Kratie travel guide: Mekong sunsets and river dolphins
Kratie is a peaceful Mekong town known for Irrawaddy dolphins, island cycling and spectacular river sunsets. Here's how to plan a relaxed stay.
In this guide
Kratie is a small, friendly town on the east bank of the Mekong. It's the best place in Cambodia to see the rare Irrawaddy river dolphin, and its riverside promenade has some of the finest sunsets in the country. Most travellers stay one or two nights on their way between Phnom Penh and the northeast.
Seeing the dolphins
The dolphins live in deep pools of the Mekong north of town. The usual viewing spot is Kampi, roughly 15 km away, where local boatmen take visitors out on the river. Boats approach slowly and switch off their engines near the dolphins. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times, and the water is calmer.
The Mekong's Irrawaddy dolphins are critically endangered, so choose operators who keep their distance and don't chase the animals.
Koh Trong island
Opposite the town, Koh Trong is a large sandy island reached by a short ferry. It has no cars, just quiet lanes, pomelo orchards, stilt houses and a floating village on one side. Rent a bicycle on the island or bring one across and cycle the loop in a couple of hours. Homestays on the island offer a night in village life.
Other sights
- Phnom Sambok: a hilltop pagoda with views over the river, on the way to Kampi.
- Sambor: a town further north with a large modern pagoda known as the 100-pillar pagoda, built on an older religious site.
- The riverside: in the evening, the promenade fills with food stalls, families and joggers.
Getting there
Buses and minivans connect Kratie with Phnom Penh and with Stung Treng to the north. The town is a common stop on the route to Laos, Ratanakiri or Mondulkiri.
How long to stay
One full day is enough for the dolphins and Koh Trong. Stay two if you want to cycle further along the river.
When to visit
Kratie can be visited all year. In the dry season, sandbanks appear in the river; in the wet season, the Mekong rises dramatically and the landscape turns green.
Tips
- Bring sun protection for the boat trip; there's little shade on the river.
- Cash is essential for boat trips and island homestays.
- Watch the sunset from the riverside or from a boat; the sun sets over the far bank.