Kratie is situated on the banks of the Mekong river, 240km north of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Kampong Cham, the closest ‘big’ city, lies 130km downstream, while Stung Treng, the entry point to Ratanakiri, is situated 140km farther north.
Kratie is a great place to visit on a journey between Phnom Penh and Mondulkiri/Ratanakiri or Don Det and the 4,000 Islands in Laos due to its convenient location.
Explore Kratie, Cambodia and experience the beauty of its nature. Hire a boat and search for the majestic Irrawaddy dolphins while cycling on Koh Trong island, admiring the local pagodas, and ending the day with a few drinks to witness one of the most picturesque sunsets of the Mekong region. That’s the essence of travelling in rural Cambodia!
This Kratie guide explores Krong Kratie (Kratie city), Koh Trong island, Chhlong and Kampi in Kratie Province, in addition to Sambor District to the north.
How to get to Kratie Cambodia
When contemplating a trip to Kratie from Phnom Penh, travel time is a major consideration. Taking a taxi, the journey will last for at least four hours and could be longer if opting for a bus. This lengthy period could be restrictive for those with limited time in Cambodia, especially if they are not considering travelling north afterwards.
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Kratie can be done by bus, minivan, or private car. If you are leaving from Siem Reap and want to go to Kratie, it’s possible to avoid the capital by taking a bus to Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham and then transferring. For those coming from other places, it’s advised to go through Phnom Penh.
Travelling between Phnom Penh and Kratie can be challenging due to the road conditions, so we suggest taking a private car as the preferred method of transportation on this Cambodia Tour.
What to see and do in Kratie Cambodia
Kratie is an ideal destination for nature lovers, eco-tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts. Situated in rural Cambodia, the small, peaceful town features a few hotels and restaurants overlooking the Mekong. Additionally, Kratie offers attractions for those interested in temples, markets, and small towns; consider pairing it with a trip to Kampong Cham, which I personally think is the best place in Cambodia.
Explore Kratie town by car or tuk tuk to discover the top attractions. From sightseeing to soaking up local culture and enjoying local cuisine, there are plenty of activities to experience in and around Kratie. Having your own car and driver, or renting a tuk tuk, is ideal to get around the town and surrounding area since everything is spread out.
Witness the Kratie Dolphins along the boat trip
Organizing your trip to Kratie for the purpose of spotting the Irrawaddy dolphins is a must. Make sure to arrange transportation and accommodation so that you can be there in the early afternoon, when the likelihood of seeing the dolphins is higher.It is easy to get to the dolphins, which are located about 15 km north of the town. The ticket booth at Kampi offers a flat price for the boat ride, and during the voyage you can count on the guides to be on the lookout for the pods of dolphins.
Fewer than a few hundred freshwater dolphins remain in the wild, with the waters around Kratie having the largest population. They can also be found in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River. Under Pol Pot’s rule, their numbers were drastically reduced as they were slaughtered for oil. Currently, fishing nets and pollution present the biggest danger to the dolphins.
The Mekong boasts an estimated 110 dolphins, although they remain elusive and largely unstudied. This is a vast improvement from the 80 dolphins counted in 2015, and reports of newborn sightings are regularly shared – a highly encouraging sign.
Discover Koh Trong Island
Visit Koh Trong, a giant sandbar eco-tourism island, for the day! From the Jasmine Boat Restaurant pier in downtown Kratie, catch the 0.25 USD ferry for a 5-minute ride to the island. Hire a bicycle from one of the vendors near the dock for 2 USD and ride around the 14km of the island, viewing pagodas, a Vietnamese floating village, rice paddies, and other rural Cambodian scenery. Stop at one of the homestays or resorts for a bite to eat. Don’t forget the last ferry leaves the island at 6pm, or you can charter a skipper back for 15 USD.
Take a visit Krong Kracheh Pagoda
Positioned just steps away from the waterfront, Krong Kracheh Pagoda is centrally located and hard to miss due to its golden and pinkish glimmering. When the doors are open and no ceremony is taking place, visitors are encouraged to explore the pagoda, respectfully remembering to cover their shoulders and take off their shoes.
Wat Sor Sor Muoy Roy – 100 Columns Pagoda
The remarkable 100 Pillar Pagoda (also known as 100 Columns Pagoda) is one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia, painted pristine white and decorated with Buddhist flags. It is also one of the largest, with 116 columns, originally built as a royal palace in the 8th century. An intricately woven legend states that the first temple was built to house the remains of the king’s daughter, who had fallen victim to a crocodile in the nearby river.
Visitors to the Pagoda are treated to vibrant frescoes showcasing Buddhist mythologies, painted from floor to ceiling. It is in use and frequented by local worshippers, so please be respectful during your visit (cover your shoulders, take off your shoes, and leave a small donation).
The Mekong Turtle Conservation Center
Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle, an emblem of Kratie, inhabits northern parts of the Mekong. The Mekong Turtle Conservation Center (MTCC) at the 100 Pillar Pagoda works to protect this endangered species and inform locals about preserving their habitat. Here, young turtles of various ages are raised, and some bigger turtles rescued. These more substantial creatures are often hard to spot, as they often bury themselves in mud and sand as a self-defence mechanism.
Entrance to the centre costs 2-4 USD, with the proceeds going to the NGO. MTCC also provides a tour package, including a homestay and an early morning trip to the turtle nests on Koh Trong.
Kratie Central Market
At Kratie’s Central Market, shoppers can find a plentiful supply of freshly caught seafood, as well as vibrant baskets of fruit and vegetables. I believe this is the only place in Cambodia where betel leaf is on sale! To get the best experience, it’s best to go in the morning when the market is bustling. For photographers, it’s a paradise!
Phnom Sambok Temple
Situated approximately 10km north of Kratie town, Phnom Sambok is perched atop a hillock. To reach the main temple, visitors must ascend 300 steps, with a line of monk statues standing in a single-file formation, creating a guard of honour along the way. Those who make the climb are rewarded with a beautiful view from the top.
Phnom Sombok is a great spot to stop and take a break after visiting 100 Pillar Pagoda. If you feel up to it, challenge yourself to the climb up the stairs – or simply admire the forest statues from the bottom.
Wat Roka Kandal Temple
The Wat Roka Kandal Temple, located 3km south of Kratie town, has been recently restored with exquisite stencilled interior pillars and a magnificent timber roof. This temple, which is simple in design and less grand than the 100 Pillar Pagoda, is one of the oldest in Cambodia. Inside, visitors can find a traditional arts exhibition and a chance to purchase a souvenir.
Cambodia Tour 2 Week to Kratie
Kratie is a hidden gem in Cambodia, offering stunning views of the Mekong River, fascinating wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. From the bustling markets of the city to the peaceful villages and serenity of the countryside, Kratie offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure, Kratie has it all. So come explore the beauty of Kratie Cambodia and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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