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The Kwai River -
Cruise
Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse
countries in South-East Asia. The River Kwai, despite its proximity
to Bangkok, is quite unspoilt with magnificent scenery, rich flora
and bird life. It is the most picturesque of rivers, the scene and
mood constantly changing.
Indeed, it was something of a surprise to us to discover such an eco
paradise in so developed a country as Thailand and only three to
four hours from the modern capital Bangkok. There are two river
Kwais: the Kwai Noi, which we explore, and the Kwai Yai. Both rivers
flow down from great lakes in the mountainous Burma border region.
The two Kwais join in a confluence at the attractive town
Kanchanaburi. They then form the Mae Khlong River that flows into
the Gulf of Thailand at the bustling, colourful fishing port of
Samut Songkhram. Going upstream, our river journey begins at the
town of Kanchanaburi, 124 KM west of Bangkok, famous for its main
attraction, the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Some
of the bridges crossing the Kwai Noi River are only 4 meters high
making the further passage of ships impossible. Hence the absence of
any fixed superstructure on the RV River Kwai.
Above
the lake one crosses the confluence at Kanchanaburi, famed for the
Bridge immortalised in Alec Guiness's film. Despite its associations
with the Death Railway, Kanchanaburi is now a typical Thai town,
lively and cheerful, with many flower gardens. This area is a centre
of pilgrimage for war veterans from all the countries involved in
the Death Railway, including Japan. A must visit includes the newly
opened Thailand-Burma Railway Center next to the Main Cemetary.
Entering the Kwai Noi itself the scenery changes dramatically as the
jungle closes in and the mountains rise about. The further up we go
the narrower the river becomes, with dramatic gorges, deep pools and
soaring rapids. Waterfalls cascade down into the river from crags
above. Orchids and other flora trail from overhangs. The river
journey becomes sensational.
Daowadung is as far as we can penetrate safely and from here we can
continue by expedition vehicle to visit the lake above and the
surrounding national park area. In this area the predominant ethnic
group are the Mons, whose people may be found in both Burma and
Thailand. We arrange for a Mon dance troupe to perform in the
evening.
Though seemingly a remote, lost paradise, there are a number of
sporting attractions to the Kwai valley. For example there are
several well designed golf resorts so it will be possible to arrange
a 'golf cruise' playing each day on a separate course. The river is
a popular rafting and kayaking destination and well known amongst
fishermen and photographers. The RV River Kwai can be chartered for
such special interest groups..
The RV Kwai Boat
The
RV River Kwai, the first inland cruise ship in Thailand, is a newly
built colonial style river cruiser based on designs used by the
original Irrawaddy Flotilla which was founded in Burma in 1865 and
by the 1920s was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the
world.
The RV River Kwai
carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 teakwood cabins (single
deck) and operates on a 4 days/3 nights year round program every
Monday-Thursday and Thursday-Sunday on alternating Upstream and
Downstream programs.
The
RV River Kwai opens up an entirely new area for river tourism in
Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok. Every morning and afternoon
land excursions are offered to visit attractions along the river
including temples, historic sites, Khmer ruins, waterfalls, war
cemeteries, hot springs, the bridge on the River Kwai, and local
attractions, etc.
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RV River Kwai Cruise up 3 days/ 2 nights
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RV River Kwai Cruise down 3 days/ 2 nights
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RV River Kwai Cruise 7 days/ 6 nights |
