Amazing Bangkok and 7-day Jungle Cruise on the Kwai River

About your river boat--The delightful boutique-style vessel, the RV River Kwai, was commissioned in 2004 specifically for cruising the narrow and curvy waters of the Kwai River. Featuring modern navigational equipment and an additional pilot boat, it is the only ship able to cruise the Kwai’s 90 degree bends and shallow waters, previously thought to be non-navigable. The intimate ship features just 10 outside-facing, teak enhanced cabins with big picture windows and private bathrooms with showers. With an experienced crew of 10 and a multilingual Cruise Director, the ship provides superb meals served al fresco on the sun deck and a fun, fascinating itinerary that includes elephant and tiger encounters, swimming under waterfalls and sights that were previously unreachable by any other means of transportation.

Day 1: Your exciting journey begins today as you fly from Los Angeles to Thailand, “Land of Smiles.”

Day 2: BANGKOK. Welcome to the capital of Siam! Upon arrival, transfer to your upscale hotel, located in the heart of town. Rest of the day at leisure. ROYAL BENJA HOTEL

BANGKOK

Day 3: BANGKOK. Today we introduce you to this vibrant city. Your morning tour of Bangkok is highlighted by some of the outstanding Buddhist temples (wats) in the capital. Visit Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-ton solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha.” See the White Marble Temple representing the finest example of Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure, with an optional tour of the Royal Palace.(B)

Day 4: BANGKOK. Leisure day. Optional tour out of the city to one of the last remaining authentic “floating markets” at Damnoen, plus a visit to the Rose Garden complex, a Thai village showcasing local arts and history. (B)

RV River Kwai

Day 5: CRUISING. After breakfast, depart by coach toward Kanchanaburi to begin your magnificent “safari” cruise adventure aboard the RV River Kwai. Along the way you will stop at numerous attractions such as Phra Pathom Chedi (the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia), Khao Noi Cave Temple and WWII’s JEATH War Museum. After embarkation and lunch, continue your sightseeing to such places as the “Stone Garden” at Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park. Tonight, enjoy your first romantic dinner by candle light outdoors on the Top Deck! (B,L,D)

Day 6: CRUISING. A.M. visit to Prasat Muang Singh, an historical park with 800 year old Khmer temples reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Embark on a restored 1943 train for a short 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, where you can opt to ride an elephant. Relax the rest of the day aboard the RV River Kwai, where your journey continues up river. (B,L,D)

Day 7: CRUISING. Visit Kaeng Lava Cave to admire the stalactite and stlagmite formations. Drive through Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through a stone mountain and built by the allied prisoners of war. While enjoying lunch on board your ship, pass Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls. Later, visit a local boarding school for underprivileged children. (B,L,D)

Day 8: CRUISING. Offer food this morning to monks at a nearby temple. Depart by coach to visit Vachiralongkorn Dam and an immense lake created from the waters of three rivers. Later, visit local markets and Daowadueng Cave. (B,L,D)

Day 9: CRUISING. A wonderful day to sample the Kwai’s refreshing waters! First up, Hin Dad Hot Springs, featuring mineral springs that are believed to cure many diseases, as well as arthritis. Then, visit Pha Tad Waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Kanchanaburi Province. Later, take time to river raft or canoe downstream, or enjoy an on board massage. (B,L,D)

Day 10: CRUISING. Depart by coach to tour Ban Kao National Museum, containing prehistoric excavations from the area. Then, visit the Indochinese Tiger Conservation Project at Forest Temple, a wide area of natural scenery featuring many kinds of wildlife including deer, gibbon, wild boar, peacock, and tigers, all living in tenuous harmony with local monks. Farewell dinner tonight on board your boat. (B,L,D)

Day 11: CRUISING/TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT. Morning visit to Wat Tham Khaopoon, an impressive temple. Then travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous bridge over the River Kwai, which was a crucial part of the Death Railway, built in 16 months by Allied prisoners of war, as well as Asian conscripts. After paying respects at the Donrak War Cemetery, rejoin the RV River Kwai for a final lunch. In the evening, transfer to Bangkok Airport. (B,L)

Day 12: Your memorable tour to Thailand ends today, when you arrive in Los Angeles shortly before noon.