River Kwai Floatel?
Aug 18th, 2005, 01:50 AM
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River Kwai Floatel?
Has anyone ever stayed at the River Kwai Floatel? As the possible plans for my Southeast Asia trip in December shift around, I am wondering if a 2 -night/3-day excursion from here to Bangkok would be worthwhile. I had been hoping to go to the Golden Triangle, but the Anantara's cheapest rooms are booked during the days I want, so I may save that for another trip.
The same people who run the River Kwai Floatel also run the Tropicana in Koh Chang. Has anyone stayed there?
Thanks in advance. This website is amazing!
The same people who run the River Kwai Floatel also run the Tropicana in Koh Chang. Has anyone stayed there?
Thanks in advance. This website is amazing!
Aug 18th, 2005, 02:02 AM
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I just heard from a friend who lives in Thailand who says that River Kwai area is not so special. He suggested I veer towards Luang Prabang. I am still quite curious about the Tropicana on Koh Chang as I am thinking of visiting that island. Thanks again. Jeffrey
Aug 18th, 2005, 04:20 AM
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I honestly don't think you can in nay ways compare River Kwai with Luang Prabang as Luang Prabang ( in Laos ) is a site of mainly historical interest for the classic ruins.
River kwai has no such ruins and is a different place altogether.
Many visitors from UK/Oz/NZ/Japan go there for the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai and other WWII sites, also the museums from the WWII period plus the mass war graves.
Apart from these sites it is an area of what I guess you would term jungle adventure, the river, river rafts, river kayaking, elephant rides, hot springs etc, so utterly different from Luang Prabang in every sense.
Considoring that Kanchanaburi and River Kwai is just a couple of hours from Bangkok by taxi/bus a bit longer by train it is a popular place for day trips and a couple of days close to Bangkok for adventure sports, river scenary etc.
OP, don't know the Floatotel, River Kwai Jungle rafts are an option, I think owned by same people,, Felix River Kwai if you want standard hotel type place.
http://www.riverkwaifloatel.com/index_j_tour.htm
This site shows what to expect of the area:
http://www.jumboriverkwai.com/
River kwai has no such ruins and is a different place altogether.
Many visitors from UK/Oz/NZ/Japan go there for the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai and other WWII sites, also the museums from the WWII period plus the mass war graves.
Apart from these sites it is an area of what I guess you would term jungle adventure, the river, river rafts, river kayaking, elephant rides, hot springs etc, so utterly different from Luang Prabang in every sense.
Considoring that Kanchanaburi and River Kwai is just a couple of hours from Bangkok by taxi/bus a bit longer by train it is a popular place for day trips and a couple of days close to Bangkok for adventure sports, river scenary etc.
OP, don't know the Floatotel, River Kwai Jungle rafts are an option, I think owned by same people,, Felix River Kwai if you want standard hotel type place.
http://www.riverkwaifloatel.com/index_j_tour.htm
This site shows what to expect of the area:
http://www.jumboriverkwai.com/
Aug 18th, 2005, 06:10 AM
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i personally found the river kwai area sort of boring unless you have interest in the bridge, cemetery or railway...it is ok, but it is a long way to go for not too much...and to allow that number of days is a waste...some like to go there for a combo vacation with relaxation at a river hotel well then that may be decent but it holds no future interest for me...
i have eaten several times at the tropicana in KC...it is very good...i have had two conversations with the mgr there and he was very nice ....
i have eaten several times at the tropicana in KC...it is very good...i have had two conversations with the mgr there and he was very nice ....
Aug 23rd, 2005, 10:25 AM
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River kwai area is nice for three days or so. As well as the bridge and other war related things, the Erwan waterfall is well worth a visit.There are seven waterfalls although I did not make it passed the third one! Very beautiful, monkeys playing around, you can swim in the pools at the base of the falls etc. The Tiger temple was worth visiting too. Did not like Kanchanaburi that much. We stayed at the Felix resort which was right beside the bridge and on the river. It was a very pleasant hotel.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 03:06 PM
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Luang Prabang is very different - let me give some quick info you you got lots of comments of teh River Kwai.
Luang Prabang is the old cultural capital of Laos. Located at the confleunce of two rivers, it is full of working wats (not ruins like Angkor Wat) and old French colonial architecture. It's very slow moving and quiet. It's a great walking town, but might not be the best choice after knee replacement surgery.
Do a search here, there have been lots of reports on Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang is the old cultural capital of Laos. Located at the confleunce of two rivers, it is full of working wats (not ruins like Angkor Wat) and old French colonial architecture. It's very slow moving and quiet. It's a great walking town, but might not be the best choice after knee replacement surgery.
Do a search here, there have been lots of reports on Luang Prabang.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 03:58 PM
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I don't know if it is the same place but we stayed at a nice, basic place on an island in Kanchanaburi, could only be accessed by boat. Quite enjoyed it. Went to the Felix for a meal while we were there and thought it was ok but had little ambience. I thought 1 night in Kanchanaburi was sufficient. For a 2 night convenient excursion you could also consider Hua Hin which has some great hotels.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 04:26 PM
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I don't know the Tropicana, I don't know if Bob saw it when he was there or anyone else, if you want some more photos ( and it certainly looks great ):
http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/tha...cana/pictures/
http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/tha...cana/pictures/
Aug 23rd, 2005, 05:58 PM
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tropicana was built last year...it is directly next to the barali where i stayed....the food there is very good...i think the rooms are decent...the pool is nice and the beach is nice...personally if i returned i think i would choose the brand new amari emerald cove...lots more money but much nicer in every way and fabulous food...good beach, wonderful pool and very large plot of land...
Aug 25th, 2005, 11:46 PM
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I disagree that the River Kwai area is not so special. I found the entire stay very moving!
My husband and I stayed at The River Kwai Jungle Rafts last December and loved it. It is run by River Kwae Floetel Co Ltd.
We booked an independent tour with Intrepid, River Kwai Elephant and Rafting Adventure. On our way we stopped in Kanchanaburi and visited the WW2 museum and allied war cemetery. The museum is run by a fascinating english guy who gave us a really enlightening talk about the second World War. Take time to walk around and see the names and ages of some of your countrymen who fell.
We paid extra and went on an optional long tail boat ride past the King's summer palace to the Bridge on the River Kwai. I thought this was worth the money (it wasn't much).
Went by bus and longtail boat to the River Kwai Rafts - these are fabulous if you really want to get away and relax!
See:www.junglerafts.com
A village of burmese refugees is established behind the rafts and they work at the hotel. We went for a picturesque elephant ride (these elephants are very well cared for)and instead of rafting down river opted for canoeing. We were escorted to the Hellfire Pass museum and rail cutting by Aye, from the Rafts. He is very knowledgable and a great source of information and local gossip. The Hellfire Pass Museum has wonderful views across the Kwai Noi valley and is an extremely moving place to experience.
Each night the young people from the village put on a performance of their traditional dances accompanied by traditional instruments.
We also experienced a very relaxing massage by the girls.
One thing that is obvious but surprising at the same time is the noise of the river - it's really loud but also very calming at night, like rain on the roof.
A trip on the Death Railway was included on our return.
If you decide to go I know you'll have a very relaxing time!
Let me know and I can send you some photos. [email protected]
My husband and I stayed at The River Kwai Jungle Rafts last December and loved it. It is run by River Kwae Floetel Co Ltd.
We booked an independent tour with Intrepid, River Kwai Elephant and Rafting Adventure. On our way we stopped in Kanchanaburi and visited the WW2 museum and allied war cemetery. The museum is run by a fascinating english guy who gave us a really enlightening talk about the second World War. Take time to walk around and see the names and ages of some of your countrymen who fell.
We paid extra and went on an optional long tail boat ride past the King's summer palace to the Bridge on the River Kwai. I thought this was worth the money (it wasn't much).
Went by bus and longtail boat to the River Kwai Rafts - these are fabulous if you really want to get away and relax!
See:www.junglerafts.com
A village of burmese refugees is established behind the rafts and they work at the hotel. We went for a picturesque elephant ride (these elephants are very well cared for)and instead of rafting down river opted for canoeing. We were escorted to the Hellfire Pass museum and rail cutting by Aye, from the Rafts. He is very knowledgable and a great source of information and local gossip. The Hellfire Pass Museum has wonderful views across the Kwai Noi valley and is an extremely moving place to experience.
Each night the young people from the village put on a performance of their traditional dances accompanied by traditional instruments.
We also experienced a very relaxing massage by the girls.
One thing that is obvious but surprising at the same time is the noise of the river - it's really loud but also very calming at night, like rain on the roof.
A trip on the Death Railway was included on our return.
If you decide to go I know you'll have a very relaxing time!
Let me know and I can send you some photos. [email protected]
Aug 26th, 2005, 12:05 AM
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By the way, if you stay at the Jungle Rafts, there is nothing else there. No other restaurants (no Felix), no other hotels and no nightlife ( other than the dance performance) just plenty of opportunity to relax and if you want talk to others doing the same.
There was no choice of food, but we thought it was great to have their typical dishes. Breakfast was an attempt at western style eggs and bacon and white bread but that was OK. I'm sure if special requirements are needed they would try to cater to these.
There was no choice of food, but we thought it was great to have their typical dishes. Breakfast was an attempt at western style eggs and bacon and white bread but that was OK. I'm sure if special requirements are needed they would try to cater to these.
Aug 26th, 2005, 12:58 AM
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The war cemetries there have to be one of the most 'sobering' experiences, as you say Rhonda when you actually read the names and ages ( most so young )something hits you solid right in the gut !! For Brist and people from ANZ of course it has special significance but also many Japanese go there too. I still think being just a couple of hours from bangkok it offers a great deal without having the expense of going far from Bangkok.
