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KWAI PANDAW
Specs
The RV Kwai Pandaw is an inland water class vessel, with the following
specifications:
Length 120 ft / 36 m
Beam 25 ft / 7.6m
Draft 3ft / 90cm
Air Draft 11.5ft / 3.5m
Tonnage 60 tons
Engines 2 x 200 hp Hino engines with inboard propulsion; propellers
have 4 blades, 3ft diameter
Speed 8 knots cruising
Power 1 x 75kva Caterpillar (recon) genset, 1 x 20 kva port/emergency
genset, shore lines to bases on river.
Cabins 10 deluxe staterooms of 3m x 4m with own shower, water closet,
air-conditioned, mini safes, etc.
Public upper deck is open plan with dining, bar and seating areas
covered by a collapsible frame awning to enable vessel to pass under
low bridges
Water water tanks
Sewage holding tanks to pump out to on shore sceptic facility
Comms Thai GSM cellular, VHF radio, internal phone system, PA system,
tannoy
Safety smoke detectors in all cabins, emergency lighting and generator,
fire extinguishers, pumps and hoses, life jackets for all pax, life
rafts, ship's boats
Navigation ship's horn, searchlights
Amenities fully equipped kitchen, refrigeration units
Crew all Thai nationals: captain, engineer, 1 deck hand, 4 stewards,
guide/manager.
Sailing the River Kwai
Itinerary: Program I - Upstream
Monday
Day 1 Bangkok-Samut Songkhram-Ban Pong (L/D)
07:30 Depart from Bangkok by coach to visit the colorful early morning
scene at Damnoen Saduak's floating market which is the most authentic
experience on the canals crossing the central plain.
10:45 Continue to Samut Songkhram for embarkation.
11:30 Embark RV Kwai Pandaw and cruise along the Mae Klong River.
12:00 Short stop to visit a local boat yard where craftsmen build
the wooden boats used for domestic trade.
12:30 Lunch on board.
15:00 Visit a local pottery workshop in Ratchaburi. The city is
famous for its jars in brown glazed ceramic with dragon and floral
motifs, which are exported throughout the land. Jars of all sizes
piled up along the riverbank awaiting collection on barges are a
typical sight.
16:30 Visit Nang Yai Wat Khanorn situated nearby Photharam. NANG
YAI (the large shadow puppets) was a Royal art played in the court
of The Royal Palace. The Nang (hide) is typically engraved with
high skill by local artists. Wat Khanorn has the most complete collection
of engraved Nang Yai in Thailand featuring such athletic roles as
Hanuman, Indra-Shit and Tossakan.
17:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
(Optional 'after dark' trip to visit the local night market at Ban
Pong)
Tuesday
Day 2 Ban Pong-Mae Klong Dam (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
07:30 Depart upstream via Tha Maka to Ban Tha Rua.
09:00 Visit a glass noodle factory and observe the production processes.
10:00 Proceed by coach to Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang situated 10 km
northeast of Tha Rua. The ancient Buddhist temple houses a sacred
stone and Buddha's footprint. It is believed that the Lord Buddha
had become ill on this spot before his Nirvana (death).
11:00 Return to boat for lunch. Continue cruise upstream to Tha
Muang and the watergate of Mae Klong Dam.
13:30 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. From the top of the monastery observe the beautiful scenery
of Kanchanaburi and its mountainous horizon.
Also visit to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) nearby, built in
the form of Thai cultural art. The great Buddha image and pagoda
placed in the temple are respected by all Buddhists.
Continue to visit Wat Ban Cave (Wat Ban Tham), only 5 km from Tiger
Cave Temple, along the river towards Kanchanaburi. Stairs to the
cave lead into a mouth of a big dragon. There is a stone shaped
like a woman inside the cave. Villagers believe that she is "Ms.
Bua Khlee", one of Khun Phaen's wives in a historical story
of Kanchanaburi.
17:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Wednesday
Day 3 Mae Klong Dam-Kanchanaburi (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:30 Visit 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.
10:30 Continue by boat to JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction
of a prisoner of war (POW) camp with bamboo huts which give an inkling
of the grim living conditions and atrocities endured. On display
are tools, bombs, photographs, original sketches, testimonies, pictorials
and physical memorabilia dating from World War II.
12:00 Lunch on board.
14:00 Visit to Chongkai War Cemetery on the north bank of River
Kwai Noi. This occupies the former site of the Chong Kai Prisoner
of War Camp. The peaceful graveyard in a landscaped riverside setting
is the final resting-place of 1'750 allied prisoners of war.
14:30 Continue by coach to visit Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple
which served as a big camp of World War II. There is a middle cave
containing stalactites and stalagmites and many remarkable Buddha
images. Behind the temple enjoy a marvelous view down the valley
of the River Kwai Noi.
15:30 Proceed by coach to visit Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, located
in Kanchanaburi Agriculture College. It is known as "Stone
Garden" covering 200 rai (96 acres), since most of its area
is scattered with stones of different sizes and shapes, similar
to animals.
17:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Thursday
Day 4 Kanchanaburi-Sai Yok (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:00 Depart by coach to visit Ban Kao National Museum, constructed
beside a Neolithic burial ground. When Dr. Van Heekeren, a Dutch
archaeologist was working as a prisoner of war on the construction
of The Death Railway during World War II, he accidentally found
numerous stone tools in the Ban Kao area. When the war was over,
the archaeological excavations were systematically conducted at
the delta of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers. A large number of
prehistoric skeletons, potteries, stone tools and ornaments were
uncovered and exhibited at this museum.
(Note: the museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Public Holidays)
10:30 Continue by coach to "Prasat Muang Singh", historical
park with Khmer architecture from the late Lopburi period, some
700-800 years ago. The extensive ruins of the temple beside the
River Kwai Noi are a potent reminder of the vast expanse of the
Khmer empire. The border town of Muang Singh, "City of the
Lions", was probably established as a trading post.
11:30 Continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station.
12:01 Take a 3rd class train to Tham Krasae passing over the long
wooden viaduct.
12:14 Arrive at Tham Krasae and visit to Krasae Cave situated on
the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent view point. The cavern
houses a Buddha image.
13:00 Lunch on board.
15:30 Proceed to 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. Extra: Baht 300. - per person)
17:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Friday
Day 5 Sai Yok-Sai Yok Yai (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:00 Walk uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave. From the landing a short
trail leads to the cave which boasts admirable stone draperies and
concretions in large chambers. The stalactites and stalagmites are
a spectacular creation by nature.
12:00 Lunch on board.
14:00 Continue from River Kwai Resotel pier by coach to Hell Fire
Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through the Stone Mountain.
Trails lead to Hin Tok Bridge and Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates
the ordeal of Australian and British POW's who undertook the hazardous
work in precarious conditions at the aptly named pass. The memorial
complex (Hin Lek Fai) is intended to honor the Allied Prisoners
of War and conscripted people from India, Burma, Malaysia and other
countries who died during construction of the railway, as well as
all who suffered as a consequence of the hardships.
16:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Saturday
Day 6 Sai Yok Yai-Ban Hin Dad (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:30 Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of
Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream
called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls
in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River.
11:00 Visit to 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. The mineral in the spring is
believed to cure many diseases, e.g. beriberi (lack of vitamin B),
arthritis, etc.
12:30 Lunch on board.
p.m. Balance of day at leisure
19:00 "Farewell Dinner" and overnight on board.
Sunday
Day 7 Ban Hin Dad-Bangkok (B/L)
07:30 Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style).
08:30 Breakfast on board.
10:00 Disembark and return to Bangkok by coach. On the way back,
stop 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.
13:00 Lunch at Sommai Restaurant.
14:00 Proceed to Bangkok.
18:00 Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel or to Bangkok Airport.
Itinerary:
Program II - Downstream
Monday
Day 1 Bangkok-Thongphaphum-Ban Hin Dad (L/D)
07:30 Depart from Bangkok by coach to visit the colorful early morning
scene at Damnoen Saduak's floating market which is the most authentic
experience on the canals crossing the central plain.
10:45 Continue to Kanchanaburi.
12:00 Lunch at Sommai Restaurant.
13:00 Proceed to Thong Pha Phum and 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.
16:00 Embark on RV Kwai Pandaw and cruise downstream the Kwai Noi
River.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Tuesday
Day 2 Ban Hin Dad-Sai Yok Yai (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:30 Visit to 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. The mineral in the spring is
believed to cure many diseases, e.g. beriberi (lack of vitamin B),
arthritis, etc.
10:30 Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of
Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream
called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls
in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River.
12:30 Lunch on board.
p.m. Balance of day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Wednesday
Day 3 Sai Yok Yai-Sai Yok (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:30 Depart by coach to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway
cut through the Stone Mountain. Trails lead to Hin Tok Bridge and
Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the ordeal of Australian
and British POW's who undertook the hazardous work in precarious
conditions at the aptly named pass. The memorial complex (Hin Lek
Fai) is intended to honor the Allied Prisoners of War and conscripted
people from India, Burma, Malaysia and other countries who died
during construction of the railway, as well as all who suffered
as a consequence of the hardships.
12:30 Lunch on board.
15:30 Walk uphill to visit Kaeng Lava Cave. From the landing a short
trail leads to the cave which boasts admirable stone draperies and
concretions in large chambers. The stalactites and stalagmites are
a spectacular creation by nature.
16:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Thursday
Day 4 Sai Yok-Kanchanaburi (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:00 Proceed to 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. Extra: Baht 300.- per person)
11:30 Lunch on board.
12:30 Continue by bus to Tham Krasae and visit to Krasae Cave situated
on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent view point. The
cavern houses a Buddha image.
13:38 Take a 3rd class train to Tha Kilen Train Station passing
over the long wooden viaduct.
13:50 Arrive Tha Kilen and continue by coach to "Prasat Muang
Singh", historical park with Khmer architecture from the late
Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago. The extensive ruins of the
temple beside the River Kwai Noi are a potent reminder of the vast
expanse of the Khmer empire. The border town of Muang Singh, "City
of the Lions", was probably established as a trading post.
16:00 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Friday
Day 5 Kanchanaburi-Mae Klong Dam (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
08:30 Proceed by coach to visit Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, located
in Kanchanaburi Agriculture College. It is known as "Stone
Garden" covering 200 rai (96 acres), since most of its area
is scattered with stones of different sizes and shapes, similar
to animals.
09:30 Visit to Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple which served
as a big camp of World War II. There is a middle cave containing
stalactites and stalagmites and many remarkable Buddha images. Behind
the temple enjoy a marvelous view down the valley of the River Kwai
Noi.
10:30 Continue visit to Chongkai War Cemetery on the north bank
of River Kwai Noi. This occupies the former site of the Chong Kai
Prisoner of War Camp. The peaceful graveyard in a landscaped riverside
setting is the final resting-place of 1'750 Allied prisoners of
war.
12:30 Lunch on board.
14:00 Continue 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.
15:30 Visit to JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of a prisoner
of war (POW) camp with bamboo huts which give an inkling of the
grim living conditions and atrocities endured. On display are tools,
bombs, photographs, original sketches, testimonies, pictorials and
physical memorabilia dating from World War II.
16:30 Return to boat for dinner and overnight.
Saturday
Day 6 Mae Klong Dam-Ban Pong (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board.
09:30 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. From the top of the monastery observe the beautiful scenery
of Kanchanaburi and its mountainous horizon.
Also visit to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) nearby, built in
the form of Thai cultural art. The great Buddha image and pagoda
placed in the temple are respected by all Buddhists.
Continue to visit Wat Ban Cave (Wat Ban Tham), only 5 km from Tiger
Cave Temple, along the river towards Kanchanaburi. Stairs to the
cave lead into a mouth of a big dragon. There is a stone shaped
like a woman inside the cave. Villagers believe that she is "Ms.
Bua Khlee", one of Khun Phaen's wives in a historical story
of Kanchanaburi.
11:30 Return to boat for lunch. Continue cruise downstream via Tha
Muang to Ban Tha Rua and the watergate of Mae Klong Dam.
14:30 Visit a glass noodle factory and observe the production processes.
15:30 Proceed by coach to Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang situated 10 km
northeast of Tha Rua. The ancient Buddhist temple houses a sacred
stone and Buddha's footprint. It is believed that the Lord Buddha
had become ill on this site before his Nirvana (death).
17:00 Return to boat for "Farewell Dinner" and overnight.
(Optional 'after dark' trip to visit the local night market at Ban
Pong)
Sunday
Day 7 Ban Pong-Samut Songkhram-Bangkok (B/L)
07:30 Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style).
08:30 Breakfast on board.
09:30 Visit Nang Yai Wat Khanorn situated nearby Photharam. NANG
YAI (the large shadow puppets) was a Royal art played in the court
of The Royal Palace. The Nang (hide) is typically engraved with
high skill by local artists. Wat Khanorn has the most complete collection
of engraved Nang Yai in Thailand featuring of such athletic roles
as Hanuman, Indra-Shit and Tossakan.
11:00 Visit a local pottery workshop in Ratchaburi. The city is
famous for its jars in brown glazed ceramic with dragon and floral
motifs, which are exported throughout the land. Jars of all sizes
piled up along the river bank awaiting collection on barges are
a typical sight.
12:30 Lunch on board.
15:30 Short stop to visit a local boat yard where craftsmen build
the wooden boats used for domestic trade.
16:30 Disembark and return to Bangkok by coach.
18:30 Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel or to Bangkok Airport.
Retail Price
(p.p.) 1 November - 31 March: Twin Cabin USD945 * Twin cabin
single use USD1.270
1 April - 31 October: Twin Cabin USD745 * Twin Cabin Single Use
USD970
Price includes: Transfers to and from Kwai Pandaw at start and finish
of cruise, tours with English, French, or German speaking local
guide (together with other cruise members), Accommodation, main
meals, coffee & tea, mineral water on Kwai Pandaw. Sightseeing
by original local transport with English-speaking guide. Entrance
fees.
Price excludes: Optional tours. Expenditures of a personal nature
for bar and laundry Gratuity to crew.
For currency
conversions, click here: XE.com
Personal Currency Assistant
RIVER STOPS
Samut Songkhram
is an attractive fishing port at the mouth of the Kwai, we explore
the back waters and klongs visiting floating markets.
Ratchaburi
we visit a local boat yard near Ratchaburi where craftsmen build
the long wooden boats used for rowing competitions all over Thailand.
We also visit a local pottery workshop.
Ban Pong
we stop to see a glass noodle factory and observe the production
process. Khao Noi Cave Temple -has Chinese-style decoration and
from the summit monastery there is a great view of the lake and
towards Kanchanaburi. We then visit the Tiger Cave Temple where
there is a great Buddha image and pagoda.
Baan Nong Khao
is a small village where the villagers still preserve their original
culture including traditional Thai houses, stacks of rice straws,
and Thai basic customs. Kanchanabur - with its world-famous 'Bridge
over the River Kwai', part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied
POWs. We visit the JEATH museum, a realistic depiction of a prisoner
of war camp containing photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia
from World War II. We pay homage at the Chung Khai Allied War Cemetery,
resting-place for over 6,000 Allied POWs.
Ban Kao National
Museum
houses an important collection of pre-historic artefacts from this
region.
Prasat Muang
Singh
is a 9th century temple complex built during the Khmer Empire. In
fact this is the westernmost Khmer site in South-East Asia. Built
of laterite, it is well preserved and in a picturesque riverside
setting.
Sai Yok Yai
we cruise past the lovely waterfalls and go ashore to explore the
Kaeng Lava Cave with its fascinating stone formations. Visit to
the Hell Fire Pass Memorial to the Death Railway and stroll along
the historic railway tracks.
Daowadung
visit to local temple. Here we are deep in the wild upper Kwai jungle
with profuse bird life and exotic flora
Khao Laem Dam
stopping at the local market, we then take a longtail boat trip
on the lake, deep in the mountains that straddle the Burma border.
Conditions
of Carriage
1 though every
effort will be made to ensure that the published itinerary is followed
as closely as possible, given uncertain river and other local conditions,
all schedules and itineraries may be subject to alterations and
delays at short notice.
2 the ship's
purser and captain are jointly responsible for passengers' comfort
and safety. Passengers must accept their decisions and instructions.
3 whilst our
crew do everything in their power to facilitate landings, access
to the ship at certain river stations can be difficult, with steep
and sometimes slippery river banks. Elderly clients should consult
their doctor to ensure that they are fit for travel. Wheel chairs
are not allowed.
4 in the case
of water levels being too high or low or defects to the vessel beyond
the control of the shipping line an alternative itinerary will be
offered to passengers after consultation between the ship's captain
and IFC management, subject to accommodation and meals being maintained
on board the vessel unless by prior agreement with the Charterer.
5 should it
prove difficult to embark or disembark passengers at the scheduled
points IFC are not liable to bear any extra cost of transporting
passengers to and from the revised point of embarkation or disembarkation
unless passengers or their agents have purchased a complete package
tour which includes land services from us. Any reason for changing
the points of embarkation or disembarkation can not count as a reason
for cancelling this contract.
6 clients should
seek advice from their doctor regarding relevant inoculations and
prophylactics for travel in Myanmar or Thailand.
7 clients must
be fully insured to cover any risk of medical repatriation and the
Irrawaddy Flotilla Company is in no way responsible for such liabilities.
8 once a booking
has been received through a sales agent or directly from the passenger
a contract exists between the Company and the client and these terms
and conditions must be adhered to by both parties.
9 unless otherwise
agreed agents are responsible for the transfer of their clients
to and from the ship on time and in the event of a late arrival
the ship is not obliged to delay departure thereby upsetting tight
schedules.
10 the company
accept no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to passenger's
property whilst on board a company vessel.
11 during the
river stops on 'Between Pagan and Mandalay" the company provide
an escorted service but not necessarily a guide service. If passengers
wish to bring their own state-licensed guide then guide accommodation
in the crew quarters may be offered subject to availability at a
special rate.
12 the company
reserve the right to refuse to allow anyone on board if a ticket
can not be produced and the company can not guarantee the exact
allocation of cabins and deck location which may in the event of
extenuating circumstances differ from the cabin number indicated
on the ticket.
13 within the
ticket price fuel costs have been calculated on average prices as
of the publication of this document. Should fuel prices rise by
more than 10% IFC will be entitled to impose a fuel supplement equivalent
to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed
for in the contract.
14 it is not
permitted to allow any breed of animal on board.
15 infants below
the age of 4 years may sleep in their parent's cabin without extra
charge but the IFC can not guarantee the availability of a cot.
Children of 4 years and + must solely occupy a berth and pay full
rate
16 in the event
of a dispute the law of the country in which the vessel is operating
will apply.
17 the company
reserves the right to change the vessel without notice.
18 payment
terms and cancellation policy is printed on an invoice issued for
each booking whether for an individual or for a group. Clients and
their agents must abide these terms and the company reserve the
right to either cancel an existing reservation or to refuse passage
in the event that these terms have not been adhered to.
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