If you’re craving a break from Cambodia’s bustling cities or tourist-packed temples, set your sights on Kratie — a peaceful riverside town known for its natural beauty, friendly locals, and one very rare creature: the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. Located along the banks of the Mekong River, Kratie is perfect for slow travel and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Why Visit Kratie?
Kratie (pronounced kra-cheh) is one of Cambodia’s hidden gems. It’s a place where river life sets the pace, where sunrises and sunsets are worth stopping for, and where cultural encounters happen naturally — often over a bowl of nom banh chok noodles.
1. Spot the Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins
This is the top reason most travelers come to Kratie. Just north of town, near Kampi Village, is one of the last places on Earth where you can see Irrawaddy dolphins in the wild. These freshwater dolphins are critically endangered, but a small population still thrives in this protected section of the Mekong.
How to see them: Hire a local boat for a peaceful 1-hour ride on the river. Early morning and late afternoon are best for sightings.
2. Sunset on the Mekong
Kratie’s riverfront is one of the best spots in Cambodia to enjoy a Mekong sunset. Grab a cold drink at a riverside café or take a stroll along the promenade as the sky lights up over the water — it’s pure magic.
3. Koh Trong Island
A short ferry ride from Kratie town, Koh Trong is a quiet island in the Mekong where time seems to slow down. Rent a bicycle and explore traditional stilt houses, fruit orchards, floating farms, and peaceful pagodas. You can even stay overnight in a homestay for a deeper local experience.
Homestays on Koh Trong offer a taste of rural Cambodian life — expect home-cooked meals, hammocks, and warm hospitality.
4. Wat Roka Kandal and Local Temples
History lovers will enjoy a visit to Wat Roka Kandal, a beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden temple. It’s one of the oldest of its kind in Cambodia and showcases local artistry and Buddhist architecture.
Also worth visiting: Wat Sras Keo and Wat Phnom Sambok, the latter offering panoramic views of the river after a scenic climb.
5. Eco-Tourism and Community Projects
Kratie is part of Cambodia’s growing network of community-based tourism (CBT). By joining local tours — such as forest hikes, farming visits, or cooking classes — you directly support village economies while learning more about local life and conservation efforts.
How to Get to Kratie
Traveling to Kratie is easy with Camboticket.com, where you can compare transport options, prices, and operators all in one place. Major travel routes include:
- Phnom Penh to Kratie – Approx. 5–6 hours
- Kampong Cham to Kratie – Around 3 hours
- Stung Treng to Kratie – About 4 hours, a scenic Mekong-side route
- Banlung (Ratanakiri) to Kratie – Around 5–6 hours
🚍 Book your ticket to Kratie on Camboticket.com now
Travel Tips for Kratie
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season, ideal for dolphin spotting and cycling)
- Getting Around: Tuk-tuks in town, or rent a bicycle for island exploration
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars widely accepted
- Where to Stay: Kratie town has a mix of guesthouses and boutique hotels. Koh Trong offers eco-lodges and homestays.
- Local Food: Try grilled Mekong fish, fresh tropical fruits, and Khmer noodle soup from riverside stalls
Why Kratie Should Be on Your Cambodia Itinerary
Kratie isn’t flashy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s the kind of place where you can watch dolphins at dawn, cycle through mango orchards, and fall asleep to the sound of crickets by the river. For travelers who want to slow down and experience authentic Cambodian life, Kratie delivers.
With Camboticket.com, you can book your journey with ease and confidence — whether you’re coming from Phnom Penh or heading north toward Laos.