7D/6N River Kwai Heritage Cruise (↟↡)
Morning mist lies on the water, the first monks set out on their alms round, and the jungle slowly wakes. The RV River Kwai glides upstream at the pace of the river, into a Thailand that few travellers ever see.
Every day opens a new chapter. You visit Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand's tallest stupa, and the 800-year-old Khmer temple of Prasat Muang Singh, set in a bend of the river. On the historic Thailand–Burma Railway you ride across the wooden Wang Pho viaduct, which clings to the cliff face. At Hellfire Pass and the Don Rak War Cemetery you pause at places of quiet remembrance. The journey ends at the bridge over the River Kwai, known around the world from the 1957 film.
Between the sights, nature takes over. The waterfalls of Sai Yok Yai and Pha Tad, the mineral pools of Hin Dat Hot Spring, a canoe or rafting trip on the Kwai Noi and a visit to a Mon village are all part of the week. At dawn you join the Buddhist alms-giving to the monks. On the last afternoon, a cooking class on deck shows you how to prepare Tom Yam Kung and Som Tam.
There is also time simply to enjoy the journey: a book on the sun deck, a cool drink at sunset, and the river landscape drifting past your picture window.
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.
For golf lovers, we also offer a seven-day golf cruise that includes rounds at some of the region's finest courses.
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 & downstream (↟↡)
- Duration: Monday to Sunday | 7 days / 6 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.
