How to get watching Irrawaddy dolphins in Mekong River on a Cambodia tour is traveler’s frequent question. The Mekong River, flowing gracefully through the heart of Cambodia, unveils a captivating spectacle - the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in the serene town of Kratie. Nestled along the riverbanks, Kratie, with its population of around 13,000 people, is a charming blend of French-era architectural marvels and modern structures. The eastern part of Kratie is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, adorned with long stretches of white sand islands. As you explore this quaint town, you'll soon discover the ecological treasure that lies in the stretch of river to its north—the habitat of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. A crucial initiative, the Cambodia Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project (CMDCP), emerged in 2007 as a collaborative effort between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Fisheries Management Organization, and the Cambodia Rural Development Team (CRDT). Their mission was to protect the remaining 66 to 86 Irrawaddy dolphins inhabiting the last 180 kilometers of the Mekong River before it flows into Vietnam. The alarmingly low number sparked concerns about the high risk of extinction for this species globally, as reported by Khmer Times. The Irrawaddy dolphins in Mekong River, characterized by their small size, shy demeanor, and distinct appearance, present a unique spectacle in the Mekong. With their dark gray color, pale underbelly, small round dorsal fin, and straight round head, these dolphins, also known as dugong in Vietnam, reach a length of 2.75 meters, weighing around 150 kilograms. Living in groups of six, Irrawaddy dolphins stand out as one of the rare species that thrive in both freshwater and seawater environments. Experiences on Watching Irrawaddy Dolphins in Mekong River Cambodia JP Klovstad, a seasoned 63-year-old Norwegian photographer who frequently explores Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, attests to the
How to get watching Irrawaddy dolphins in Mekong River on a Cambodia tour is traveler’s frequent question. The Mekong River, flowing gracefully through the heart of Cambodia, unveils a captivating spectacle – the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in the serene town of Kratie. Nestled along the riverbanks, Kratie, with its population of around 13,000 people, is a charming blend of French-era architectural marvels and modern structures.
The eastern part of Kratie is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, adorned with long stretches of white sand islands. As you explore this quaint town, you’ll soon discover the ecological treasure that lies in the stretch of river to its north—the habitat of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
