh. Then a local train on the historic Thailand–Burma Railway rolls slowly across the wooden Wang Pho viaduct, which clings to the cliff face. On day three, the stalactite halls of Kaeng Lava Cave lead on to Hellfire Pass, one of the most moving memorial sites of the Second World War. Lunch follows near the Sai Yok Yai waterfalls.
On the final morning you take part in the Buddhist alms-giving to the monks at dawn. Before returning to Bangkok, you visit the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, the Don Rak War Cemetery and the bridge over the River Kwai.
Between excursions, the ship is yours. Spend your afternoons on the sun deck and watch the river drift past your picture window. On the last evening, a farewell dinner is served on board.
This cruise is ideal if you want to experience the River Kwai in depth but have limited time. It also makes a perfect add-on to a stay in Bangkok.
A small ship, a personal journey
The RV River Kwai is built in the colonial style of the historic Irrawaddy Flotilla. She carries a maximum of 20 guests in ten teak-panelled outside cabins, each with a private bathroom and a large picture window. The small group means personal service and an unhurried atmosphere.
Prefer the return journey? The downstream cruise runs from Thursday to Sunday. For a longer journey, our seven-day Heritage Cruise covers both directions. For golf lovers, we also offer a four-day golf cruise.
Catering
Cuisine on board is a fusion of Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian and international dishes. Breakfast and dinner are served on board. Lunch is served on board or in a local restaurant, depending on the day's programme. Please tell us about any dietary requirements or allergies at least three days before departure.
Included
- Accommodation on board the RV River Kwai, meals as described, coffee, tea and drinking water
- Transfers and sightseeing with an English-speaking local guide, shared with fellow cruise guests (German, French or other languages on request, subject to availability)
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses (bar, laundry)
- Gratuities for the crew
Cruise details
- Direction: Upstream (↟)
- Duration: Monday to Thursday | 4 days / 3 nights
- Regular departure day: Monday, from Bangkok
- Capacity: Max. 20 guests | 10 cabins
Departures and operating conditions
Upstream departures on the first and third Monday of each month are guaranteed without a minimum number of guests. All other regular departures are initially conditional and operate with at least 4 booked guests or explicit confirmation by CruiseAsia.
A confirmed 7-day/6-night booking departing on a guaranteed first or third Monday also guarantees the following Thursday downstream departure, even with fewer than 4 guests booked for that segment. A 7-day booking reserves the same cabin continuously across both segments.
Dry dock: 3 May to 4 July 2027 inclusive. No cruises operate during this maintenance period; all departures and bookings are blocked, including otherwise guaranteed departures. Departures from 5 July 2027 have been released again by the operator and remain subject to the regular operating conditions.
All cruises remain subject to safety-related, hydrological and exceptional operational circumstances.
Your own ship on the River Kwai
Charter the RV River Kwai exclusively for your group: a club outing, a company incentive, a family celebration or a special anniversary. Ten cabins, a programme tailored to your group, and our crew and guides entirely at your service. We will gladly prepare a personal proposal for you.
