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Destination
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Trip duration
4 days, 3 nights
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Price
From 1110 $
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Availability period
1 Nov. 2023 - 31 Dec. 2024
The RV River Kwai is Thailand’s first five-star inland cruise ship, opening up a new era for river tourism in Kanchanaburi province as it enables travel to previously inaccessible sights. Guests enjoy exceptional luxury such as à la carte meals served al fresco on the sun deck. Inspirational tours take in prime riverside attractions such as the Bridge on the River Kwai. The ornate RV River Kwai carries up to 20 passengers across 10 teakwood cabins with full facilities. The cruises operate on a year-round programme, alternating upstream and downstream. See Kanchanaburi province from a totally different perspective on this splendid ship.
Day 1
Program I – Upstream Day 1 | Bangkok – Ban Kao
The journey is sometimes as important as the destination and this is true on today’s adventure as we visit a wealth of fascinating attractions. We leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, via Nakorn Pathom and stop at this location to view the tallest stupa in Thailand at Phra Pathom Chedi. The structure measures 127 metres in height and its creation inspired the development of the town. Next is the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi). This monastery sits on a hill and features Chinese architecture and cultural art, as well as splendid views of the mountainous horizon from an exterior viewpoint. We also make a stop at the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural art. On arrival in Kanchanaburi we visit the JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of a prisoner of war camp with bamboo huts which give an insight into the grim living conditions and atrocities endured by detainees who were forced to build the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We then board the RV River Kwai at Nong Ya Dock with lunch and dinner on board and the afternoon at leisure.
Food
-/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 2
Program I – Upstream Day 2 | Ban Kao – Sai Yok
Our relaxing river cruise continues upstream on the Kwai Noi River to Muang Singh. After breakfast we step ashore and visit a boarding school for refugee children built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. We then explore Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park containing Khmer architecture dating back 800 years. This site marked the Western border of the Khmer Empire in what is now Thailand and it serves as a potent reminder of the enormity of the Khmer domain. Muang Singh, the ‘city of the lions,’ was probably established as a trading post in this era. We then continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station, a site which holds significant relevance in the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We take a third class train to Saphan Tham Krasae and pass over the famed 300 metres-long trestle bridge that clings to the cliff side. On arrival, we proceed to the riverside Krasae Cave which houses a venerable Buddha image. We then continue by coach to Sai Yok village located on the river bank. Lunch and dinner are on board and the afternoon is at leisure.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 3
Program I – Upstream Day 3 | Sai Yok – Ban Hin Dad
Our final day of cruising takes in more amazing natural and man-made attractions. After breakfast we take a short stroll uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave, the area’s deepest cave at 500 metres in length. Inside are stalactites and stalagmites and mystical stone draperies and hidden chambers. We then continue by coach to Hellfire Pass, a notorious section of the ‘Death Railway’ that cuts through a towering stone mountain. We follow a trail that leads to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the horrors endured by the prisoners of war (POW) who built the railway under Japanese enslavement. The memorial complex, Hin Lek Fai, stands in honour of these Allied soldiers and conscripted labour from Burma, India, Malaysia and Thailand who died during the railway’s construction. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sai Yok National Park and take in the gushing Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls. The afternoon is at leisure on board, ahead of a farewell dinner.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 4
Program I – Upstream Day 4 | Ban Hin Dad - Bangkok
We start the day in traditional Buddhist style ‘making merit’ by offering food to monks at a nearby temple in return for a blessing and then return to the boat for breakfast. We then jump onshore again and head to Kanchanaburi to visit Wat Tham Khao Poon, an amazing subterranean world with nine caverns full of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The exterior of the temple has a marvellous viewpoint of the Kwai Noi River valley. We then visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, a facility that provides a detailed insight into the 415-km Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ built by enslaved Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts during World War Two. We then visit Don Rak War Cemetery where 6,982 Allied POWs who died building the railway are buried. We continue to the famed Bridge over the River Kwai, which inspired the war era film of the same name. We enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant overlooking the bridge and then head to Bangkok and transfer to respective hotels.
Food
B/L/-
Day 5
Program II - Downstream Day 1 | Bangkok – Ban Hin Dad
The journey is sometimes as important as the destination and this is true on today’s adventure as we visit a wealth of fascinating attractions en route. We leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, via Nakorn Pathom and stop at this location to view the tallest stupa in Thailand at Phra Pathom Chedi. The structure measures 127 metres in height and its creation inspired the development of the town. Next is the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi). This monastery sits on a hill and features Chinese architecture and cultural art, as well as splendid views of the mountainous horizon. We also make a stop at the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural art. After lunch at a renowned Thai restaurant, we proceed to Hellfire Pass, a notorious section of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ that cuts through a towering stone mountain. We follow a trail that leads to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts forced to build the railway by Japanese forces. We then board the RV River Kwai, and the afternoon at leisure with dinner on board.
Food
-/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 6
Program II - Downstream Day 2 | Ban Hin Dad – Sai Yok
Our relaxing river cruise continues downstream on the Kwai Noi River. After breakfast on board we visit a boarding school for refugee children built under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. We then drive to Hin Dad Hot Springs. The natural hot springs, with two large pools and private baths, were discovered by Japanese soldiers supervising the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ The minerals in the spring are believed to cure numerous ailments. We then visit stunning Pha Tad Waterfall in the west of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. This water feature originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang that flows into the Kwai Noi River. We reboard our vessel at Kaeng Pa Lorm and enjoy lunch ahead of some river rafting or canoeing. If time permits we will visit a nearby indigenous Mon village before returning to the RV River Kwai for dinner.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 7
Program II - Downstream Day 3 | Sai Yok – Ban Kao
Our downstream cruise continues along the idyllic riverscape of Kanchanaburi province. After breakfast on board we make a short stop at Sai Yok village. We enjoy lunch on board as we navigate the lush and mountainous landscape. We then board a coach and head to the riverside Krasae Cave which houses a venerable Buddha image and an excellent exterior viewpoint of the rolling hills. Next is Tha Kilen Train Station, a site which holds special significance in the construction of the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ We take a third class train to Saphan Tham Krasae and pass over the famed 300 metres long trestle bridge that clings to the cliff side. After arrival, we explore Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park containing Khmer architecture dating back 800 years. This site marked the Western border of the Khmer Empire in what is now Thailand and it serves as a potent reminder of the enormity of the Khmer domain. We renew our journey along the Kwai Noi River, with the afternoon at leisure and a farewell dinner in the evening.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Overnight On Board
Day 8
Program II - Downstream Day 4 | Ban Kao - Bangkok
Today’s adventure starts with exploration of an amazing cave temple. After breakfast we visit Wat Tham Khao Poon, an astonishing subterranean world with nine caverns full of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The exterior viewpoint has a marvellous view of the Kwai Noi River valley. We continue by coach to Kanchanaburi to visit the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai that was immortalised in the World War Two movie of the same name. This sturdy iron bridge was a crucial part of the ‘Death Railway,’ and it took enslaved Allied POWs and Asian conscripts 16 months to build. After this historical experience we continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, an interactive facility that provides a remarkable insight into the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway.’ Finally, we visit the Donrak War Cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who died during the construction of the rail link. We then reboard the RV River Kwai with lunch served as we cruise towards Nong Ya Dock. On arrival, we return to Bangkok by coach and transfer to respective hotels.
Food
B/L/-
Create the experience of your dream with our travel experts
Make your own trailIncluded
- Accommodation on RV River Kwai, meals as mentioned above, coffee, tea & drinking water
- Transfers and sightseeing tours with English speaking local guide (together with other cruise members) (other language i.e., German or French speaking guide inquiry will be subject to such language availability)
- Entrance fees.
Not Included
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD 1.15 per person per day
- Optional tours
- Expenditures of a personal nature for bar and laundry
- Gratuity to crew
Payment and Cancellations
- 20% deposit is required upon confirmation of any bookings, refundable up to 61 days before departure and non-refundable for charters
- Final balances must be paid 31 days before departure or the booking may be cancelled and the deposit forfeited
- Cancellation Terms:
• More than 60 days prior to departure: NO cancellation fee
• Between 60 and 31 days prior to departure: 20% of contract rate
• Between 30 and 21 days prior to departure: 50% of contract rate
• 20 days to departure day and no show: 100% of contract rate - Charter Payment Terms:
• 30% non-refundable deposit is required upon confirmation of charter booking
• 30% (second) non-refundable payment by 120 days prior to departure
• Balance 60 days prior to departure
• Cancellation Term - All payments made are forfeited if clients cancel at any date prior to departure
You are booking
4 Days RV River Kwai Cruise
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Destination
-
Trip duration
4 days, 3 nights
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Price
From 1110 $
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Availability period
1 Nov. 2023 - 31 Dec. 2024
About your trip
RESERVATIONS
All tours and services can be booked directly with our office in China
A TRAILS CHINA / DAOCHENG
Beijing Office
Suite 810, SunFlower Tower
#37 Maizidian Street Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100022, P.R. China
Tel: (86-10) 6515 9259
Fax: (86-10) 6515 9293
Email: info@atrails.cn
CONFIRMATIONS
All reservations are confirmed by return with the up-dated booking status within 2 working days. Due to occasional delays in communication with more remote destinations, it may take a few days longer to get confirmation.
RATES AND AVAILABILITY
All rates are quoted in RMB and are subject to change without prior notice. Inclusions and exclusions in the tour packages are indicated at the end of each itinerary. Commonly our package tour rates include accommodation, transfers, certain meals, and other tour related services. Domestic or international airfares are included where mentioned. Our tour itineraries do not include visa fees and expenses of a personal nature. The validity of our rates is November 01, 2018, until October 31, 2019, unless otherwise specified.
SERVICES
Local English speaking guides are accompanying tours and transfers in each destination. German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian and Chinese speaking guides are available on request in major cities and subject to confirmation.
DELIVERY FEES
A delivery fee will be charged according to the distance traveled, if any train tickets are required to be delivered to clients’ hotel.
PAYMENT
Full pre-payment by bank transfer is required 30 days before the commencement of services.
Our bank account details are:
Bank Name: Bank of China Beijing JianGuoMen Wai Sub-Branch
开 户 行：中国银行北京建国门外支行
Account Name：ATC TRAVEL SERVICES (BEIJING) LTD.
账 户 名：北京道成国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.：3259 6908 9747
账 号：3259 6908 9747
Swiftcode : BKCH CN BJ 110
For itineraries operated outside China
Account Name：BEIJING GLORY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE CO, LTD.
账 户 名：北京千乘假期国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.：3211 6010 0100 1577 67
账号：3211 6010 0100 1577 67
Bank Name: Industrial Bank Co., Ltd Sanyuanqiao Sub-Branch
开 户 行：兴业银行三元桥支行
CHILD POLICY
For children aged between 2 and 11 years following rates will apply:
- Child in shared adults’ room with extra bed will pay 80% of the total package price
A maximum of two children per party is granted such a discount. Besides this general policy, specific conditions may apply case by case.
CANCELLATIONS
For cancellation of confirmed reservations, following general cancellation charges apply :
- Between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival : 20% of the total amount
- Between 15 and 7 days prior to arrival : 50% of the total amount
- Less than 7 days prior to arrival : 100% of the total amount.
Special conditions apply for cruises, beach resorts as well as for some of the boutique and landmark hotels. Expeditions and specific products may have different conditions.
Domestic and international air tickets are non-refundable once issued. You are obliged to pay full airfare (inclusive of any tax and fuel surcharge) of any cancelled tickets based on the contract rate.
PROGRAM CHANGES
We reserve the right to re-arrange the order of any tour program, to cancel or substitute elements of any tour itinerary without notice, when local conditions require such changes. All itineraries depending on domestic flight confirmations are subject to changes.
Any increase in taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the authorities will be advised as soon as we are informed of them, and they will be added to the invoice.
Flight and train details mentioned in our itineraries are for indicative purposes only.
CONFIDENTIALITY
This agreement, its contents and all related documentation sent over to the customer/tour operator are strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any third parties.
COMPLAINTS AND IRREGULARITIES
We consider complaints as valuable feedback to improve service delivery levels. We request that service delivery failures or customer concerns, be reported during the customer’s stay, to one of our representatives. It is the aim of the company to solve any irregularity on the spot. The company reserves the right to refuse to take action on perceived irregularities submitted to the company 14 days after the customer returns back home.
FORCE MAJEURE
During the term of this agreement, neither party shall be in default of its obligations to the extent that its performance is delayed or prevented by causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, bankruptcy of a vendor, strikes and other labor disturbances, acts of war, or civil disturbances, or other equivalent or comparable events.
INDEMNITY
The client agrees to indemnify and to save A Trails – Daocheng from harm and against all damage or injury (including death) to property or person(s) resulting from intentional or negligent acts or omissions from their respective officers, employees, agents, contractor or subcontractor in connection with the performance of this agreement.
LEGAL NOTE
This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China (and/or applicable in relation to the country it is legally represented) for the time being in force and the parties agree to submit any dispute arising between the parties under this agreement to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the respectable Arbitration Institute, Office of the Judiciary applicable at the time of submission of the dispute to arbitration and the conduct of the arbitration thereof shall be under the auspices of the specific Arbitration Institute accordingly.
IMAGES
Images displayed on the website have a promotional intent only and are not necessarily reflecting the actual destinations and service conditions. These may belong to ATrails staff, customers, photographers we are collaborating with or retrieved from websites such as Pexel, Pixabay, Unsplash or Originoo. While trying to be the most accurate as possible, is agreed that those images do not necessarily depict the actual services promoted.
LIABILITY
We act as an intermediary between the concerned airlines, hotels, all transport operators and local tourist offices providing the services. The Company is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by the tourists, including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accidents, natural and disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Programs and prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of printing and are therefore subject to change without advance notice before or during the tour. Acknowledgment and confirmation of the above-mentioned conditions is active, once clients participate in one of the provided services via us. The itinerary of the excursion, package and/or tour cannot be altered or changed without prior permission from us. We cannot be held liable if you amend the excursion and its content in your brochures or give wrong descriptions to clients that are travelling.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING AUTONOMOUS REGIONS IN CHINA
The Company is not responsible for any last-minute closure of specific regions or tourism sites caused by decisions taken by local or national authorities to restrict access hereto. We will provide alternative itineraries where necessary and reduce cancellation fees to a minimum, however, such imposed closures are beyond our control and constitute a case of force majeure.
The areas concerned include but are not restricted to : The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, minority regions in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Travel breaks down borders and brings people together: The nearly 900 million people who travel every year make the sector one of the biggest in the world, a major employer and a key element in the global economy. But this has its downside, too: increasing pollutant emissions from the tourist traffic, loss of coastlines and other landscapes through excessive building development and sexual exploitation of children are just some of the negative consequences of the growth in global tourist travel. In order to minimize the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones, our Corporate Responsibility Strategy focuses on four prime issues:
- We increase efforts to ensure that children and adolescents in tourist areas are protected against sexual exploitation, one of the worst forms of abuse of young people today.
- We promote fair working conditions and sensibly service provider partners to social and environmental concerns.
- The supply and saving of clean water is a further key issue.
- We develop our own projects to meet the growing threat posed by climate change. Indeed, helping counter the adverse effects of global warming is one of the biggest challenges faced by the world tourist.