Kwai Pandaw river cruise

RV KWAI PANDAW

The River Kwai

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 and 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 of Kanchanaburi. They then form the Mae Nam 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 sea port of Samut Songkhram where we pass through a labrinth of canals called klongs that buzz with water life. Then we traverse the rich agricultural plain around Ratchanaburi and from here the backdrop of the mountains emerges. The Mae Nam is deep here but meanders slowly through the villages and small towns of this prosperous area. Along the cosat are salt flats and inland we see sugar cane plantation.

The hills begin with the Tha Maung Lake where we pass through our one and only lock. Curiously, this lock is designed to take very large vessels, but at the upstream end of the lake is a modern low bridge of only 4meters high making the further passage of ships impossible. Hence the absence of any fixed superstructure on the Kwai Pandaw. 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.

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 on deck. 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.
The Kwai Pandaw can be chartered for such special interest groups

RV Kwai Pandaw

The first inland cruise ship in Thailand, the Kwai Pandaw will explore deep into the forests and jungles of this mountainous region maintaining our tradition of 'Pandaw Cruising' in great comfort and some style.
The RV Kwai Pandaw is part of the Pandaw Cruising Group established by the revived Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in Burma in 1995.
The Kwai Pandaw is a modified design, with only 10 state rooms considerably smaller than her sister ships. The reason for this is the nature of the Kwai River which, with tight bends, variable water levels, pools and gorges and low bridges, would be impossible to navigate on a larger ship. In fact the Kwai Pandaw design is taken from the old IFC "K" class used on the Upper Chindwin in Burma where conditions are not dissimilar. As with the other Pandaw, this ship will be finished in teak and brass. All the 10 cabins open onto promenade decks with sliding 'French windows' and insect proof louvre shutters. The bar and dining area are integrated into an open plan Upper Deck covered by an awning with comfortable rattan furnishings and our famed steamer chairs. Classically decorated, one could not find a more comfortable and elegant way of exploring this lost river. We pride ourselves on a very high level of personal service and offer fine dining with a blend of Asian and European cuisines. The atmosphere on board a Pandaw is always relaxed and convivial.

The RV Kwai Pandaw opens up an entirely new area for river tourism in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces west of Bangkok. Every morning and afternoon land excursions are offered to visit attractions along the river including local markets, boat-builders, temples, historic sites, Khmer ruins, waterfalls, war cemeteries, hot springs, the bridge on the River Kwai, local attractions, etc.
The River Kwai Pandaw is also available for special Golf Charter Cruises on request.

Click here for full details of this 7 day tour either upstream or downstream.