Top Things to Do in Kratie for an Authentic Experience

In northeastern Cambodia, Kratie is a somewhat isolated and undiscovered destination for tourists. Nestled on the banks of the powerful Mekong River, peaceful Kratie is mostly recognized for serving as a haven for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. And for that reason alone, visitors swarm to this location in the hopes of seeing these amazing freshwater animals just once in their lifetime.

Kratie is an excellent place to stop and relax in the middle between the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and the northwest jungles of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri. After reading our guide on what to do in Kratie, Cambodia, you can be certain that this lesser-known region of the nation will gain a special place in your heart if you wish to delve further into the "genuine" Cambodia.

Continue scrolling down to discover the top things to do in Kratie and more.

Is Kratie Worth Visiting?

Kratie, a little province in the Kingdom of Wonder, is just as popular with tourists as other tourist destinations because of its endearing beauty. With its beautiful scenery and historic sites, it gives visitors a chance to get up close and approach nature as well as Cambodian life and culture.

Kratie is a small province in northeastern Cambodia that is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Before Chenla absorbed Funan in the 6th century, it was a component of the Kingdom of Funan. It is the location of numerous 8th-century temples, historic Khmer-style homes, and French colonial structures.

Kratie is a small province in northeastern Cambodia

Top Things To Do In Kratie Cambodia

Despite the significant changes occurring in Cambodia today, Kratie is managing to maintain a slower, friendlier pace. For travelers who choose to stay a few more days, they are given a true Mekong experience.

Of course, seeing Irrawaddy dolphins is a unique experience, but it is not only about them.  It’s also many things to do in Kratie.

Spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River

Make no mistake, while there are things to do in Kratie, spotting the Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River is a definite highlight. Since the Kratie dolphins are a breed of dolphin that is only found in Asian coastal regions, seeing this unusual animal in its native environment is truly exceptional, and is actively protected by local initiatives.

Visitors can take Kratie dolphin tours from the banks of Kampi hamlet, which is located about 1 km (0.6 mi) north of town. But be aware that they are difficult to notice because they spend most of their time immersed in the water and only come to the surface to breathe occasionally. If you are not lucky enough to locate one, there are numerous concrete animal statues throughout the town that serve as a reminder of the variety of wildlife that formerly inhabited these areas.

Spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River

Check out the Kampi Rapids

A picnic area called Kampi Rapids, named after the rapid currents that run through it, is located near where you can see dolphins. In the dry season, roughly January through May, the Mekong water levels drop and create stretches of fast-moving water in between the sandbanks. Wooden platforms over the water with hammocks and shade are rented out per hour.

This scenic location is perfect for spending a leisurely day swimming in the cool waves and lounging with local food and a cold drink. You are welcome to bring your own belongings, otherwise, there are several stalls and knick-knack shops on the premises that serve regional food and beverages.

Visit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre

Nestled in the heart of Kratie, the Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre is a conservation initiative dedicated to the preservation of the endangered freshwater Cantor's giant softshell turtle. It is housed within the 480-year-old historical wonder that is the 100 Pillar Pagoda in the northern town of Sambar. Run by a monk, the facility has over 40 indoor tanks where the rarest and largest freshwater turtle species are bred and raised over ten months before being released into the Mekong.

Additionally, MTCC provides vacation packages that include an early morning visit to Koh Trong Island's turtle nests and an overnight homestay.

Try famous bamboo sticky rice and some BBQ snails

Food is very important to Cambodians, and they would be delighted to share their regional specialties with you. Locals' favorite dishes are grilled snails, skewers, or spicy soup, followed by steamed sticky rice with fresh mango for dessert.

When it comes to mango sticky rice, Kratie is said to be home to some of the best sticky rice in Cambodia, so keep an eye out for those street vendors.

Embark on a Koh Trong Island Exploration

Koh Trong is a picturesque island located across from Kratie Town's riverbank. It truly appears to be a massive sandbar in the middle of the river, spanning six kilometers. The only method to get to Koh Trong is to take a five-minute wooden public ferry from downtown Kratie. When you arrive, head straight to the Community Based Tourism Center to arrange for homestay if you want to stay the night, as well as to rent bicycles or oxcarts.

Tourists will enjoy a nine-kilometer walk along a narrow concrete route that encircles the island, passing through a beautiful and pristine rural Cambodian landscape with palm trees, rice fields, market gardens, and charming wooden cottages built in the Khmer style.

Embark on a Koh Trong Island Exploration

Follow the Mekong Discovery Trail

You can explore Kratie, Cambodia in a way that supports conservation efforts and the neighborhood community, no matter how you choose to do so. Sustainable tourism projects make up the Mekong Discovery Trail, a collaborative effort between the UNWTO, SNV Netherlands Development Organization, and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism. This includes visiting villages and staying with locals, going on hikes and biking trials, stopping at local food vendors, horse-cart tours, and village visits. All of these activities help the locals make a living.

You can explore Kratie, Cambodia in a way that supports conservation efforts

Kratie Weather – Best Time To Visit

The coolest months are from November to March, the hottest months are from March to May, and the rainy season is from May to October in Kratie Province. During the peak of the rains, particularly from July to September, landslides and floods are common due to the intense weather Kratie during this period.

So, from October to January is the best time to visit Kratie. You can engage in a variety of activities during that time because the weather is cooler and less humid.

From October to January is the best time to visit Kratie

How To Get To Kratie

How to get from Phnom Penh to Kratie

You can travel the distance from Phnom Penh to Kratie by bus, minivan, or private car. By switching buses in Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham, you can avoid the capital on your way from Siem Reap to Kratie. Many travelers opt for a bus from Phnom Penh to Kratie for convenience and affordability.

The route from Phnom Penh to Kratie is served by four local bus companies: Heng Sokkhoeun Express, Virak Buntham, Thang Vang, and Sorya. The quickest minivan routes—Heng Sokkhoeun Express and Thang Vang—will take you to Kratie in 5–6 hours. Vans depart from Phnom Penh at 4.30 am (Thang Vang) and 7.30 pm (Heng Sokkhoeun Express).

Many visitors hire a driver and car for the weekend, allowing for a flexible and convenient trip. The driver can pick you up from your Phnom Penh lodging on the first day and transport you straight to your Kratie hotel. Explore Sambor and take in the sights the following day before returning to Phnom Penh.

How to get from Siem Reap to Kratie

From Siem Reap to Kratie, Asia Van Transfer offers a direct minivan service that takes around eight hours and costs roughly $24 USD (£19.25). On the route, there ought to be some rest stops and refreshment stops. Alternatively, you could leave Siem Reap on a bus or minivan and transfer to another at Stung Treng.

The alternative is to take a private taxi, but this will be more costly because it will be difficult for the driver to get paid for their trip and they will have to stay overnight because it is too far to return in a single day. If there are many of you to split the expense, it could be worthwhile to think about this.

How to get from Kampong Cham to Kratie

Traveling from Kampong Cham to Kratie is easily accessible by mini-van, which takes around 3 hours and costs approximately $5 USD (£4). When returning to your starting point, expect similar travel options in reverse. There's also a direct mini-van service back to Siem Reap, which takes about 7 hours and costs $11 USD (£8.25).

Conclusion

Mostly known as the home of the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin, the Cambodian town of Kratie, situated in the province of the same name, attracts a lot of tourists who come to float on the placid river waters in the hopes of spotting one.

Spotlighting aquatic life aside, there are more things to do in Kratie and around this tiny town due to its location halfway between Phnom Penh and the rugged hinterlands of the northwest rainforests of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.

Before you embark on your adventure, keep in mind that you will need a visa to enter Cambodia.  Fortunately, the process of obtaining an eVisa for Cambodia is simple and fast. With our website, you may finish the application procedure online in a matter of minutes. Getting your travel authorization with an eVisa is quick and easy, freeing up your time to plan your itinerary instead of worrying about paperwork.

So why wait? Start planning your journey to visit Kratie, Cambodia today! Experience the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments that await you in this beautiful country. Apply for your Cambodia eVisa now and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!