Kratie & Irrawaddy Dolphins★★
Kratie — The Dolphin Town on the Mekong
The sleepy provincial town of Kratie (pronounced: "Kra-tscheh") on the Mekong is the starting point for observing the last Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins in the Mekong. It is halfway between Phnom Penh and the northeast and is a pleasant stopover.
Irrawaddy Dolphins at Kampi
About 15 km north of Kratie, near the village of Kampi, lives one of the last populations of Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Mekong. An estimated about 90 animals exist in this river section — an endangered species.
The dolphins are smaller than marine dolphins (2–2.5 m), gray-blue, with a round head without a pronounced snout. They regularly surface to breathe — most often in the late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM).
Boat Tour
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kampi, 15 km north of Kratie (Tuk-Tuk 5–7 USD) |
| Price | 9 USD/person (boat + entrance, max. 2 people per boat) |
| Duration | About 1 hour on the water |
| Best Time | 3:00–5:00 PM (dolphins most active) |
Koh Trong — Mekong Island
Directly opposite Kratie lies the island of Koh Trong — a rural Mekong island accessible by ferry (a few cents). Perfect for a bike tour (rent a bike on the island, 1–2 USD): 9 km loop through fruit plantations, rice fields, and sleepy villages. Homestay option: 8–12 USD with dinner.
Other Highlights in Kratie
- Phnom Sambok: Pagoda on a hill, 11 km north. 303 steps up, panoramic view of the Mekong at the top. Free.
- Mekong Sunset: The riverside promenade in Kratie offers one of Cambodia's most beautiful sunsets — the vast Mekong glows orange.
- Colonial Architecture: Kratie has some beautiful French colonial buildings along the riverbank. Perfect for an evening stroll.
Practical Information
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival from Phnom Penh | Bus 6h (7–10 USD) |
| Onward to Sen Monorom | Bus 5h (8 USD, partly unpaved) |
| Onward to Ban Lung | Bus 5–6h (8–10 USD) |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse from 6–12 USD |
💡 Tipp
Kratie is the perfect stopover on the way to the northeast. Plan for 1 night: afternoon dolphin watching at Kampi, sunset on the Mekong, morning bike tour on Koh Trong. The dolphins are best seen at low water levels (dry season, Dec–Apr) — then they concentrate in the deeper pools.
