River Kwai Resotel

The Royal Thai Massage was so gentle and relaxing that we went two days in a row. We’ll definitely come back if we get the chance. The resort is peaceful and well cared for, with lots of greenery and exotic plants to explore just by walking around. Facilities are complete, and the friendly staff were proactive and flexible, making the stay a pleasure. I especially liked how the resort respects Mon culture by employing local people, supporting education and putting on Mon dance performances. It felt authentic and meaningful. Highly recommended.

The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and the place itself is beautiful. The big problem is how far it is from the village, restaurants and markets, so you’re dependent on what the hotel offers. Prices are about three times higher than normal. A massage costs European prices, lunch is 600 baht, and trips can only be arranged through their very expensive private taxi service. It’s shameful to see them take advantage of that. During our stay there were few tourists, and nobody was at the spa. The masseuses sat around all day waiting for “a victim.” We would have used more tours and services if prices were reasonable, but as they are, it feels like a trap. We used an DRIVE IN app to get a taxi from the hotel to “elephant haven.” The hotel quoted 2500 baht, while the taxi was happy to drive us around for 1000.

We liked it so much that we extended our stay. The whole team were friendly and service was plentiful, the grounds are beautifully kept, and the pools were clean with towels provided. Our room, number 510, was huge, with a roomy bathroom, lounge seating, hot water and strong pressure, plus a massive comfy bed. The food was exemplary, especially breakfast. For selection and quality, it was probably the best we’ve had in Thailand, where we’ve traveled together more than 18 times. The resort sits between jungle and mountain along the river and feels more like a 5* place.

The staff were warm, attentive and always ready to help, and the Thai dishes were delicious with a good range to choose from. Rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable, set naturally among the surroundings. The resort is right along the River Kwai, with lovely views and a peaceful feel. Lawa Cave is nearby and worth a visit. From the resort, follow the tree-lined path for about five minutes to the checkpoint, then enter the cave. A lovely choice for a quiet nature break.