07 Days RV River Kwai Cruise

06:00 Depart from Bangkok by coach to Kanchanaburi via Nakhon Pathom. Short stop to visit Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Visit to Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) located on the west bank of the river. The monastery was constructed on a hill, decorated in the form of Chinese architecture and cultural art. Then visit the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua). Continue to Kanchanaburi and visit the Jeath War Museum, displaying tools, bombs, photographs, original sketches, testimonies, pictorials and physical memorabilia dating from World War II. Visit Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple which served as a big camp of World War II. Embark on the RV River Kwai. Lunch on board, while cruising on the Kwai Noi River. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional: Elephant Driving License. Cost per person 1.900 Baht Lecture of basic information on elephants will be given on the cruise followed by exam, then proceed to an Elephant Camp to study how to sit, ride, feed and take care of elephant. If you decide to book the optional “Elephant Driving License”, please bring with you 1 photo (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm). The actual “Elephant Driving License” will be issued in Bangkok and delivered to you after the RV River Kwai Cruise.

Breakfast on board. Cruise upriver on the Kwai Noi River and continue by coach to visit Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park with Khmer architecture from the late Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago. Continue by coach to Tha Kilen train station and take a 3rd class train to Tham Krasae passing over the long wooden viaduct. Visit Krasae Cave, which houses a Buddha image. Continue by coach and short stop at Sai Yok Elephant village located right on the river bank.Optional: Enjoy half an hour elephant riding through the jungle and along the River Kwai Noi. Cost per person: 300,- Baht. For those, who booked the optional "Elephant Driving License", training and practical exam will take place during the visit of the Elephant Camp. Lunch on board while cruising upriver. Afternoon at leisure on the boat.

Optional: Relax during a one-hour Thai traditional massage. Cost per person: 500,- Baht.

Optional: Enjoy 45 minutes Mon dances performance. Cost per person: 180.- Baht

Breakfast on board. Walk uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave. From the landing a short trail leads to the cave which boasts spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Cruise upriver to Ban Haad Ngiu and continue by coach to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through the stone mountain. Return to the boat for lunch while cruising upriver, passing Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls. The afternoon is at leisure on board. Visit a boarding school nearby the bank of Kwai Noi River built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Sirindhorn for refugee children.

Food offering to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at the nearby temple before breakfast. Depart by coach to visit Vachiralongkorn Dam, an immense lake created from the waters of three rivers harnessed by the hydroelectric dam, which stretches to the far horizon. The thick jungle through which the railway line cut a swathe in recent times has been tamed and the surrounding fertile land now supports agricultural crops - sugar cane, tapioca, tobacco, maize and cotton. The admirable rugged scenery of the lake set against rolling hills on the distant horizon is ample reward for the long journey. Drive back to Thong Pha Phum and visit a local market. Rejoin RV River Kwai at Daowadueng Bridge for lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit Daowadueng Cave, which contains fantastically shaped concretions. Return to the RV River Kwai and cruise downstream on Kwai Noi River.

Breakfast on board. Meet coach at Kaeng Pa Lorm and continue to visit Hin Dad Hot Spring, formerly called Kui Mang. It was accidentally discovered by Japanese soldiers who were supervising the construction of the Death Railway. The natural hot spring features two large pools and private baths. Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of Si Nakharin Dam National Park and considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kanchanaburi province. Return to the RV River Kwai at Kaeng Pa Lorm for lunch on board while cruising downriver to the Floatel Jungle Raft. River rafting or canoeing downstream on the Kwai Noi River. If time allows, visit the nearby the Mon Village.

Optional: Relax during a one hour Thai traditional massage Cost per person: 500 Baht

Optional: Enjoy 45 minutes Mon dances performance. Cost per person: 180 Baht

Breakfast on board. The morning is at leisure while cruising downriver. After lunch, depart by coach to visit Ban Kao National Museum, constructed beside a Neolithic burial ground, where a large number of prehistoric skeletons, potteries, stone tools and ornaments were uncovered and are now exhibited at this museum. Reboard the RV River Kwai to join a Thai Cooking Class: There is no better way to learn Thai cooking than taking a cooking class in Thailand. This basic cooking class – on deck of RV River Kwai - will introduce you to the wonderful world of Thai flavors, focusing on three things: traditional Thai technique, innovative use of ingredients and aesthetic presentation. Spend a few hours learning to prepare a traditional Thai cocktail (Mai Tai), authentic Thai dishes (e.g. Tom Yam Kung or Chicken Green Curry) and a Thai green papaya salad (Som Tam). An experience not to be missed!. Farewell Dinner.

Breakfast on board while cruising downstream to Wat Tham Khaopoon. Continue by coach to Kanchanaburi to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. The sturdy Iron Bridge spanning the River Kwai Yai, which was a crucial part of the Death Railway, was built in some 16 months by Allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts. The bridge was destroyed in Allied bombing raids towards the end of World War II and was later rebuilt by the Japanese as war reparations. Continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, an interactive museum which provides a remarkable research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway. Finally, visit to the Donrak War Cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway”. Rejoin the RV River Kwai at Saphan Mai. Lunch on board while cruising towards Nong Ya dock. 15:00hrs disembark and return to Bangkok by coach. Arrive Bangkok around 18:00hrs and transfer to your hotel in downtown Bangkok.