Those behind The Xcape River Kwai - the newest luxury resort Kanchanaburi has to offer - see it as the accommodation equivalent of a rebel with a cause. That cause being to redefine luxury on the banks of the Kwai Noi River, and to do so with cutting-edge architecture, bold design and an invigorating vibe that blends historic charm with modern swagger.
The result of a unique design collaboration between Mr. Thienchai Techawatanasuk and Agaligo Studio design house, The Xcape River Kwai enjoys a picturesque setting alongside the famous waterway where its guests can experience the area’s rich history and natural beauty together with luxurious comfort and exceptional service.
“Kanchanaburi is a region steeped in history, from the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai to the poignant stories of the Death Railway. It's also blessed with incredible natural landscapes, boasting stunning caves near Sai Yok, breathtaking waterfalls within Erawan National Park, and the majestic River Kwai itself. Our vision was to create a space that honoured this powerful duality - the historical significance and the vibrant natural beauty - and offered our guests a truly immersive and enriching experience”, said Thienchai.
With his new property - which at the same time introduces the chic new Xcape resort brand - Thienchai aims to breathe new life into the deep historical roots of the River Kwai through modern, luxury design.
The Xcape River Kwai is in fact a rebranding of the former Cross River Kwai, a reimagining into a premier choice of stay for luxury travellers seeking a scintillating mix of avant-garde design and fascinating heritage. A place where history and modernity come together in a wonderful way.
History And Heritage All Within Reach
For those wanting to explore the Second World War history and Neolithic culture of the Ban Kao area, The Xcape River Kwai’s concierge can assist with transportation and tour bookings. The resort is located a 15-20 minute drive (around 15 km) from downtown Kanchanaburi where there are local markets and cultural offerings to explore. Most of the Second World War sites are also within 20 minutes’ drive of the resort. This includes the Bridge over the River Kwai and other locations along the infamous Death Railway, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery for Allied POWs, and JEATH War Museum.
The Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail is a 90-minute drive away (80 km), and is dedicated to the Allied POWs and Asian labourers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and around the Asia Pacific region during the war.
Erawan National Park - famed for its seven-tiered waterfalls and lush jungle landscapes - is around an hour’s drive (60 km) from the resort. So too is Sai Yok National Park, known for its own beautiful waterfalls and caves. A 40-minute drive away (30 km) is Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park, which protects the remains of two Khmer temples dating to the 13th and 14th centuries.
Aspects of the region’s history and industry have been thoughtfully woven into the narrative design of The Xcape River Kwai. This can be seen from first arrival at the resort, into a lobby resplendent with a charming old train station aesthetic where even the seating takes cues from original train benches. It is also from here the stunning first impression of the River Kwai is revealed, along with the resort’s tranquil setting.
The use of local stone throughout the resort is another notable feature - smooth, brown pebbles sourced from the River Kwai’s riverbed, and larger, more rugged gray rocks from a nearby quarry which resemble the type of stone used in constructing the Death Railway.
Riverfront Bliss In Rooms, Villas And Floating Cabins
The 32 stylish rooms, villas and floating cabins at The Xcape River Kwai offer guests a taste of riverfront bliss, whether it’s a couple on a romantic getaway, a family on a fun-filled holiday, or a solo traveller seeking some serious ‘me-time’.
They each boast their own private balcony, and they come in a choice of categories - Luxe Cabin, Poolxide Cabin, X-Float Cabin, Luxe Cabin Suite, X-Float Luxe Cabin, Poolxide Cabin Suite, One Bedroom Fallingwater Pool Villa and Two Bedroom Fallingwater Pool Villa. They are well appointed with a satellite TV, Bluetooth speaker, complimentary mini bar, coffee maker, safe deposit box, high speed WiFi, hairdryer, sofa bed, dressing desk, and a bathtub and rain shower in the bathroom.
Their size is another attribute. The smallest - the Poolxide Cabin - is an anything-but-small 62 sqm, while the largest - the Poolxide Cabin Suite - is an impressive 104 sqm.
The Poolxide Cabins - floating gently on the river - have a unique feel to them, their design having been inspired by the stunning cave systems Kanchanaburi is renowned for. The room walls are set inward rather than flush with the exterior, to create a deeper and more enclosed intimate space that evokes the feeling of being nestled in a cave.
The X-Float Cabins, meanwhile, pay honour to the traditional floating houses that have been an integral part of Kanchanaburi’s riverside landscape for many decades. And like a number of the room categories, these boast a private rooftop deck with panoramic views.
The Fallingwater Pool Villas offer yet another distinctive experience, with their ‘brutalist’ architecture. Characterized by its raw and exposed concrete, this architectural style creates a primal and deeply connected ambiance and the immersive feeling of being in a natural cave. This is further enhanced with the underground bedroom that playfully explores the concept of cave living. The villa’s stunning cave-like private plunge pool with cascading waterfall, meanwhile, mimics the picturesque waterfalls found throughout the Kanchanaburi region.
Both the One Bedroom Fallingwater Pool Villa and Two Bedroom Fallingwater Pool Villa face the River Kwai, making for wonderful views.
Fusion Dining, A Bubbly Breakfast And River Views
Scintillating flavours and stunning river views come together at The Bridge Bar & Bistro, where the industrial chic aesthetic evokes the atmosphere of a vintage machine workshop and the irregular exterior glasswork is inspired by the facets of cut precious stones - a nod to the area’s past of sapphire stone mining.
Its menu a bold mix of Thai classics and global favourites, the restaurant provides all-day fusion dining and a Round-the-Clock Bubbly Breakfast that comes with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Available only for villa guests is a floating breakfast option that’s served in the privacy of their own pool. There’s also an afternoon tea service - available to all guests - that offers the chance to enjoy an extra little touch of sophistication and charm in this picturesque riverside setting.
Wellness And The Xcape Lifestyle
There’s more fusion in play at MINE Wellness, the resort’s go-to sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. In this case it’s the blending of traditional Thai healing vibes with modern wellness wizardry, creating an enticing range of treatments that promise to restore balance and harmony to the body and mind. Oil, Thai Yoga, deep tissue and other massages are all found on the menu, along with facial, mask, scrub and other treatments.
The Xcape Lifestyle is the guests’ gateway to adventure during their stay in Kanchanaburi. A curated collection of memorable experiences is on offer, each designed to provide a taste of the area’s natural beauty and cultural richness. This includes kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Kwai, bicycling through the local countryside, and for those in the mood for a touch more excitement - jet skiing.
There is also the resort’s games room, where good old-fashioned fun can be had with the likes of foosball, retro arcade machines and classic board games. The swimming pool, meanwhile, beckons for those wanting a refreshing dip, or to rack up some laps.
The Xcape River Kwai’s serene setting within the peaceful countryside of Kanchanaburi, together with its versatile indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and dedicated event staff, make the resort a wonderful choice for holding a conference, seminar, workshop, teambuilding retreat or corporate think-tank.
The event spaces can accommodate gatherings of various size, from intimate workshops and board meetings to grand celebrations for up to 300 people. Company meetings can be combined with team-building activities, river adventures and wellness sessions, and gala dinners can be held under the stars. Romantic weddings, memorable anniversary parties and cherished family reunions, too, become extra special when held here.
Discover for yourself the new definition of luxury on the River Kwai, at The Xcape River Kwai. Book directly through the resort’s website www.xcapehotels.com for a best rate guarantee, or call +66 34-552124.
